Today, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, yet many people unknowingly follow outdated charging myths that are actually detrimental to battery health. Similar to misconceptions about rare coins, some battery myths are passed down from generation to generation. For example, if you search to see what bicentennial quarters are worth money, you will find a mixture of truth and mistaken beliefs. The same goes for smartphone batteries - some “common knowledge” tips can actually shorten battery life rather than preserve it. So now we would like to describe some of the most damaging myths about smartphone batteries, so you can maximize the performance and longevity of your device.
Myth No. 1: You Should Drain Your Battery to 0% Before Charging
This idea dates back to the nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery era, when older rechargeable batteries suffered from a phenomenon called the “memory effect.” If these batteries weren’t completely discharged before recharging, they would start “remembering” a lower capacity, leading people to believe that frequent recharging would shorten the life of the battery.
Even after nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries replaced NiCd, the myth persisted. Many people still believe that fully draining a battery before recharging is necessary to maintain its full capacity. So, what’s the truth?
Well, modern smartphones use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which do not suffer from the memory effect. In fact, regularly draining your battery to 0% can accelerate degradation, reducing its lifespan. Li-ion batteries have a limited charge cycle count (typically 300-500 full cycles), meaning that each full discharge shortens their longevity. Additionally, when a battery reaches 0%, it experiences stress that can cause permanent capacity loss over time.
Tip: To maximize battery health, keep your charge level between 20% and 80% whenever possible. This reduces stress on the battery and prolongs its usable lifespan. By the way, even some studies show that batteries kept in the 20-80% range can retain up to 80% of their capacity even after 1,000 charge cycles, compared to only 500 cycles for those frequently drained to 0%.
Myth No. 2: Original Chargers Are Just a Marketing Gimmick
Many third-party brands sell cheaper, generic phone chargers, leading people to believe that all chargers are the same. Since manufacturers often price official chargers higher than third-party alternatives, skeptics assume that buying an original charger is just a marketing trick to increase profits.
The truth actually lies in the middle, as not all chargers are created equal. Low-quality chargers may not regulate voltage properly, leading to unstable power delivery and also may cause:
Overheating: excess heat degrades battery life.
Power surges: cheap chargers lack surge protection, which can fry internal components.
Inconsistent charging speeds: some non-certified chargers deliver too little or too much power, damaging the charging circuit over time.
On the other hand, original chargers are tested and certified to ensure proper voltage control, protecting your battery from damage. Certified chargers also follow industry standards, such as MFI (Made for iPhone) certification for Apple devices and USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) certification for Android chargers.
Tip: If you’re using a third-party charger, always check for certification marks. Once you need to invest in a high-quality charger rather than risking battery damage with a poorly made one.
Myth No. 3: Charging Your Phone Overnight Ruins the Battery
For years, people believed that leaving a phone plugged in overnight would lead to overcharging, which can consequently damage the battery. This belief originated from older battery technologies, where prolonged charging could shorten battery lifespan. Some also worry about potential overheating or even fire hazards from a phone plugged in too long.
Well, do people have reason to believe that? Modern smartphones are smart enough to stop charging once they reach 100%. However, leaving your phone at 100% for extended periods (such as all night) can still cause gradual battery wear due to high voltage stress.
While overnight charging won’t instantly ruin your battery, it can contribute to long-term capacity loss if done regularly. So, if you have a necessity to charge your phone overnight, you may consider to use a smart plug with a timer to cut off power after a few hours or even a charger with adaptive power delivery, which slows charging as the battery nears full capacity.
Bonus Insight! Modern apps like Coin ID Scanner are optimized for efficiency, meaning they won’t excessively drain your battery and you will enjoy its helpful possibilities longer - unlike older apps that consumed power even when idle.
Myth No. 4: The Higher the Charging Power, the Better
With manufacturers constantly promoting fast charging as a major feature, many people assume that higher wattage = better charging. When brands advertise 50W, 100W, or even 150W charging speeds, it is easy to believe that more power equals better performance. But does a higher number always mean a healthier battery?
While fast charging is convenient, it generates more heat, and excessive heat is the biggest enemy of lithium-ion batteries. Thus, the faster your battery charges, the more strain it endures. Finally, (not necessarily, but most likely) all these can lead to increased temperature, which accelerates wear; faster chemical degradation, reducing battery lifespan; and higher energy loss, as extreme speeds create inefficiencies in power transfer.
Moreover, all modern phones have built-in charging regulators that prevent excessive power consumption. So even if you use a 100W charger, your phone may only take 30W or less, depending on what its battery is capable of. This means that using an overly powerful charger won't charge your phone faster, but will only increase its heat and risk long-term damage.
So, try only using a charger recommended by your phone’s manufacturer or one that matches your phone’s maximum charging capacity and avoid buying ultra-high-wattage chargers unless your phone specifically supports it.
Myth No. 5: You Shouldn’t Use Your Phone While Charging
Many people believe that using a phone while charging may prevent the battery from charging properly (as if usage cancels out charging), cause overheating and damages battery health or even could lead to explosions (based on viral stories of phone accidents). Well, do all fears and doubts have a basis in fact?
No, as modern smartphones are designed to work while charging. Your phone draws power directly from the charger while also slowly recharging the battery, ensuring continuous operation. The only real risk comes from cheap, low-quality chargers. Faulty chargers may:
Deliver unstable voltage, leading to overheating.
Lack of protective circuits, increasing fire risks.
Cause slow, inconsistent charging, making your battery work harder.
Thus, taking all the above, use your phone calmly during the charging process, but remember that if it gets very hot, you should remove its case, close all power-consuming applications and use only the original charger to avoid damaging the device.
How to Make Your Smartphone Battery Last Longer
Above we talked about some of the biggest battery myths, now let us discuss something that actually works. A little care goes a long way, so following a few smart habits can help your phone last longer and save you from the hassle of frequent battery replacements.
1. Charge smart, not fast
Fast charging is convenient, but constant use of high-speed chargers can drain your battery faster. The best attitude? Charge your battery consistently and keep the charge level between 20-80% whenever possible. This simple habit can extend battery life by 40%.
2. Keep the battery cool
Heat is your battery's worst enemy. If you leave your phone in the sun, charge it under a pillow, or turn up the brightness too much, all of these can cause overheating, which speeds up battery drain. If your phone starts to heat up, let it cool down before using it again.
3. Optimize your settings
Your phone doesn't always need a charge - sometimes a few tweaks can make a big difference. So, reduce screen brightness, disable unnecessary background apps, and use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data to save energy and extend your battery life throughout the day.
Use Gadgets Wisely
In the world of technology, misconceptions live longer than the gadgets themselves. So the main rule for you is not to blindly follow habits, but to understand what really helps to prolong the life of your smartphone. After all, taking care of the battery is more than saving money, it's a conscious attitude to modern technology.
