How to Maximise Your Phone’s Battery Life: Top Tips
If you find yourself constantly charging your phone throughout the day, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with poor battery life, especially as we use more apps, stream videos, and browse the internet. The good news is, there are several simple ways to maximise your phone’s battery life, so you can stay connected for longer without worrying about running out of power. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your phone’s battery.
1. Adjust Your Screen Brightness
Your phone’s screen is one of the biggest battery drains. By lowering the brightness or enabling auto-brightness, you can significantly extend battery life. Most modern smartphones have an adaptive brightness feature that adjusts the screen's brightness based on ambient light. You can also manually lower the brightness in your settings to save even more power.
How to Adjust Brightness:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness, and adjust the slider.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Display > Brightness, and adjust accordingly.
2. Turn Off Unnecessary Features
Features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location services are essential, but they consume battery when left on unnecessarily. If you're not using these features, turn them off. For example, turning off Bluetooth when you're not connected to any devices can save a surprising amount of power.
How to Turn Off Features:
- On iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center, then tap the icons to disable features.
- On Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen and toggle off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Location.
3. Use Low Power Mode (or Battery Saver Mode)
Both iPhones and Android phones have a Low Power Mode or Battery Saver feature that reduces the power usage of your device by disabling background processes and unnecessary features. This is especially helpful when your battery is running low and you don’t have access to a charger.
How to Use Low Power Mode:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Battery and toggle on Low Power Mode.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver, and toggle it on.
4. Limit Background App Refresh
Many apps continue to run in the background, using up valuable battery. Limiting background app refresh for apps that don’t need constant updates can help improve battery life. Apps like social media, email, and weather apps are notorious for running in the background, draining your battery.
How to Limit Background App Refresh:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh, and choose either Off or Wi-Fi.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps, then select each app and turn off background activity.
5. Monitor Battery-Draining Apps
Some apps use more battery than others. Most phones allow you to monitor battery usage, so you can see which apps are consuming the most power. If you find an app that uses an excessive amount of battery, consider updating it or removing it entirely if it's unnecessary.
How to Check Battery Usage:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Battery, and you’ll see a list of apps and their battery consumption.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage, and view the apps draining your battery.
6. Reduce Push Notifications
Receiving constant notifications from apps can drain your battery by keeping your screen on and syncing in the background. Turning off push notifications for apps that aren’t essential can save battery power. Instead, opt for manual checking or less frequent notification intervals.
How to Manage Notifications:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Notifications, then select the apps you want to adjust.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications, and configure your preferences.
7. Turn Off Automatic Downloads
While automatic downloads are convenient, they can use a significant amount of battery, especially if your apps are set to automatically download large files. By disabling automatic downloads for apps and updates, you can ensure your phone only uses power when you actively choose to download content.
How to Disable Automatic Downloads:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store, and toggle off Automatic Downloads for apps, music, books, and updates.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver, and toggle on to restrict automatic downloads.
8. Keep Your Phone Cool
Extreme temperatures—both hot and cold—can significantly affect your battery’s performance. Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight or in a hot car. If your phone overheats, it can cause the battery to degrade faster, reducing its lifespan.
How to Keep Your Phone Cool:
- Keep your phone in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- If your phone feels hot, turn it off for a while to let it cool down.
How to Make Your Battery Last Longer
To maximise the longevity of your phone’s battery over time, consider these tips:
- Avoid charging your phone to 100% every time. Keeping it between 20% and 80% is ideal.
- Don’t let your phone’s battery go all the way to 0% before charging it.
- Use your phone in low-power mode when necessary to save energy.
By adopting these habits, you can keep your phone’s battery in great shape for years to come.
Conclusion
Maximising your phone’s battery life doesn’t require major sacrifices. By adjusting a few settings and being mindful of your usage, you can ensure your phone stays powered throughout the day. If you’re looking to upgrade, don’t forget to sell your old phone and put that extra cash towards a new device with better battery performance!