SAMSUNG users are urged not to break the ‘20% rule’ – or risk impacting battery performance forever.
It was once common advice to let your phone’s battery run out completely before charging it again.
However, completely discharging the lithium-ion battery on newer devices is almost guaranteed to reduce its lifespan.
For this reason, it’s best not to let your battery drop under 20% before hooking up a charger.
If you let your phone die, it is best to do it once or twice a year – though most experts agree there is no reason to do it intentionally.
In addition to the 20% rule, there are other easy ways to reduce battery drain and keep your device healthy.
Adjusting your screen time-out settings and display brightness can substantially increase battery life.
Lower your brightness setting by pulling down the notifications menu and using the slider to adjust the brightness.
Samsung smartphones also have a Power Saving Mode that will close all unused applications for a battery boost.
And while it may seem logical to leave your device in this mode all the time, be aware that this limits device performance.
It is advised to check if you have apps like email that regularly sync, or check for updates.
Limiting how often these apps refresh can help improve battery life. This setting can be adjusted inside the individual applications.
Content that keeps the device awake over an extended period of time, like streaming apps or mobile games, can quickly drain the battery.
If you’re using power-hungry apps like navigation software while you’re on the go, consider investing in a rechargeable battery pack.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth also eat up power by regularly checking for a signal, so turning them off can help your device last longer.
It is also recommended to disable them when not in use from a security standpoint, as this can defend your data from nosy hackers and prevent Wi-Fi network attacks.
You can deactivate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location tracking by opening the drop-down men on your device and tapping the corresponding icon.
It is also worth checking your cellular signal, as your device will use more power to communicate with your network operator in areas of poor reception.
Simply switch off mobile data if you don’t need it.
One myth says leaving batteries in the freezer helps them last longer, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Such extreme conditions can cause irreparable damage to your device battery – and this goes for temperatures on either end of spectrum.
Definitely avoid the freezer, and don’t leave your smartphone in a glove compartment or drawer on sweltering hot days.
Manufacturers recommend keeping devices between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Anything above or below that range is outside safe operating temperatures.
If you do not intend to use your device for some time, ensure that it has at least 50% battery before you pack it away.
It is also crucial to ensure you’re using an appropriate charger, as amperage differs between them.
Moreover, a faulty or incompatible charger can prevent your device from charging completely.
Samsung encourages customers to use a brand-name charger, preferably the one that came in the box with your device.
Here's Samsung's official advice...
To get the most out of your smartphone’s battery, you’ll need to charge it properly.
Most Smartphones have a lithium-ion battery that lives longer when charged regularly.
Unlike the nickel batteries used in older phones, lithium-ion batteries do best when kept above a 50 percent charge.
Repeatedly allowing the battery to drain fully may shorten its life and decrease its overall capacity.
If this happens, you’ll need to charge the battery more frequently and it may last only a few hours before needing a charge, for example.
Leaving the phone connected to the charger (when the phone is completely charged) while you are using it may lower battery life if you do it repeatedly.
If you need to replace your charger, check that the amperage of your new charger is sufficient.
The power output of where you plug in your device will also affect charging time.
Charging your device directly from a power outlet will charge it faster than if you plug it into your laptop, for instance
