Whether it’s your phone, tablet, or laptop, we all suffer from “battery anxiety.” While batteries naturally degrade over time, a few simple habits can keep yours holding a charge for much longer.
The 20-80 Rule
Modern lithium-ion batteries are happiest when kept between 20% and 80% charge. Constantly draining your phone until it dies, or leaving it plugged in at 100% for days, puts “stress” on the battery cells. If you charge your phone overnight, check your settings for “Optimised Battery Charging”—this slows down the final 20% of the charge to protect the battery.
Beat the Heat
In our Queensland climate, heat is the number one enemy of electronics. Charging your phone under a pillow or leaving your laptop in a hot car can permanently reduce its capacity. If your device feels hot to the touch while charging, move it to a cooler surface or remove the protective case.
Storage Tips
If you have a gadget you aren’t going to use for a few months, don’t store it empty. Charge it to about 50% and turn it off completely. This prevents the battery from falling into a “deep discharge” state, which can sometimes prevent it from ever turning on again.
