11 Phone Battery Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Is it bad to leave your phone plugged in overnight? Do you have to wait until your battery dies to charge your phone? Tech experts reveal the truth.

Phone battery myths

Numerous misconceptions circulate regarding the proper care of phone batteries. Consulting with tech experts, we aim to unveil the truths that can contribute to maintaining your phone battery’s optimal health. Discover how to identify and manage apps that might be draining your phone battery excessively.

Myth 1: I shouldn’t keep my phone plugged in overnight

Fact: Smart technology intervenes to prevent overcharging by ceasing the charging process once your phone battery reaches full capacity. According to Sergio Flores, an electronics engineer at Samsung, if the battery level drops to a specific threshold while still connected to the charger, the phone initiates charging again. This ensures that even during overnight charging, the phone battery is only replenished when required. Explore some unexpected Android hacks that may be unfamiliar to you.

Myth 2: Might as well always leave my phone on efficiency mode

Fact: Activating low-power mode on your phone after it’s fully charged won’t harm the software, but it could result in a diminished user experience. According to Brad Nichols, a technician at Staymobile, phones are designed for a vibrant and feature-rich experience, and efficiency mode trims down redundant elements. The screen may become harder to see due to lower brightness, sound might be less pronounced, and app notifications may be delayed, checking for updates every ten minutes. Nichols suggests an alternative method to charge your phone for prolonged battery life.

Myth 3: My phone is totally safe in a public charging port

Fact: Using public charging ports poses a potential risk to your information. Unlike standard electrical outlets for chargers, the cables found in public spaces such as restaurants and airports can provide an easy avenue for data transfer. According to Eva Velasquez, CEO and president of Identity Theft Resource Center, these ports are not solely power sources, and plugging into them is not akin to connecting a lamp to a wall. Hackers could exploit this vulnerability to access various data on your phone, including emails, texts, and photos. To mitigate this risk, Velasquez recommends opting for a portable charger when charging your phone battery in public. Discover how frequently you should restart your phone for optimal performance.

Myth 4: I need to charge my new phone fully before I use it

Fact: Skipping the first charge won’t have a long-term impact on your phone’s battery life. Some manufacturers advise charging the device initially to ensure a positive first impression. Before reaching the end-user, new phones undergo testing and manufacturing processes that may deplete up to half of the battery. According to Brad Nichols, a technician at Staymobile, manufacturers aim to provide users with the expected device quality. Thus, initial charging recommendations are often made to enhance the user experience. Be mindful of actions that may inadvertently reduce your phone’s lifespan.

Myth 5: Waiting for my phone to completely die before charging is best.
Fact: Charging the lithium-ion battery before it reaches zero is recommended. According to Sergio Flores, the lithium-ion batteries in phones can “forget” their full capacity level, leading to a diminished overall capacity if consistently allowed to reach zero. While major brands have largely addressed this issue, older models may still be susceptible. Trying lesser-known iPhone hacks can enhance your device’s functionality.

Myth 6: One app can’t consume a significant amount of energy.
Fact: A single app could be draining a substantial portion of your phone’s battery, with the Facebook app being a common offender. According to Brad Nichols, some apps, including Facebook, operate in the background, consistently checking for messages, status updates, and refreshing feeds even when not in use. Some Android users have reported improved performance and battery life by deleting the Facebook app. To reduce the need for frequent charging, Nichols suggests accessing Facebook through a web browser on your phone instead. Be aware of other hidden factors that may impact your smartphone battery life.

Myth 7: Shutting down my phone is entirely useless.
Fact: Powering down your phone can help conserve battery life. Many users do not fully close apps after using them, allowing them to run in the background. While each individual app may not significantly drain the battery, the cumulative effect of multiple running apps can reduce overall battery life. To address this, Brad Nichols recommends turning off your phone at least once a week to close these background processes. Restarting the phone takes a short time and can make a noticeable difference, as it stops the device from processing unnecessary tasks. While shutting down overnight may not be practical, consider turning off your phone before a prolonged meeting or when attending a movie. Learn why charging your phone in the car might not be the best practice.

Myth 8: I shouldn’t use my phone while it’s plugged in.
Fact: You can use your phone freely, including opening apps or taking calls, while it’s charging. According to Sergio Flores, the power source during charging may differ from the battery, but the circuitry’s performance remains consistent. Brad Nichols adds a caveat that open apps consume power during charging, potentially prolonging the charging time. Therefore, if a quick full charge is desired, minimizing interaction with the phone during charging may be beneficial. Explore clever strategies to reduce cell phone data usage.

Myth 9: I should save money with an off-brand charger.
Fact: Knockoff chargers could harm your phone’s battery. According to Brad Nichols, cheaper chargers may lack the necessary standards to consistently provide the correct voltage to your phone. The voltage fluctuations from these chargers can potentially damage the charger port and harm the battery. While using an off-brand cord in a pinch may not be as detrimental as a knockoff wall or car adapter, Nichols recommends sticking with manufacturer-certified products for the best results. Learn about smartphone repairs that you should avoid paying someone else to fix.

Myth 10: There’s no point in hitting “eject.”
Fact: Removing your phone from your computer without properly ejecting it could potentially damage your files. Brad Nichols explains that if you interrupt the connection while transferring pictures or data, unplugging too soon might result in corrupted files or incomplete phone backups. However, if your phone is plugged into a wall charger, you can disconnect it at any time without the same risk. Avoid falling for other tech myths and find out why there are no B batteries.

Myth 11: Having Wi-Fi searching is killing my battery.
Fact: While searching for Wi-Fi does consume energy, it’s generally not significant enough to impact your battery noticeably. When your phone is configured to search for Wi-Fi, it looks for signals from access points and sends out signals to announce its presence. However, according to Brad Nichols, these tasks are low-energy and don’t have a substantial impact on battery life. There’s generally no need to turn off Wi-Fi every time you leave the house to preserve battery power.