We rely on our devices every day, yet battery health remains one of the most misunderstood topics. Many persistent myths about charging habits can actually harm your battery in the long run.

Let’s clear up the confusion and set the record straight with science-backed insights.

Common Battery Myths Debunked

Myth 1: You Should Always Drain Your Battery Before Recharging

The Truth: This was true for older nickel-cadmium batteries but doesn’t apply to modern lithium-ion batteries. In fact, draining a lithium-ion battery completely can degrade it faster.

Best Practice: Keep your battery charge between 20% and 80% for optimal lifespan. Avoid letting it drop to 0% frequently.

Myth 2: Leaving Your Device Plugged In Overcharges the Battery

The Truth: Modern devices have built-in safeguards that stop charging once they reach 100%. However, keeping your battery at 100% for prolonged periods can contribute to chemical aging.

Best Practice: While it’s safe to leave your phone plugged in overnight, consider unplugging it once fully charged to minimize heat buildup and battery stress over time.

Myth 3: You Shouldn’t Use Your Device While It’s Charging

The Truth: Using your phone while charging is generally safe, but resource-intensive activities like gaming or video editing can cause overheating, which may affect battery longevity.

Best Practice: Light activities like texting and browsing are fine while charging, but if your device gets hot, unplug it and let it charge undisturbed.

Myth 4: Closing Apps Saves Battery Life

The Truth: Constantly closing and reopening apps can drain more battery than leaving them running in the background. Modern smartphones manage app resources efficiently.

Best Practice: Only close apps if they are misbehaving or consuming excessive power.

Myth 5: Storing Batteries in the Freezer Extends Their Lifespan

The Truth: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can damage batteries. Freezing them can cause internal damage rather than prolong their life.

Best Practice: Store your battery-powered devices in a cool, dry place at room temperature.

5 Common Battery Myths Debunked How to Keep Your Phone Battery Healthy

Additional Tips for Better Battery Health

1. Avoid Frequent Full Charges

Experts suggest that consistently charging to 100% can accelerate battery degradation. Instead, aim to charge up to 85-90% when possible.

2. Keep Your Phone at Room Temperature

Extreme heat and cold can damage battery performance. If you receive a “too hot to charge” warning, let your device cool down before plugging it in.

3. Be Cautious with Fast Charging

Fast chargers generate more heat, which can degrade the battery over time. Slow charging is preferable for long-term battery health.

4. Monitor Your Battery Health

Most smartphones have built-in battery health monitoring in the settings. If your battery health drops below 80%, consider replacing it to maintain performance.

By following these simple yet effective practices, you can extend your battery’s lifespan and ensure your device runs smoothly for years to come. Ditch the myths and embrace the best habits for battery care!

# Written by Elliyas Ahmed