If you’re like most of us — always on the move, staying connected and getting things done — a dying battery can be frustrating. Phone, tablet, laptop or earbuds — are you constantly reaching for a charger? Worse, does a full charge seem to last less and less over time?
It’s not just part of using electronics. Two things are happening:
- You’re using more battery power.
- Your battery is losing capacity.
Let’s look at why this happens and what you can do about it.
Batteries, like people, age. Most modern devices use lithium-ion batteries, which start losing capacity after around 500 charge cycles. At that point, they hold only about 80 per cent of their original power and keep declining from there.
Take the iPhone 12 Pro, for example. It starts with a 2,815 mAh battery. After 500 cycles, that drops to roughly 2,252 mAh. So even if your phone says it’s 100 per cent charged, you’re only getting 80 per cent of its original energy. Ten hours of use becomes eight.
Several factors speed up battery drain. Newer apps require more power. Constant updates and background activity — like notifications, GPS, messaging and social media — eat away at your charge without you realizing it. Screen brightness is another major culprit. And sometimes, software bugs cause unnecessary drain behind the scenes.
Just like a car, your device’s battery struggles in extreme temperatures. Cold forces it to work harder; heat accelerates wear and tear — kind of like food spoiling faster in the sun. Keeping your devices in a moderate temperature range helps extend battery life.
Using knock-off or cheap third-party chargers and cables can also do damage. Poor-quality components may cause overheating, slow charging or even short-circuiting, which can harm your device or even your car’s electrical system. A family member learned the hard way that saving a few bucks wasn’t worth risking a $1,000 phone — or a $2,000 repair bill.
One of the easiest ways to make your battery last longer is to keep the charge between 20 and 80 per cent. According to Battery University, lithium-ion batteries degrade more slowly when they operate in this mid-range. Avoid letting it regularly drop to zero or stay at full charge for long stretches.
Fast charging is convenient but slow charging is better for your battery’s health. It creates less heat and puts less strain on the battery. Many devices now offer smart charging options to help manage this.
Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging pauses charging at 80 per cent and resumes just before you usually wake up or use your device. Samsung’s Battery Protection Mode caps charging at 85 per cent. Microsoft’s Battery Conservation Mode limits charging to 80 per cent when plugged in long-term. Adaptive Fast Charging, available on many Android devices, adjusts power levels to reduce heat and stress.
Check your device’s settings or manual to see which features you can enable.
Battery health isn’t just a phone or laptop issue. Your Bluetooth headphones, earbuds and wireless speakers also rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Unfortunately, many of these batteries are non-replaceable, so once they degrade or fail, the device often becomes useless.
All the more reason to practise smart charging habits across all your devices.
Developed by Netherlands-based Liion Power B.V., is a plug-and-play gadget designed to extend the life of lithium-ion batteries in USB-powered devices up to 100 watts. It plugs between your charger and your device, automatically analyzing battery health, adjusting charge limits, regulating speeds and scheduling pauses for optimal charging. Leo was awarded a CES 2025 Innovation Award in the Sustainability & Energy/Power category for its smart, eco-friendly charging solution.
Need a quick top-up? Switch to Ghost Mode for full-speed charging.
We rely on our devices every day, so charging them wisely just makes sense. Simple steps — like keeping your charge between 20 and 80 per cent, avoiding extreme temps and using slow or smart charging — can make your batteries last longer and reduce frustration.
Your gadgets are your lifelines. Take care of their batteries the same way you take care of your own well-being.
Greg Gazin, also known as Gadget Guy or Gadget Greg, is a Troy Media columnist with deep expertise in technology. He’s also a respected speaker on communication, leadership, and tech-related topics. Beyond writing, Gazin is a versatile professional who works as a facilitator, blogger, podcaster, and author. His broad range of skills and insights has made him a prominent and influential voice in the tech community.
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