Why You’re Charging Your Devices All Wrong—And How to Fix It

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조회 309회 작성일 24-10-22 13:52

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We live in a world where our smartphones, tablets, and laptops are extensions of ourselves. From staying connected with loved ones to managing our careers, we rely on these devices for just about everything. But when it comes to charging them, many of us are guilty of bad habits that can harm battery health and shorten the lifespan of our gadgets. You might not think much about how or when you charge your devices, but understanding the best practices could significantly extend their longevity.

If you’ve ever wondered why your phone battery drains faster than it used to or why your laptop doesn’t hold a charge like it once did, you could be making some common charging mistakes. Here’s why you might be charging your devices all wrong—and how to fix it to get the most out of your tech.

1. Overcharging Your Devices

One of the most common charging mistakes is leaving your device plugged in for too long, particularly overnight. Many of us are in the habit of plugging in our phones right before bed and letting them charge until morning. While this may seem convenient, it can be harmful to your battery over time.

Most modern devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are designed to stop charging once they reach 100%. However, leaving your device plugged in when it’s fully charged can still cause stress on the battery, as the battery repeatedly "tops off" every time it drops slightly below 100%. This keeps the battery in a high-tension state, which can degrade its overall capacity over time.

Fix It:

Unplug your device once it’s fully charged, or invest in a smart charger that stops supplying power when the battery hits 100%. Alternatively, you can use a charger with a timer to avoid leaving your device plugged in for extended periods.

2. Letting Your Battery Drain Completely

Many people believe that letting their device’s battery drop to 0% before recharging is a good way to “reset” the battery. While this was true for older nickel-based batteries, it’s not necessary—or even recommended—for lithium-ion batteries. In fact, letting your battery drop to 0% regularly can harm its health.

Lithium-ion batteries operate best when they are charged between 20% and 80%. Deep discharges can put additional stress on the battery, causing it to wear out faster. Allowing your phone, laptop, or tablet to consistently reach 0% before recharging could lead to shorter battery life and the need for a replacement battery sooner than expected.

Fix It:

Try to keep your device’s battery level between 20% and 80%. Avoid letting it drop below 20% whenever possible. If your phone dips below that level, try to recharge it as soon as possible to maintain optimal battery health.

3. Using Cheap, Uncertified Chargers

We've all been there—losing the original charger for our device and opting for a cheap replacement. But using low-quality, uncertified chargers can be a big mistake. These chargers might not meet the proper safety standards, which can lead to inconsistent power output, overheating, and, in some cases, damage to your device's battery.

Cheap chargers might also charge your device more slowly or stop working altogether after a short time. Worse yet, they can pose safety hazards, such as overheating or even catching fire, due to poor manufacturing standards.

Fix It:

Stick to certified chargers from trusted brands, preferably the one that came with your device. If you need a replacement, look for chargers that are approved by the manufacturer or those certified by organizations like MFi (for Apple products) or USB-IF (for Android devices).

4. Charging Your Device in Extreme Temperatures

Heat is one of the biggest enemies of battery health. Charging your device in extremely hot or cold environments can accelerate the degradation of your battery and, in extreme cases, even cause damage. When your device is exposed to high temperatures while charging, it can lead to thermal runaway, a situation where the battery overheats and potentially catches fire.

On the other hand, charging your device in very cold conditions can slow down the charging process and cause the battery to underperform. Charging a battery at extreme temperatures—either too hot or too cold—can have long-term effects on its capacity and lifespan.

Fix It:

Always charge your device in a cool, room-temperature environment. If you’ve been using your phone or laptop in a hot environment, give it time to cool down before charging. Likewise, avoid charging your device outdoors in freezing temperatures.

5. Using Your Device While Charging

It’s common for many of us to continue using our phones or laptops while they’re plugged in. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, playing games, or even taking calls, using your device while it’s charging can generate additional heat and put stress on the battery.

This behavior, known as “pass-through charging”, forces the battery to do double duty: it’s trying to charge while simultaneously powering your device. This creates excess heat and can degrade the battery over time. In the case of intense activities like gaming, the heat generated can be even higher, leading to faster battery wear.

Fix It:

Whenever possible, avoid using your device while it’s charging. If you must use it, keep the activity light—such as answering texts or checking emails. For more power-intensive tasks, wait until your device is fully charged before using it.

6. Charging to 100% Every Time

Most people think that fully charging their device to 100% every time is the best way to ensure a long-lasting charge. However, keeping your device at 100% all the time can actually put stress on the battery and shorten its lifespan.

Lithium-ion batteries are designed to operate optimally when charged between 20% and 80%. Constantly charging your device to 100% can increase the wear on the battery, while keeping it in the optimal range helps preserve its capacity over time.

Fix It:

Instead of charging to 100% all the time, aim to keep your device’s battery between 20% and 80%. Some phones even come with a “battery optimization” setting that stops charging at 80% to prevent overcharging.

7. Ignoring Battery Calibration

While it’s not necessary to let your device’s battery drop to 0% every time you charge it, performing a battery calibration every few months is beneficial. Battery calibration involves letting your device run from 100% to 0% and then charging it fully again. This process helps recalibrate the battery’s sensor, ensuring that your device gives accurate readings of its battery percentage.

Without regular calibration, your device’s battery meter can become inaccurate, leading to situations where your phone shuts down unexpectedly or shows inaccurate battery levels.

Fix It:

Every few months, let your device’s battery drain completely before recharging it to 100%. This will help recalibrate the battery sensor and provide more accurate readings in the future.

8. Using Fast Chargers All the Time

Fast charging is incredibly convenient when you’re in a hurry, but using it as your primary charging method can reduce the overall lifespan of your device’s battery. Fast chargers push more current into your device in a short amount of time, which generates more heat than slower, standard chargers.

While occasional use of fast charging is fine, relying on it constantly can lead to long-term battery degradation due to the excess heat generated during the process.

Fix It:

Use fast charging only when you need a quick power boost. For regular, everyday charging, use a standard charger that delivers a slower, steady charge. This will help preserve the battery’s health in the long run.

9. Ignoring Power-Saving Features

Most modern smartphones and laptops come equipped with built-in power-saving modes that can help conserve battery life. These features automatically reduce background activity, dim your screen, and optimize performance to extend your device’s battery life. However, many people ignore or forget to enable these features, resulting in unnecessary battery drain.

Fix It:

Make use of your device’s power-saving modes, especially when your battery is low. These modes can significantly extend your battery life when you need it the most. Additionally, reducing screen brightness, turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use, and limiting background app refresh can help conserve battery.

Conclusion: Charge Smarter, Not Harder

While charging your devices may seem like a no-brainer, the small habits you develop can have a big impact on your device’s battery health. From overcharging and extreme temperatures to using cheap chargers, there are plenty of ways to inadvertently harm your battery. By following these simple tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can extend the lifespan of your devices and keep them running smoothly for years to come.

The next time you plug in your phone, laptop, or tablet, remember: it’s not just about keeping it charged—it’s about keeping it charged the right way.