We have to charge our smartphones every day and do it so often that it has almost become a matter of course. But it should be remembered that even when charging, errors can occur and damage the device in the long term.
You may already know that it's not ideal to charge your device to 100%; in fact, you only need to charge your phone to 80% to keep its battery in the best condition. But here are three other common mistakes you might also be guilty of.
Use the correct cable
Most smartphones are supplied by the manufacturer with a suitable charging cable. But this is not always the case. And even if you buy a new cable, you shouldn't use just any old one.
To ensure that the charging cable works properly, is protected against overheating, and transmits consistent power, USB-IF (or MFi for Apple devices) certification is essential.
You should also make sure that the transmission capacity of the cable approximately matches the wattage of your PSU. This will allow you to achieve the fastest possible loading speed. You can also check this at the same time as you charge with a battery app.
If necessary, a cheap USB cable will also do the job if you don't have anything else on hand. However, poorly insulated and uncertified cables can lead to voltage fluctuations and short circuits, which can also damage the connected device and its battery.
Use an appropriate power adapter
You should also make sure that you are using the correct power adapter for your smartphone and charging cable. If your device supports fast charging, you should also use a suitable power adapter. Otherwise, you will have to wait longer for the smartphone to charge.
Furthermore, it is also not recommended to leave the power adapter permanently plugged into the outlet. Not only will you be constantly consuming power, but in the worst case scenario, the power adapter could also be damaged in the event of a short circuit.
Avoid cable breakage
Last but not least, it is important to always keep the charging cable straight and not bend it. When your phone is plugged into a nightstand or desk, often your smartphone lies flat but the cable does not, resulting in a kink that eventually leads to damage. Faulty cables can also lead to faulty transmissions, overheating and short circuits.
Check out our roundup of the best power banks for your phone.
This article was originally published on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
