We rely on our iPhones for everything from texting and taking photos to managing our calendars and streaming our favorite shows. Keeping our phones charged and ready to go is important for these reasons. But what many iPhone users don’t realize is that how you charge your iPhone matters just as much as how often. Apple’s lithium-ion batteries are designed to last a long time, but certain everyday charging habits can wear them down over time, which shortens your phone’s battery life and performance.
If you’re making the same charging mistakes day after day, you could be unknowingly damaging your battery, which may lead to more frequent charging, slower performance, or even the need for a pricey battery replacement sooner than expected. A few small changes can make a big difference. Here are four common iPhone charging mistakes to avoid if you want to protect your battery and get the most out of your device.
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1. Charging in Heat
Charging your iPhone in hot conditions—like leaving it plugged in on the dashboard or under your pillow—can do serious damage to the battery. Heat (and extreme temps in general) is one of the biggest enemies of lithium-ion batteries, and when your phone gets too warm while charging, it can speed up battery aging and reduce overall capacity. It’s best to charge your phone in a cool, shaded spot and avoid using it heavily while it's plugged in to avoid adding even more extra heat to the device.
2. Using Cheap Cables
It might be tempting to grab a super cheap charging cable online or at the gas station, but off-brand cables can cause more harm than good. They often lack proper voltage regulation or safety features, which can lead to overheating, slow charging, or even damage your phone’s internal components. For the sake of your battery, stick with Apple-certified or cables made for iPhone.
3. Charging to 100 Percent
While it feels assuring to see your battery at 100 percent, doing this regularly can actually put extra stress on your iPhone’s battery. Lithium-ion batteries don’t benefit from fully topped off all the time, especially if you leave them plugged in long after reaching full charge. It’s healthier to aim for keeping your battery between 20 and 80 percent whenever possible.
4. Letting Battery Drop to 0 Percent
Letting your iPhone completely die on a regular basis might seem harmless, but it can strain the battery more than you think. Running your phone all the way down to 0 percent forces the battery to work harder to recharge, and doing this too often can reduce its overall lifespan.
