Here's how to properly charge your phone’s battery

-

 


Bad charging habits can shorten or disrupt your smartphone battery life.

We spend so much money on tech that it's incredibly frustrating when our devices break. A little prevention can go a long way. Here are six checkups to give your tech now to avoid a shocking repair bill later.

Regular maintenance is key to longevity. Tap or click for my simple action plan to get more years out of your iPhone or Android.

Then there are the mistakes you make day in and day out. Bad charging habits can shorten or disrupt your smartphone battery life if you aren’t careful.

Don’t rely on knock-off chargers

High-quality chargers have circuits inside of them that switch off when there’s too much power draw. This protects your phone battery from overcharging, breaking, or overheating your phone.

Heat is your battery’s biggest enemy. Some cheap chargers and cables have even led to fire and injuries. Saving money is great, but don’t skimp on quality here.

Here’s a list of safe options that will charge your phone safely.

Be careful with power banks

Just like with cheap chargers, cheap power banks can ruin your battery over time. Be sure any power bank you use has overcharge protection. If not, you can still use it, but keep an eye out. Once your battery is almost full, unplug it.

It would be best if you also avoided power banks with quick charge options unless they're from a reliable brand. Here's a rule of thumb: If you've never heard of it, say no.

Rapid charging can send too much electricity to your phone and cause battery damage. This high voltage could, at the very least, shorten your battery lifespan.

Tap or click for more smart ways to ensure you’re buying gear worth your money.

Don’t download battery-draining apps

Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer phone batteries only have a limited number of charging cycles before they degrade. This is why most people encounter battery problems after two years of use.

There's nothing you can do about your battery wearing down eventually, but some things have more of an impact. If you have performance apps that monitor your battery life, they could harm it in the long run. These apps constantly use power to monitor your battery life.

Spyware, adware, and other malware are also taxing on phones. Most constantly run in the background. Tap or click here for signs your phone is infected.

Don’t use your phone while it’s charging

Your phone is at 1%, so you plug it in. Leave it alone! Using your phone while charging can rapidly increase the temperature, putting strain on your battery, screen and processor.

Charging rules are essential when it comes to your computer, too. Tap or click for steps to check your laptop’s battery health.

Take it out of the case

Phone cases can be a great way to customize your phone and add some physical security. When it comes to charging, though, they can cause temperature problems.

When your phone battery heats up too much, it can cause damage to the rest of your phone. To be safe, take the case off while you charge – especially if you notice your phone heats up while it’s plugged in.

Keep your tech-know going

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.

PODCAST PICK: Best iOS 16 features, email tracking, WhatsApp privacy update

Here are all the new iOS 16 features you didn't know about. Plus, how to make strangers read your emails, secret AR setting in Google Maps, WhatsApp may soon let you hide your online status, what happens to your Google account when you die and how to stop email tracking.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Transform Your Body Naturally: The Secret to a Leaner Belly and Toned Butt

-
Image
  Are you on a quest for a flatter belly and a more toned, firm butt? We all know that achieving these goals can often feel like an uphill battle, but what if there was a natural, effective solution that could make your journey a whole lot easier? Introducing our revolutionary 100% all-natural pill, designed specifically to diminish the appearance of belly fat while promoting lean muscle growth in your butt. Say goodbye to endless hours at the gym and restrictive diets, and hello to a more confident you! The Power of Natural Ingredients Our all-natural pill is formulated with a unique blend of powerful ingredients that work synergistically to target belly fat and enhance muscle tone. Here’s how it works: Burns Belly Fat: Our pill contains natural fat-burning ingredients that help reduce stubborn belly fat. Imagine finally being able to fit into those jeans that have been hiding in your closet! Builds Lean Muscle: The formula promotes the growth of lean muscle in your butt, giving you
Read more

Discover BFF Gram: The Ultimate Networking App for Connecting Families and Friends

-
Image
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected with family and friends can feel like a challenge. With everyone caught up in their busy schedules, it’s easy to lose touch with those who matter most. But what if there was an app that made it effortless to maintain and strengthen the bonds that truly matter? Introducing BFF Gram , the best networking app designed specifically to connect families and friends across generations, no matter the distance. Whether you’re looking to share cherished memories, organize family reunions, or simply stay updated on your loved ones' lives, BFF Gram is your go-to platform. Why BFF Gram? A Unique Approach to Networking While many social media platforms exist to connect people, they often cater to a broad, general audience. BFF Gram is different. It’s focused on nurturing relationships between family members and close friends , ensuring that connections are not just casual but meaningful. With BFF Gram, the experience is designed to deepen the bonds
Read more

Seamless 3-Piece Yoga Set

-
Image
  Elevate your yoga practice with our Seamless 3-Piece Yoga Set, meticulously designed to provide comfort, support, and style during every pose and movement. Crafted from high-quality, breathable fabric with seamless construction, this set offers a second-skin feel that allows for unrestricted movement and flexibility. Whether you're flowing through sun salutations or finding your balance in tree pose, this versatile set is the perfect companion for your yoga journey. Features: Seamless Design: The seamless construction of this yoga set ensures a smooth and comfortable fit, eliminating chafing and irritation for a distraction-free practice. The absence of seams also enhances flexibility and freedom of movement, allowing you to move with ease through every yoga pose. Moisture-Wicking Fabric: Made from moisture-wicking fabric, this yoga set helps keep you dry and comfortable throughout your practice by wicking away sweat and moisture. Stay cool, dry, and focused as you flow through
Read more