The Worst Charging Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Device’s Battery Life

September 1, 2025 by Lisa Cupido

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A smartphone is one of your most-used devices, so keeping its battery healthy should be a top priority. While it might seem like charging your phone is a simple task (just plug it in and go, right?) how and when you charge it can actually make a big difference in how long your battery lasts over time. With a few smart habits, you can help preserve your battery’s life and avoid the frustration of a phone that won’t hold a charge when you really need it.

It doesn’t take much to make a positive impact on your phone’s battery. By avoiding a few common charging mistakes, you can keep your phone running smoothly and extend its battery lifespan. Here are four battery-charging habits to skip if you want to keep your smartphone working its best for the long haul.

1. Charging to 100 Percent

While it may seem like fully charging your phone is a good thing, regularly taking your battery all the way to 100 percent can actually cause it to age faster. Lithium-ion batteries work best when they stay between about 20 and 80 percent. Constantly topping off to full charge puts more stress on the battery over time, reducing its overall lifespan.

2. Letting Battery Drop to Zero Percent

Letting your phone die completely before charging it might feel like you're giving it a clean slate, but it’s not doing your battery any favors. Deep discharges put unnecessary strain on the battery and can lead to faster wear. It’s healthier to plug in your phone when it dips to around 20 percent, rather than waiting for it to shut off completely.

3. Using Cheap Off-Brand Chargers

Using low-quality or off-brand chargers might save you money upfront, but they can cost you in the long run. These chargers may not regulate power properly, which can lead to overheating or inconsistent charging that damages your battery. To stay safe and protect your phone, always stick with reputable or manufacturer-approved chargers.

4. Charging Your Phone in a Hot Place

Heat is one of the biggest enemies of battery health. Charging your phone in hot environments, like on a car dashboard in the sun or next to a heater, can cause the battery to overheat, which degrades its performance over time. Try to charge your phone in cool, well-ventilated areas to keep your battery safe and healthy.

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