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You’d probably never order a really expensive meal and then drown it in ketchup, but the same unspoken “rule” doesn’t often apply when it comes to tech devices. Since we rely on our iPhones for so much, it’s easy to forget they are expensive investments. It’s equally easy to forget they can need to be cared for in a specific way so that the battery lasts longer. Tim McGuire, CEO of Mobile Klinik, spoke with SHEFinds.com about the one mistake Apple experts say every iPhone user should stop making because it ruins your battery.
How you charge your iPhone — and the cables that you use — matter.
“A common mistake I often notice people make is using inexpensive and generic charging cords to charge their iPhone,” Klinik says. “Inexpensive chargers may look like the real deal for many, but these cables are sometimes not built with the correct safety mechanisms within the internal circuitry.”
Two charging cables may look similar on the outside, but a cheaper cable is often designed with — you guessed it — cheaper materials.
“Such charging cables are constructed with low-quality materials that can cause the battery to overcharge and even affect the phone's overall performance,” Klinik says. “Not only that, but these chargers may also pose a risk to one's iPhone as they are most likely to overheat, causing significant damage to it.”
The good news is that there is a simple way to rectify this common iPhone battery mistake: buy better charging cables.
“I would recommend buying an MFi-certified lightning cable, which means ‘Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad,’” Klinik says. “These cables have a tiny authentication chip that makes them MFi certified. For them to be certified, they must meet the MFi quality standards and be approved by Apple.”
It’s tempting to hop on Amazon and order the first affordable charging cable you see, especially when you’re faced with one that has frayed. But Klinik says a bit of patience and planning can save your iPhone battery.
“When you're considering buying a replacement for your charger, don't rush to buy an inexpensive one at your nearest dollar store,” Klinik says. “In fact, you can find these certified chargers from reputable retailers and repair shops such as Mobile Klinik. Ensure that your purchase is MFi certified to avoid ruining your iPhone battery.”
