Avoid These Smartphone Battery Charging and Battery Protection Myths That Just Waste Time

Improved smartphone and battery technology means that many old charging and protection tips that were once true are now outdated

As smartphone batteries age, their capacity to hold a charge naturally declines. This process is unavoidable because of the way lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries degrade over time. While you can slow the rate of capacity loss with smart habits, no battery will last forever. In recent years, however, a number of so-called “battery hacks” and charging rules have been passed around online that either no longer apply or were never accurate in the first place. Following them wastes time and, in some cases, could actually harm your phone or battery. Here are the most common myths, along with updated facts and practical steps you can take to get the most from your device.

Myth 1: Closing apps you are not using will dramatically extend battery life

Many users believe that closing all background apps will give them hours of extra use. In reality, most modern operating systems suspend inactive apps so they consume minimal power. The phone’s RAM uses the same amount of power whether or not it is storing app data, and reopening apps from scratch can actually use more power than resuming them from memory.

On iOS and Android, system-level memory management is designed to keep only active processes running. That said, there are exceptions. Apps that actively refresh in the background, such as email clients, social media apps, or live sports trackers, may use small amounts of power over time. Closing these specific apps can save a few minutes of battery life, but the difference is rarely significant.

The one major exception is navigation software. GPS-driven apps like Google Maps, Waze, or hiking trackers use location services continuously, which can drain the battery quickly, especially on older devices. If you are done navigating, close the app or disable location permissions until you need them again.

Myth 2: Disabling Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular data will save hours of power

In earlier smartphones, wireless radios were major power drains, and turning them off could noticeably extend battery life. With modern chips, the power cost of keeping Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on but idle is very low. Newer radios use adaptive power scaling, which means they only draw significant energy during active data transmission.

If you are far from a Wi-Fi access point or in an area with poor cellular coverage, your device may boost signal power to maintain the connection, increasing battery drain. In that situation, temporarily disabling the connection can help. The same goes for Bluetooth if you are not connected to any accessories. Still, most users will not see a dramatic benefit unless they are in a fringe coverage area.

Location services vary. Many apps request location only when actively used, which is efficient. Others track location continuously for features like geotagging photos or logging workouts. Review your app settings and limit “always-on” location permissions to apps that truly need it.

Myth 3: Aftermarket chargers will damage your battery

The charging rate and voltage are controlled by your phone’s internal circuitry, not the charger itself. This means a properly designed third-party charger will not overcharge or “fry” your battery. However, counterfeit or poorly made chargers can pose serious hazards. Low-quality components can cause overheating, unstable current output, and in extreme cases, electrical fires.

When buying an extra charger, choose products from reputable brands or directly from trusted retailers. Be wary of extremely low prices, especially from unknown sellers on online marketplaces. Even legitimate platforms can have counterfeit listings. Look for independent safety certifications and avoid chargers that feel unusually lightweight or have poor build quality. This is especially important with high-wattage fast chargers, which place greater stress on components.

Myth 4: Charging overnight will ruin the battery

This was true for older nickel-cadmium batteries, which suffered from overcharging and “memory” effects. Modern lithium-ion batteries and charging controllers are far more sophisticated. When the battery reaches 100%, the phone will stop charging and run from the external power source until it needs a brief top-up. This keeps the battery at or near full without constant overcharging.

It is generally safe to charge overnight. Some devices now offer “optimized charging” modes that slow the final 20% of charging or pause at 80% until just before you typically unplug the device. This reduces the time the battery spends at high voltage, which can extend its overall lifespan. If your phone offers this setting, enable it for extra longevity.

Myth 5: Aftermarket batteries are as safe as manufacturer batteries

Genuine manufacturer batteries go through rigorous safety and quality control testing. Many aftermarket batteries meet those same standards, but some do not. Cheaper options may lack proper thermal management, leading to overheating, swelling, or leakage. Poorly made batteries can also cause short circuits or damage internal phone components.

If you replace your battery, source it from an authorized service center or a supplier with documented safety testing. Avoid bargain batteries from unknown brands, as the risks outweigh the savings. If your device has a sealed battery, professional replacement is often the safest route.

Myth 6: You should let your phone’s battery drain completely before charging

Older rechargeable batteries developed “memory” and lost capacity if recharged too soon. Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from this in the same way. In fact, fully discharging a lithium-ion battery too often can shorten its life. These batteries are most comfortable staying between about 20% and 80% charge.

It is fine to recharge at any point. Most manufacturers recommend charging when the battery drops to around 30% to 50% and avoiding letting it hit 0% except occasionally for calibration. Running a full discharge once every month or two can help the battery meter stay accurate, but it is not necessary for performance.

Additional battery facts to keep in mind

• High heat is one of the biggest enemies of battery health. Avoid leaving your phone in hot cars, direct sunlight, or near heaters.
• Fast charging is safe for most devices but generates more heat. If longevity is your top priority, slow charge when possible.
• Battery health metrics in phone settings are useful but not exact. A drop below 80% capacity usually means noticeably shorter usage between charges.
• Keeping software up to date can improve battery efficiency because manufacturers often refine power management in updates.

Understanding how modern batteries and charging systems actually work will help you get more life from your device without wasting effort on outdated advice. By focusing on heat management, avoiding deep discharges, using quality accessories, and adjusting settings for high-drain apps, you can extend battery performance and safety without falling for myths that no longer apply.