Bad charging habits can go unnoticed for a while, but when they catch up with your device they’ll make themselves apparent. Placing too much stress on your battery or using accessories that aren’t designed for your phone model can cause your battery to lose power more rapidly over time and can even result in drainage and a slower device. It isn’t difficult to charge your phone well and right, but it takes some knowledge of common mistakes to avoid, as well.
You may not think twice about where you charge your phone or what you use — if “any port in a storm” is your motto when it comes to charging your phone, keeping reading. Keep your phone’s battery healthy and long-lasting by avoiding these three iPhone charging mistakes that can be detrimental to your device.
1. Using Low-Quality Charging Cables
You don’t have to spend three figures on charging cables, nor do you necessarily have to invest in everything Apple to ensure your phone is being charged properly. But poorly made chargers and adapters can ruin your battery over time by not delivering the right voltage for your phone. Always search for the “Mfi” label on charging accessories. This stands for “Made for iPhone” and will help ensure you are using cables that are designed specifically for your iPhone.
2. Charging in Extreme Temperatures
If your environment is too cold or too hot — even if your phone needs to be charged pronto — it’s better to wait until you’re in a less extreme temperature situation before plugging in your device. The lithium-ion battery in your iPhone is sensitive to temperature changes, so think twice before leaving it in the console of a hot car or under direct sunlight. According to Apple, the ideal temperature in which to charge your phone is between 32°F and 95°F, or 0°C to 35°C.
3. Never Removing Your iPhone From its Charger
The best way to charge your phone is in short bursts so that its charge hovers between 30 and 80 percent charged. Leaving it plugged into a charger all day so that it’s constantly charging at 100 percent isn’t good for your battery’s health. To prevent issues from occurring, utilize a phone setting called Optimized Battery Charging, which cuts down on the amount of time your phone spends at 100 percent charged.
