(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.
All-time-low-price alert! If you prefer headphones to earbuds, this is a deal worth considering. "Expect rich, balanced audio with clear highs and punchy bass that’ll make your playlists pop," says Senior Deals Writer Chris McGraw, who specializes in all things tech. "They pair seamlessly with Apple devices, offer up to 40 hours of battery life and are as portable as they are comfortable, making them perfect for life on the go."
Pilot and aviation enthusiast Duke Armitage is a fan of noise-cancelling earbuds for travel, and this popular pick by Beats happens to be $50 off. "Few things are more irritating than listening to loud conversations or baby screams on a flight," he says. "This doesn't have to break the bank, as you can find a quality pair for $50 to $100."
These come with three tip sizes to ensure a snug fit. Other travel-friendly features? Transparency mode lets you switch off noise-cancelling to hear in-flight announcements or order a ginger ale, and you'll get hours of listening time before they need to be charged. Choose from black, white or red — whatever suits your jet-setting style.
This laptop is incredibly thin and light, so it's great for anyone on the go. It has a lot of power despite its small size, and the discount is nothing to sneeze at, either — especially for a MacBook.
"I am in love with this laptop," said one reviewer. "[It's] a complete game changer. I am usually a PC guy but I ended up getting a Mac to change things up. ... The M3 chip is also insanely fast and the extra RAM definitely helps me browse more things at once. ... Would recommend completely!"
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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