Never Charge Your Phone Beyond 80%, Here's Why

In today's fast-paced world, smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. We use them to communicate with friends and family, stay up-to-date with the latest news, and access a plethora of apps that help us work, play, and stay organized. However, one of the biggest frustrations for smartphone users is battery life. We've all experienced the panic of seeing our battery level dip into the red, and the frustration of having to charge our phones multiple times a day. But what if we told you that you may be charging your phone wrong all along? The 80% rule suggests that you should never charge your phone beyond 80%. Here's why.

When it comes to lithium-ion batteries, the type of battery found in most smartphones, there are two factors that can degrade their overall health: temperature and voltage. Let's start with temperature. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to heat. If a battery gets too hot, it can cause permanent damage and shorten its lifespan. On the other hand, if a battery gets too cold, it can't hold a charge as efficiently. That's why it's important to keep your phone at room temperature when charging it.

Now let's talk about voltage. Lithium-ion batteries are designed to work within a specific voltage range. If the voltage goes too high, it can cause the battery to degrade faster than it would otherwise. This is where the 80% rule comes in. When you charge your phone up to 100%, it's actually operating at a higher voltage than it would at 80%. Over time, this can cause your battery to degrade faster than it would if you only charged it up to 80%.

But wait, you may be thinking, doesn't charging my phone up to 100% give me more battery life? The answer is yes, but only in the short term. In the long term, constantly charging your phone up to 100% can actually decrease its overall battery life. Think of it like this: if you had a car with a gas tank that could hold 10 gallons of gas, but you always filled it up to the brim, eventually the tank would start to degrade and hold less gas overall. The same principle applies to lithium-ion batteries.

So, what can you do to extend your phone's battery life? The 80% rule suggests that you should only charge your phone up to 80% and then unplug it. This may sound counterintuitive, but it can actually help prolong your battery's lifespan. By keeping your phone at a lower voltage, you're reducing the stress on your battery and helping it last longer.

Of course, there are some situations where you may need to charge your phone up to 100%. For example, if you're going on a long road trip and need your phone to last as long as possible, it's okay to charge it up to 100%. Just don't make a habit of doing it every day.

Another way to extend your phone's battery life is to avoid extreme temperatures. As we mentioned earlier, heat can damage your battery, so it's best to keep your phone at room temperature when charging it. If you're outside on a hot day, try to keep your phone in the shade or inside a bag to prevent it from overheating.

Finally, consider investing in a quality charger. Not all chargers are created equal, and using a cheap, off-brand charger can actually damage your battery over time. Look for chargers that are designed specifically for your phone, or ones that have been certified by your phone's manufacturer.

In conclusion, the 80% rule suggests that you should never charge your phone beyond 80% in order to prolong its battery life and efficiency.