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The One Phone-Charging Habit Experts Say Is Actually Killing Battery Performance

December 27, 2025 by Abigail Connolly
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Although charging your smartphone might seem like a very simple and straightforward process, there’s a lot you can do to improve it.

Everyone has some kind of smartphone charging habit, which typically involves the time of day they charge it, what they use to charge it, etc. As it turns out, how you charge your device can actually make a big difference in not only how long your battery lasts but also how long your device lasts. We spoke with tech experts about one of the most common charging habits that can kill your phone’s battery performance. Read more about it below.

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A Common Charging Habit That's Hurting Your Smartphone's Battery

Many people try to use their iPhone or Android all day for as long as possible without charging it at any point. This is especially true for people who often have to work on their feet or make calls from their cell multiple times a day.

 

However, when this is the case, phone users tend to let their device die all the way down, typically going to lower than 20% battery or even allowing it to shut down. As it turns out, this is a common charging habit that can end up wreaking havoc on your device's battery life.

 

"Allowing the phone to drop all the way to 0% puts stress on the internal battery," explains Steven Athwal, tech expert and owner of The Big Phone Store. "Basically, going from one extreme end to the other wears the battery."

 

"The reason your phone warns you when you get to 20% battery is because that's when you should be putting it on charge; the same goes for your phone coming off of battery saver mode when you hit 80%," he adds.

 

In addition to letting your phone drop down to 20% or lower battery, it's advised not to let it go above 80% too often, as leaving your phone plugged in at a higher battery life can cause it to overheat. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep a delicate balance between 20%-80%.

 

"Keep your battery between 20-80% and turn on an optimised battery charging feature that delays charge to 100% until it's needed," instructs Athwal.

Author:

Editorial Assistant

Abigail is a journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. As an Editorial Assistant for SheFinds, she covers topics ranging from celebrity news and fashion to wellness. She has written for other publications, including Chip Chick, Bandsintown, BroadwayWorld, and more. When she isn't writing, Abigail loves spending time in the city with her friends, being a 'dog mom' to her Chihuahua, and singing along to some of her favorite music.

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