How Long Do Phone Batteries Last? Phone Charging Tips

Broadly speaking, the standard life expectancy of a cell phone battery is 2-3 years. However, the care with which you use your phone can shorten or prolong this time frame. 

In this article, we’ll explain what you can do to improve your phone battery lifespan, and tell you how to know when it’s time to replace your cell phone battery altogether. 

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How Can I Make My Phone Battery Last Longer?

There are a variety of ways that you can improve your phone battery regardless of which phone you have.

Screen Brightness

For starters, the display is a significant energy sink on many phones. Utilizing the option to turn down the screen brightness and entirely shut down the display when the phone is not in use is one way to avoid losing battery when you aren’t using the phone.

Airplane Mode

You can also put the phone in Airplane mode when you are not using any network features. Your phone is constantly connecting to different cellular and WiFi networks, so shutting that down means it is doing significantly less work while in your pocket. This will mean you no longer get updates or notifications on internet-enabled apps, however. 

Energy Saver Mode

Most phones also have an energy saver mode. These are usually meant to keep your battery going longer when running low, but nothing stops you from using it when you have plenty of charge. 

Battery Strains

The biggest thing you can do is avoid overly intensive processes. If you watch videos all day, you will need to charge often. 

If you only need to check your emails and scroll through photos, you are going to get more time between charges. When deciding on a phone for yourself, understanding what kind of strain you intend to put on your battery will be integral to making a final decision. 

Don’t Let Your Phone’s Battery Die Repeatedly

Allowing your phone’s battery to drain completely before recharging can wear it out faster. Lithium-ion batteries, found in most smartphones, have limited charge cycles. Draining the battery completely and then charging it to 100 percent uses up these cycles more quickly. To preserve the battery’s lifespan, try to recharge it before it falls below 20 percent.

Be Mindful of Your Phone Temperature

If you notice your phone getting hot while charging, it’s wise to unplug it. This could be a sign of overcharging or a faulty charger, both of which are harmful to the battery. Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight or a hot car, and consider removing the phone’s case while charging to help dissipate heat more effectively.

Sparingly Use Fast and Wireless Charging

Fast charging and wireless charging are modern conveniences, but it’s wise to use them in moderation. These methods can generate heat, which, as we mentioned above, may impact the battery’s health over time. Only use these technologies when your device isn’t exposed to additional heat sources so you can ensure a cooler and safer charging process.

Avoid Intensive Use During Charging

Using your phone for high-demand activities like gaming or streaming videos is tempting while it charges. However, these activities can lead to overheating and put extra stress on the battery. For a healthier battery, try to let your phone charge uninterrupted by these power-intensive tasks.

Taking care of your phone’s battery requires a bit of attention and adjustment of habits. But you also don’t want to have to buy a phone battery replacement if you can avoid it. By tweaking how you charge your device, you can significantly extend the life and efficacy of your phone’s battery.

How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Phone’s Battery

Here’s how to know when it’s time to replace your phone’s battery:

1. Battery drains quickly – If your phone used to last all day but now dies in a few hours, the battery may be degraded.
2. Unexpected shutdowns – Your phone turns off even with charge left.
3. Slow charging or won’t charge fully – The battery struggles to hold a full charge or takes much longer than usual.
4. Overheating – Your phone gets unusually hot during use or charging.
5. Battery health check – On iPhones, check Battery Health in Settings (under 80% capacity is a sign). On Android, use built-in diagnostics or third-party apps.
6. Swollen battery – A bulging phone case or screen separation is a serious hazard; replace immediately.

If you notice one or more of these issues consistently, it’s probably time for a battery replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my phone needs a new battery?

Some telltale signs your phone needs a new battery include: your phone never charges to 100%; your phone shuts down unexpectedly, even on a full charge; your phone’s power drains quickly after a charge. 

Can a smartphone battery last 10 years?

The typical lifespan of a smartphone battery is 2-3 years; your phone’s battery is high;y unlikely to last for 10 years. 

What is the life expectancy of a phone battery?

The life expectancy of a phone battery is 2-3 years. At this point, you may notice reduced power lifespan or general performance issues, indicating that it’s time to replace your phone’s battery.