(Not so) fun fact: Charging your battery all the time, and all the way up to 100%, can actually be bad for your phone's longevity. (Getty)(Priscila Zambotto via Getty Images)
I love my phone and I'm not ashamed to say it. It is my most used writing device, reading device, music and audiobook player and camera all in one. But the days of pining for the newest version are over; the phone I have is good enough, with one glaring exception — my battery. Back in the day it would last one and a half, maybe even two full days before needing a charge; now it's dying before my head hits the pillow at night.
The culprit? Poor battery health. That's right; just like you need to take care of you body, it pays to get smart about practicing battery health. Does that sound daunting? It's not. With a few pro tips and clever gadgets, you can prolong the life of your phone battery and avoid those "low power mode" panics, extending the time between those costly phone upgrades.
During the day I sit at my desk in my home office working, with a wireless charging pad right beside me. Might as well keep my phone charging, right? No use letting it use the battery when I have a charger right there. Wrong. Frequent and unnecessary charging can wear out the battery faster than you’d expect, so I would actually be doing my phone harm by keeping it charging all day long.
I aim to keep my battery between 20% and 80% at all times. Letting it drain completely before charging? Big no-no. And don’t even think about overnight charging unless you’re using Optimized Battery Charging (a nifty feature in your settings that learns your routine to avoid overcharging).
Avoid leaving your phone baking on your car's dashboard or in direct sunlight. Even charging while using heavy apps (think gaming or video editing) can make it overheat. If you’re all-day phone user, consider a cooling pad to keep things chill while you work or play.
Not all chargers are created equal. Sure, that $5 cable from the gas station looks tempting, but it’s probably doing your battery more harm than good. Stick with MFi-certified cables (that’s Apple’s stamp of approval) and a trusted wall adapter. Need a recommendation? Brands like Anker and Belkin have your back. They offer fast, reliable charging without frying your battery in the process. Bonus points for snagging a MagSafe charger if you’ve got one of the newer iPhones.
The latest smartwatch from the Cupertino company features a larger display while somehow being thinner and lighter, advanced health and fitness features and a faster-charging battery.
Said one five-star reviewer, "The battery life is phenomenal, I can literally go 2 days without charging. When I do have to charge it, it’s full in about 30 [minutes]."
While you'll often see Apple Watches go on sale, it's rare to see such a discount on such a new model.
Never fight with your family members over power outlets again. This electrifying gadget boasts five AC outlets and four USB ports, enough for everyone to charge their devices all at once. Oh, and this top seller is so much sleeker than having a power strip on your floor. This might not be the biggest discount, but we've yet to see it on sale for less.
Check out our tech editor's roundup of the products he can't live without for gadgets and gizmos aplenty.
These beloved cans are 50% off — their lowest price yet — so you can get that rich audio and punchy bass Beats is synonymous with for only a Benjamin right now. They're easy to pair with Apple devices and have over 40 hours of battery life for on-the-go audio bliss.
Apple might charge you well over $100 for a pair of earbuds, but this comparable pair costs a mere fraction of the price. Our resident tech expert Rick Broida wasn't shy about his love of these buds and even included them in his list of his all-time favorite earbuds:
"How can $40 earbuds possibly be this good?" he shared. "The Baseus Bowie MA10 ... surprised me with their nicely balanced sound, robust ANC and amazing battery life (up to eight hours on a charge and up to 140 hours of total playtime thanks to the extra-large charging case)."
Yes, Broida waxed poetic over these affordable buds when they were $40. Nab them now while they're just $15! That's not a typo.
This model, powered by Apple's ultra-fast M3 chip, was released just last year, so I'm surprised to find it on sale — especially at a $200 discount (one of its lowest prices ever). It's also one of the thinnest and lightest laptops you'll find, so can you really go wrong?
This is Amazon's smallest smart speaker. Use it to play music, set an alarm, turn any space into a "smart space" by connecting it to other compatible devices (smart plugs, light bulbs, etc.). At this price, you could outfit a few rooms with one. Alexa is, of course, along for the ride.
"This is my second purchase of the Amazon Echo Pop, and I couldn't be happier with the results! I paired it with my first Echo Pop to create a stereo setup for TV listening, and the sound quality is simply outstanding," said a reviewer. "The compact design packs a full, rich sound that's perfect for movie nights and everyday TV sessions. Plus, Alexa integration makes controlling your smart home a breeze."
Here's proof that MFi-certified cables don't have to cost a ton. This six-pack is only $9. MFi-certified charging cables are tested and approved by Apple, ensuring seamless compatibility, reliable charging and fast data transfer for your devices. Unlike uncertified alternatives, MFi cables regulate power delivery to protect your device’s battery and prevent overheating or overcharging.
If you don't want to splurge on Apple-brand USB-C cables, these MFi certified ones are a solid alternative. They’re durable and stay functional after iOS updates, avoiding frustrating “Accessory not supported” errors. Plus, they meet strict safety standards, reducing the risk of damage or fire hazards. Using MFi-certified cables can also help maintain your Apple warranty, making them a safe, reliable and cost-effective choice for long-term use.
When it comes to chargers, I don't mess around. With multiple Apple devices at home using USB-C, this dual-outlet option is a must-have for me.
These chargers come in one-meter and two-meter lengths. The MagSafe offers fast, efficient 15W charging with perfect magnetic alignment for iPhones (12 and newer). It’s easy to use, versatile with Qi devices and helps preserve your phone’s charging port, as well as the battery.
The PowerCore 10000 regulates the voltage to your phone, preventing overheating and battery damage, without hurting your wallet.
Your battery isn’t just drained by how you charge; it’s also about how you use your phone. Background app activity and push notifications can slowly eat away at your juice. Head to Settings > Battery to see which apps are the biggest offenders. While you’re there, enable Low Power Mode when your battery's running down. And if you don’t need Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, turn them off — your battery will thank you.
If your phone’s battery health dips below 80% (iPhone users can check this under Settings > Battery > Battery Health), don't fret. You don't need to buy an entirely new phone. But it might be time for a battery replacement. A lot of places, the Apple Store included, offer affordable battery replacement that is a lot cheaper than buying a whole new phone.
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