Limiting Smartphone Battery Charge to 80%: A Simple Trick to Extend Battery Lifespan

In a bid to extend the lifespan of smartphone batteries, many modern Android and iPhone devices now offer an option to limit battery charging to 80%. While this might seem unusual, the practice can actually help preserve battery health in the long term.

Smartphone batteries degrade over time due to two main factors: heat and voltage. While heat can be controlled by keeping your device cool, voltage wear occurs as the battery charges. When charging from 60% to full, the battery experiences higher voltages, which over time can wear out the battery faster. By capping the charge at 80%, the battery avoids peak voltage, potentially reducing the rate of degradation.

Should you limit your battery charge? If you’re someone who has regular access to a charger, setting the limit to 80% can be a good idea. This is especially useful for those who rely heavily on their devices, such as tablet users who need their device for long hours of work. Over time, this practice may help in maintaining better battery health for years to come.

However, for those who are frequently on the go, or if you’re a mobile gamer, this limitation may not be practical as you might need that extra 20% charge to last through the day. Luckily, most smartphone manufacturers now offer affordable battery replacements, should your battery degrade over time.

To enable the 80% charge limit, Android and iPhone users can easily find this option in their device settings. On Samsung devices, it’s called “Battery Protection,” while on OnePlus devices, it is listed under “Battery Health.”