5 Things That Can Damage Your Smartphone Battery

Tag : Teknik Blogging - Asep Haryono | 5 Things That Can Damage Your Smartphone Battery - Powered by Blogger

Happy Tuesday everyone. How is going?

I still remember quite well the first time I had a cellphone it was at the end of 2001. My very first cellphone was a Nokia 3310, which was one of the most popular phones in Indonesia at that time. The price back then was around $100, or about Rp 1,300,000 in Indonesian currency. I was so happy at that moment, and I felt like a celebrity because, to me, owning a cellphone was such a luxury

Let's get cracking.

Today’s story is not about the model, type, or brand of the cellphone, but about something much more important to its life the battery.

We love our smartphones, right? They’re basically our mini-universe: our camera, wallet, chat buddy, gaming console, and everything in between. But here’s the thing most of us unknowingly do stuff that slowly kills our phone’s battery life. And once the battery goes bad, it’s game over for your phone unless you’re ready to spend money on a replacement (which isn’t cheap).

This is one of my old-fashioned cellphones 
not to mention, it’s still worth keeping
Photo by Aseo Haryono

So, if you’ve ever wondered why your shiny new phone doesn’t last as long as it did when you first bought it, this article’s for you. Let’s break down some common habits and conditions that can damage your smartphone battery and of course, how to avoid them.

1. Overcharging (Keeping It at 100% Too Long)
Leaving your phone plugged in overnight might feel convenient, but it’s not great for the battery. Modern phones are smart they stop charging at 100%. But here’s the catch: once the battery dips slightly, the charger tops it up again. This tiny cycle repeats all night, keeping your phone at full charge for hours. That constant stress shortens the battery’s lifespan. If possible, unplug once you hit 80–90%. If you have to charge overnight, try using a smart plug with a timer.

2. Letting the Battery Drain to 0% Frequently
Some people think draining their battery completely before charging is “healthy.” That might’ve been true for old nickel batteries, but not for today’s lithium-ion ones. Running your phone down to 0% too often stresses the battery. Instead, aim to keep your charge between 20% and 80%. That’s the sweet spot for long-term battery health.


3. Extreme Temperatures
Heat is the number one enemy of batteries. Leaving your phone inside a hot car, under direct sunlight, or using heavy apps while charging can overheat the battery. And the damage? Permanent.

Cold weather isn’t as destructive, but it still affects performance. If you’re in freezing conditions, your battery might drain super quickly. The key? Keep your phone away from extreme heat and cold whenever possible.

A purple USB cable and a black phone charger placed on a wooden desk in front of my laptop.  I have been using this stuff for a few months ago. These are not original accessories , so please don’t follow my way of using non-original chargers for your cellphone. Always use the original one for safety. Please don't do that
Photo by Asep Haryono

4. Using Cheap or Uncertified Chargers
We’ve all seen those super cheap chargers at the convenience store or night market. Tempting, right? But using uncertified chargers can be dangerous. They often deliver unstable voltage, which harms your battery and could even fry your phone’s circuits.

Stick with the charger that came with your phone, or buy trusted, certified replacements. Your battery will thank you.

5. Charging with the Phone Case On
This one surprises a lot of people. Some phone cases trap heat when you charge, especially thick or rugged ones. That extra heat speeds up battery wear. If your phone feels hot while charging, take the case off. It’s a small hassle but could make a big difference in your battery’s life.

There are still another things that you should pay more attention to take care of your cellphone especially on its battery safety such as Fast Charging All the Time, Heavy Use While Charging, Background Apps & Maxed-Out Brightness and many others


Always Software Updates Check
Got an old phone you want to keep in a drawer? Don’t leave it fully dead or fully charged. Both extremes damage the battery over time. The best way to store a phone for months is to charge it to around 50% and turn it off. That way, the battery stays in better condition.

Believe it or not, updates aren’t just about new emojis or bug fixes. Phone manufacturers often optimize battery usage in updates. Ignoring them means your phone might be working harder than it needs to, draining the battery faster.

So yeah, I know updates can be annoying, but hitting that “update” button once in a while is worth it.

A lot of people wonder if they should wait until their phone shows that low-battery warning (like at 15%) before charging. The answer? Nope. In fact, lithium-ion batteries are healthier if you charge them more often, even at 50% or 70%.

You don’t have to wait until your phone begs for power. Topping up regularly is actually better and helps extend battery life. Just try to avoid letting it hit 0% too often.

Remember
Smartphone batteries don’t last forever, but how you treat them makes a huge difference. A few tweaks like unplugging at 80–90%, avoiding extreme heat, and skipping cheap chargers can extend your battery’s life by months, maybe even years.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to baby your phone. Use it, enjoy it, but be mindful of these habits. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you when you don’t have to replace the battery or the phone too soon.

So, which of these battery-damaging habits are you guilty of? Be honest I’ll admit, I’m totally guilty of charging overnight way too often

Don’t let bad charging habits ruin your phone! Start applying these simple tips today to extend your smartphone’s battery life and save money in the long run. Share this article with your friends  because everyone deserves a battery that lasts longer!

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Hello buddy

 

 And if you find that your cell phone is completely broken  whether it’s a technical issue inside, a damaged battery, or something that isn’t working properly  remember to take it to an authorized dealer or official repair center.

 

Don’t take your phone to an uncertified service point. That’s a very important thing to remember"