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Date Published: 24/07/2026

You're probably charging your phone wrong, and it's slowly killing the battery

A few simple habits can make a real difference to how long your devices last, and most of them cost nothing to change

Most of us charge our phones, tablets and laptops every day without giving it much thought. Plug it in, walk away, job done. But the way you charge your devices has a surprisingly significant impact on how long they last, and some of the most common habits are quietly doing damage. Here is what to watch out for.

1. Using a cheap or generic charger

This is the big one. A low-quality or non-original charger might seem like a perfectly reasonable shortcut, but it can cause voltage fluctuations and overheating that wear out your battery faster than almost anything else. If your phone gets noticeably hot while charging, the charger is very often the culprit.

2. Leaving it plugged in overnight

It feels harmless, and modern devices are smarter than they used to be, but routinely charging to 100% and leaving it there does put unnecessary stress on the battery over time. Ideally, unplug once it is fully charged, or use a slow charging mode if your device supports it.

3. Ignoring the sweet spot

Experts suggest that keeping your battery between 20% and 80% significantly extends its overall lifespan. Always running it flat before charging, or always topping it up to 100%, both accelerate wear. It is a small habit change that makes a genuine long-term difference.

4. Using the wrong cable

A good charger paired with a poor cable is a wasted combination. Cheap cables limit how much power actually reaches your device, which means slower charging and, over time, more strain. A quality cable also lasts considerably longer, so it is worth spending a little more.

5. Charging in extreme temperatures

Heat and cold both affect battery performance and longevity. Charging your phone in a hot car, or in direct sunlight on a warm day, degrades the battery faster than normal use. Keep charging somewhere reasonably cool and dry where possible.

6. Not matching the charger to the device

Not all chargers are equal in terms of power output. A mobile phone typically needs 20 to 30 watts, a tablet needs at least 30 to 45, and a laptop requires 65 or more. Using a charger that is too low in power either slows things down considerably or, in the case of laptops, may not charge at all while the device is in use.

7. Ignoring wireless charging for overnight top-ups

Wireless charging is slower, which actually makes it well suited for overnight charging when speed is not a priority. Alternating between wired and wireless charging is a practical approach that works well for most people.

None of this requires buying anything expensive or changing your routine dramatically. A few small adjustments and your devices will thank you for it.

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