Common Myths About Smartphone Charging

Smartphones have now become an inevitable part of our daily lives. We may be able to do things, and go out without friends or family, but only with our smartphones. That is the only thing we take with us wherever we go.

So, it is hard for many of us to change the companion occasionally, and end up looking for ways to keep it working for longer. With this, there is growing awareness and myths surrounding the ways to keep them working for longer years, and the most popular ones are about battery life. 

Here are some common myths, the truth, and tips about smartphone charging. But before getting into that it is good to know the working mechanism for better awareness. 

The working mechanism of modern smartphone batteries

Modern smartphones use lithium-ion batteries mainly because of their longer lifespan and lightweight. Lithium cobalt oxide is the cathode (positive terminal) and graphite is the anode (negative terminal)  used in the battery.

Energy is produced from the battery when lithium ions move from anode to cathode, that is from the graphite to lithium cobalt oxide. When the battery is charging, the ions move the opposite way, that is from lithium cobalt oxide to graphite. When we charge our phones this shifting occurs and the atomic structure is compromised.

The functioning of the battery is affected by regular movement of ions. This is when the battery life declines. The usual lifespan of lithium-ion batteries is around 2-3 years or up to 300-500 charge cycles. One charge cycle is the period from one fully charged battery to zero per cent and then full again. 

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Debunking the Myths

Charging the phone overnight can reduce battery life

Modern devices are designed to stop charging once they reach a certain limit, so your battery cannot be damaged when left on charge overnight.

However, there are some other risks associated with this unless the wiring system at your home is in good condition or you are not using a defective charger. You should also make sure that the device you are using can withstand the heat exchange. 

Charging the phone only when it is fully drained can increase battery life

You actually should be doing the exact opposite of this. When you charge your phone from zero to one hundred per cent, it takes up a charge cycle. That means you are reducing the lifespan of the battery by charging in this manner. Charge your phone before it’s dead, and it is better to stop charging before it’s 100%. 

Continuing to charge even after 100% can make the phone usable for a longer period

Well, this is true but it can harm your battery in the long run. There is a little bit more room for charging even if it shows full. This is because the manufacturers aim to keep the battery life longer.

They don’t want you to take up the charging cycles in a few days of usage. Be mindful and only charge the phone below the limit. 

Using some other brand’s charger can damage the battery

This is true in most cases, but not always. The charger that is designed for your smartphone best suits its capacity and technology. So it is always better to use a specially designed charger for your phone. Some off-brand chargers might not have the capacity to limit charging and other safety measures. 

Using the phone while it is charging can damage the battery and cause an explosion

This is the most feared myth among many as there are several cases of mobile explosions while using the phone on charging. This is not true, but such cases happen due to many external factors. The wiring of the building may not be in good condition, or using a defective charger can lead to such misfortunes.

The poor condition of your battery can also lead to an explosion. The breakage of the components of the battery can lead to volatile reactions and explosions.

Leaving the charger plugged in can cause an explosion or fire outbreak

This rests completely on the shoulders of the quality of electrical wiring at the place you have put the phone on charge and also the quality of the device and charger. This applies to every electrical appliance. 

Slow charging can cause battery damage

If your smartphone is charging slowly because it’s connected to a laptop or computer, then this statement is not true. Slow charging is good for the battery as it slows down the ion exchange and puts less strain on the battery.

If the device is charging slowly because of a defective charger, it is better to change the charger to avoid further complications.  

Switching off the phone occasionally can increase battery life.

This is not true in the case of lithium-ion batteries. This myth came as the previously used nickel metal hydride batteries could not read the charge it was at.

Lithium-ion batteries do not require to shut on and off to keep track of the charge and also it is harmful to drain all the charge and then recharge to full again as previously mentioned. 

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What to keep in mind?

There are many common misconceptions about our smartphone’s battery life. Most of these myths are not true, but many have other reasons that are beneficial for your phone and its battery life. It is better to know how a battery works to burst all these misconceptions. 

The ideal charge for your battery life is 50%, and keep the charge between 20-80%. Do not overcharge or drain the battery, reducing its life. There is no need to power off the phone to give a rest. It can only reduce the life of the battery. 

Concerns have increased based on phone explosion cases which we attribute to the battery as well. Lithium-ion batteries can explode when the components are broken. Getting aware and using your smartphone and its charger properly can avoid such dangers.

The lifespan of a smartphone battery is 2-3 years. You can change the battery if you feel it is not working to its full potential, or the battery is draining than usual. This can increase the device’s lifespan.