This article has been updated since it originally published on February 1, 2023.
You may feel like you’re doing everything right with your iPhone, including keeping it out of extreme temperatures and updating your software the minute a new iOS becomes available. But if you aren’t charging your device correctly, it could negatively affect your battery down the road. There are a few common charging mistakes that many people make, usually because they far more convenient and less time-consuming. Change these bad tech habits ASAP to keep your battery running as efficiently as possible.
Charging your iPhone while it’s plugged into an outlet
One of the most common mistakes people make when charging their iPhone is to power it up while it’s plugged into a power outlet instead of using the chargers that came with the device, according to Ivan Lovre Marusic, CEO and owner of Game Taco.
“Studies have shown that charging an iPhone while it’s connected to a power outlet is actually bad for the battery because it causes the battery to overheat,” Lovre Marusic said. “This can cause chemical reactions inside the battery that can lead to its breakdown and eventual failure.”
If you’re worried about your battery’s health, Lovre Marusic recommends using the charger that came with your iPhone and avoiding charging it while it’s plugged in to a power outlet. “It may not be as convenient, but it will likely save you from having to replace your battery in the future,” he said.
Keeping your phone charged all the time
It might seem like a good idea to make your phone’s charger its default hang-out spot when you’re not using it, but constant charging can be bad for your battery. “Keeping your iPhone charged all the time is likely the most crucial charging error to avoid,” said Tina Grant, quality assessor at Aerospheres. “You risk damaging your iPhone if you charge it excessively before the battery is completely depleted. It’s just whereas an overcharged pack might have a negative impact on its lifespan.”
Leaving the phone with a low charge
On the flip side, you don’t want to ignore the fact that your phone’s battery charge is super low, either. “Users often don't give much thought to the battery capacity of their devices and only charge them when they plan to use them,” Grant said. “Apple, though, advises that these gadgets should have at least 50% of a battery charge when not in use. Otherwise, the iPhone will go into a "deep discharge" condition and lose some of its ability to maintain a full charge.”
Having your iPhone charged till 100%
Hold that thought. While charging your phone to ensure its battery hasn’t dipped below 50% is a wise move, allowing it to skyrocket to 100% is also not advisable. “Keeping your iPhone filled between 30% and 80% will improve the system and perhaps even lengthen the capacitor’s lifetime,” Grant said. “Trying to charge your iPhone in all way up 100% might not be the most practical option one can do. The recommendation is to always attempt to start charging your gadget before the battery reaches 15% and to disconnect it once it reaches 90% or 95%. The battery can occasionally go lower or higher than that, but it's better to try to keep it there as much as you can.”
Following these simple tips can help ensure your phone's battery stays as healthy and efficient for as long as possible.
