This post has been updated since it was originally published on July 8, 2023.
Chances are: you’re charging your iPhone all wrong. And before you say that there’s only one way to charge a phone (literally, by plugging it into a charger), the reality is a bit more complex. Your iPhone runs thanks to an ion-lithium battery that has a few specific requirements — namely, that you do not make this very common iPhone charging mistake that could be ruining your phone’s battery. These are the worst charging mistakes tech experts say they witness users making, as well as a tip to keep in your back pocket that may actually extend the life of your phone.
Stop Overcharging Your Phone
Doing more is NOT better when it comes to charging an iPhone, says Tech Expert Aseem Kishore, the CEO of Help Desk Geek. “Most people will believe anything the internet tells them,” Kishore says. “In that case, the worst mistake they make is to keep their phone charged at 100 percent and over charging it! I know some people have this innate urge to always keep their phone charged, however, this can actually be damaging to the battery life of the iPhone because overcharging causes the battery to be fried, and will lead to bursting of the phone if put on charge for long periods of time such as overnight.”
Utilize Optimized Charging
The obvious solution to this problem is to stop overcharging your device. Instead of keeping it hooked to a charger for hours on end, give your phone shorter bursts of charging throughout the day to maintain a 30 to 80 percent charging zone. And, according to Tech Expert Daniela Sawyer, founder of FindPeopleFast.net, another tip that will help: take advantage of Optimized Charging.
“Your iPhone battery will lose charge over time, but you can assist slow this down,” Sawyer says. “Lithium-ion batteries lose charge capacity as they age, reducing battery life and peak performance. That’s where Optimized Battery Charging comes in to help your iPhone last longer. It will save battery life if you cut down on how long your iPhone is fully charged. There will be more time for your battery to last, so that, when Optimized Battery Charging is turned off, and certain things happen, your iPhone won’t charge past 80% of its capacity. To achieve this, your iPhone will learn your daily charging habits. To activate the same, go to Settings > Battery > Optimized Battery Charging.”
Allowing Your Phone's Battery to Fully Deplete
Another mistake that iPhone users frequently make is allowing their phone's battery to drain completely, which can strain the battery's chemical components, impacting its overall lifespan, according to Tech Expert Johan Alexander, CEO at APKCima. “Ideally, aim to maintain your battery between 20% to 80% charge for optimal performance,” Alexander says.
Exposing Your Phone to High Temperatures While Charging
Your phone’s battery is incredibly sensitive to extreme temperatures, something that can greatly affect its health. “Charging your phone in hot environments or under direct sunlight increases the risk of overheating, which can adversely affect the battery's efficiency and potentially cause permanent damage,” Alexander says.
Using Your Phone While Charging
It can be difficult to keep your hands off of your device, especially considering how often we rely on them. But exercising patience when your phone is charging will help it charge faster and more efficiently. “Your phone while it's charging can generate extra heat, potentially leading to battery stress and degradation over time,” Alexander says. “To ensure safer charging, it's best to avoid extensive phone usage during the charging process.”
Not Removing The Charger From Its Socket
Protecting your phone’s battery often involves finding ways to ensure it doesn’t become overheated. Even though your phone will cease charging once it reaches a certain percentage, it’s important to also remove your charger from the wall socket when it’s not in charging mode.
Avoid Certain Apps When Charging Your Device
You may find on occasion that you can’t avoid using your phone while it’s charging. Sending a text message or checking email is one thing — using your phone while it’s charging so that you can play a game or stream a TV show or film is completely different. These actions take up considerable resources and are draining on your battery, which results in the device overheating. Add to this the fact that your phone is already heated from charging and you’ve created a situation where you’re taxing your phone big-time.
Final Tip: Upgrade Your iPhone Charger
In addition to avoiding overcharging mistakes, the accessories that you use matter. “The most common mistake people make when charging their iPhones is buying a cheap charger online and not knowing what they are getting themselves into,” says Michael Jan Baldicana, SEO and digital/technical content specialist with Dream Chasers XYZ. “They might end up with a fake or defective product and give their phone an electric shock while charging it. Charging your iPhone with a computer or other device that is not Apple certified can cause serious damage to your phone. The most common issue is a malfunction of the battery, which can lead to permanent damage to your device. It’s important to use only Apple-certified chargers and cables when charging your iPhone. If you are worried about the cost of these accessories, you can get a discount on them by purchasing them through Apple’s official website. Not only do they not have the same safety standards as Apple ones, but it also puts your device in danger of overheating and overcharging.”
Don’t wait until your battery is on its last leg to make important changes to how you charge your phone. These simple steps can make all of the difference.
