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4 Android Charging Mistakes To Stop Making ASAP: Charging At Night, More

July 25, 2025 by Lisa Cupido

 
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Your Android phone is something you probably use all day—whether it’s for messaging, scrolling, working, or snapping photos—so keeping its battery healthy is key. How you charge your phone can have a big impact on how long that battery lasts. Over time, poor charging habits can lead to faster battery wear, shorter battery life, and more frustration when your phone can’t hold a charge like it used to. And once a battery starts to degrade, it’s not always easy (or cheap) to fix.

But a few simple changes can help extend your battery’s lifespan and keep your phone running smoothly. Here are four common charging habits you should avoid if you want to get the most out of your Android’s battery. Making these small adjustments now can help your phone stay reliable and powered up for the long haul.

1. Charging at Night


Leaving your phone plugged in overnight might seem convenient, but it can actually put unnecessary stress on your battery. Once your phone hits 100%, it keeps trickle-charging to stay at full capacity, which generates heat and gradually wears down the battery’s long-term health. Doing this every night over time can cause the battery to age faster, which can lead to reduced performance and shorter battery life.

2. Using Cheap Chargers


Using off-brand or ultra-cheap chargers might save money upfront, but they often lack proper voltage control and safety features. These chargers can deliver inconsistent or excessive power, which may damage your phone’s battery or even pose a fire risk. Always stick to reputable brands or the charger that came with your device.

3. Using Your Phone While Charging It


Using your phone while it’s charging—especially for things like gaming or video streaming—causes it to heat up more than usual. That added heat can put extra strain on the battery and lead to faster degradation over time. It also slows down the charging process and can increase wear on your phone's internal components.

4. Charging to 100 Percent


While it might feel satisfying to see your phone hit 100 percent, regularly charging it to full capacity can shorten the battery’s overall lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries, which most Androids use, actually perform best when kept between 20 and 80 percent. Constantly pushing them to full charge can cause the battery to age faster, reducing how long it can hold a charge over the months and years.

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