Smartphone Battery Life: 12+ Tips and Tricks for Longer Lasting Power

Are you tired of your smartphone battery running out faster than you can say, “Where did I put my reading glasses?“

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that smartphones have a knack for running out of juice at the worst possible times.

Like when you’re sharing that adorable cat video with your bridge club, or you’re reading an online recipe halfway through cooking (wait, was that bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees, or was it 35 minutes at 500 degrees?!)

The soul-crushing disappointment is enough to make you want to revert to carrier pigeons for communication.

But fear not! Just like you wouldn’t let your plants wither without water (unless you’re like me and consider brown to be a perfectly acceptable leaf color), you don’t have to let your phone battery die a slow and painful death.

The tips and tricks below are going to revolutionize your smartphone experience.

No longer will you have to endure the frustration of a dying battery at crucial moments. Instead, you’ll learn how to make your smartphone battery last longer than your favorite pair of elastic-waist pants!

So grab your reading glasses and get ready to outsmart your smartphone with some nifty tricks.

Dim the Screen: The Secret to a Longer-Lasting Phone Battery

Let’s face it: your phone’s screen is a tiny sun that drains your battery faster than you can say, “Where’s the charger?”

One of the easiest ways to extend your battery life is to dim that dazzling display.

Here’s how:

(Warning: Tech companies love rearranging things. If the instructions below aren’t exact, the tech fairies have probably moved things around. Try searching for the setting on your device. If that doesn’t work, ask a trusted friend or family member for help, or do a quick web search for instructions using your device model and software version.)

On Android Devices

If you have an Android device, like a Samsung Galaxy, here’s what you do: swipe down twice from the top of your screen.

You’ll spot a little sun icon (☼) at the bottom, hanging out on the left side of a thin bar. Simply drag your finger along this bar to lower the brightness.

Think of it as turning down the sun without having to call in a favor from Mother Nature.

On iPhones and iPads

For those rocking an iPhone or iPad, the process is just as simple.

On newer models, swipe down from the top right corner of your screen. If you’re using an iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom edge. This will reveal the Control Center, which includes a brightness bar marked with a sun icon (☼).

To dim the brightness, drag the bar down or to the left, depending on whether you’re holding your device portrait or landscape.

The Magic of Auto-Brightness

Here’s a nifty trick: many devices come with a sensor that adjusts the screen brightness based on the light around you. It’s like having your own personal lighting assistant.

On Android, this feature is called Adaptive Brightness. To turn it on, go to Settings > Display. Then toggle the button for Adaptive Brightness to turn it on or off.

For iPhone users, you can enable Auto-Brightness by going to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Auto-Brightness. If the toggle switch is green, congratulations! It’s already on.

So there you have it. Dimming your screen is like putting your phone on a low-calorie diet – it’ll last longer and might even thank you for it.

Use Power-Saver Mode

Imagine you’re at a party, and you’ve been dancing all night (I said imagine). Now, it’s 2 AM, and your feet hurt, so you decide it’s time to slow down, take a seat, and sip some water.

That’s exactly what your phone does when you switch to power-saver mode.

The Basics of Power-Saver Mode

While you might not want to live in low-power mode all the time, many new computers, smartphones, and tablets offer this feature in some form. It’s like your phone’s version of a power nap.

Enabled in Settings, power-saver mode often turns the screen to black and white, darkens the display, and turns off nonessential wireless features.

Automatic Power-Saving Mode

Devices running low on battery will sometimes switch to power-saving mode automatically when the battery dips to around 20 percent. It’s like your phone waving a tiny white flag.

But if you want to take control and activate it manually, here’s how:

On Android Devices

For Android phones, head to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Power mode. Here, you’ll see a projection of how much time you have left on your current charge.

If you tap More battery settings, you can choose an Adaptive battery option that might extend battery life based on your usage patterns.

On iPhones

For iPhone users, go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode. Toggle the switch to green, and voilà! Your phone is now in Low Power Mode. It’s like giving your phone a cozy blanket and a warm cup of tea.

So, next time you see your battery percentage dropping faster than your enthusiasm at the DMV, remember to switch on power-saver mode.

Reduce Push Notifications: Give Your Phone a Breather

Imagine your phone is like a toddler who just discovered how to yell, “Look at me!” every five seconds.

That’s what push notifications do to your battery – they keep it on high alert, constantly checking for new emails, game updates, sports scores, or stock quotes. It’s exhausting!

The Push vs. Pull Debate

If you can, turn off push services or reduce the frequency of these notifications. Instead of letting your phone constantly chatter with the internet, choose to get your messages only when you need them.

It’s basically telling your phone, “Relax, I’ll call you when I need you.”

Disabling Push Notifications Individually

If you still want push mail, at least disable push notifications for little-used apps in your smartphone’s Settings section. Here’s how to do it:

On Android Phones: Go to Settings > Notifications.

On iPhones: Go to Settings > Notifications.

So, to stop your phone from behaving like a hyperactive toddler, reduce those push notifications. Your battery will thank you, and your phone will finally get the peace and quiet it deserves.

Cutting Off Unnecessary Wireless Features

Phone manufacturers also let you turn off wireless features you don’t need at the moment, saving battery life. This includes Bluetooth, GPS, near-field communication (NFC), and Wi-Fi.

However, be aware of which apps use these features before turning them off.

For example, mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay use NFC technology. Google Maps uses GPS to navigate, and you’ll want to use Wi-Fi at home if your wireless plan limits data use.

Apps: Your Battery’s Worst Enemies

Imagine your smartphone is a tiny marathon runner, and every app you open is like adding another brick to its backpack.

If you want your battery to last longer than a popsicle in July, you need to watch out for those sneaky, power-hungry apps.

The Usual Suspects

No matter your device, some tasks are the equivalent of making your phone sprint up a hill.

Watching videos or playing multiplayer games will drain your battery faster than you can say “low power mode.” So, if you’re planning a binge-watching session or a marathon gaming spree, make sure your device is well-charged or plugged in.

Other battery vampires include apps that render images in 3D, heavy-duty productivity software like Adobe Photoshop and Apple iMovie, and sophisticated games. These apps make your phone work harder than a cat herder on a bad day.

Pretty But Power-Hungry

Animated wallpapers, also known as live or dynamic wallpapers, look great but require constant power to keep moving. If you want to save battery, stick to simple wallpapers.

Multitasking Mayhem

Multitasking might make you feel productive, but it’s a surefire way to drain your battery quickly. Listening to music while reading an e-book?

Your phone is juggling like a circus performer. When you’re done with an app, close it to give your battery a break.

So there you have it. Keep an eye on those power-hungry apps, and your battery will thank you by sticking around longer.

Limit Location Services

Your phone is like a nosy neighbor who always wants to know where you are. Location services are handy when you’re lost or need directions, but they also drain your battery faster than a toddler can lose a shoe.

Take Control of Location Tracking

Check your smartphone settings to ensure that apps only track your location when you’re using them. This way, your phone won’t be constantly playing hide and seek with GPS satellites.

The Bonus

Not only will limiting location services save your battery, but it also means your phone gathers less information about you. It’s like putting a privacy filter on your phone. Plus, you’ll have more control over when and why your location is tracked.

How to Do It

On Android Phones: Go to Settings > Location > App permissions. Here, you can choose which apps can access your location all the time, only while using the app, or never.

On iPhones: Head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. You can set each app to “Never,” “Ask Next Time,” or “While Using the App.”

By taking these steps, you’ll give your battery a break and keep your phone from constantly playing detective. It’s a win-win: more battery life and more privacy. Now you can enjoy your day without your phone tracking your every move like an overzealous spy.

Update Your Operating System: The Secret to a Happy Phone

Your phone is kinda like a car. Every so often, it needs a tune-up to run smoothly and efficiently.

Updating your operating system is like giving your phone that much-needed tune-up. It’s the best way to ensure that power management is top-notch and those pesky software bugs are squashed.

The Benefits of Updating

Manufacturers are constantly working on new ways to improve power management and fix software bugs that can affect battery performance. So, when that update notification pops up, don’t ignore it like a questionable text from your ex. Embrace it!

Automatic Updates

Check if your device is set to download and install updates automatically. This is the best way to ensure your phone is always running the latest and greatest software without you having to lift a finger.

So, the next time you see an update notification, think of it as your phone asking for a little TLC.

Give it the love it needs, and it will reward you with better battery life and smoother performance. It’s like a spa day for your phone!

Lock Your Phone: Keep Your Battery and Dignity Intact

Always lock your smartphone when you’re not using it. Most phones have a button on the right side that makes this easy. Locking your phone ensures it won’t accidentally turn on when it’s in your pocket or purse because you hit a button or the screen.

Think of it as putting your phone in time-out.

Benefits Beyond Battery Life

Locking your phone also prevents embarrassing pocket dials. Imagine calling your boss while your phone is nestled in your pocket. Not fun.

By locking your phone, you keep your conversations private and your battery life intact.

How to Lock Your Phone

On Android Phones: Press the power button, usually located on the right side of your phone.

On iPhones: Press the side button (or top button on older models) to lock your screen.

You’ll still receive calls and texts, but your phone won’t spring to life at the slightest nudge. It’s a simple step that saves battery and saves you from potential embarrassment.

So, lock your phone like it’s Fort Knox and enjoy a longer-lasting battery and fewer awkward moments.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Save Your Battery from a Meltdown

Your smartphone’s battery is like a diva – it doesn’t like extreme temperatures. Whether it’s freezing cold or scorching hot, your battery will suffer, and you’ll be left scrambling for a charger faster than you can say “low battery.”

The Great Temperature Balancing Act

Extreme temperatures are bad news for your battery. While there’s only so much you can do to control the weather, there are a few tricks to help keep your phone comfortable:

1. Avoid Leaving Your Phone in the Car: Leaving your smartphone on the dashboard on a sunny day is like putting it in a sauna. The intense heat can damage your battery and other internal components. So, treat your phone like a precious cargo and take it with you.
2. Keep It Close in Cold Weather: In extremely cold conditions, your battery might feel like it’s hibernating. Keep your phone in a warm place, like an inside pocket close to your body, to help it stay warm and maintain battery performance.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Whether you’re at the beach or lounging by the pool, keep your phone out of direct sunlight. Shade is your phone’s best friend on sunny days.

By avoiding extreme temperatures, you’ll keep your battery happy and healthy. It’s like giving your phone a comfy sweater in the winter and a cool drink in the summer.

Keep your device at a comfortable temperature, and it will thank you with longer battery life and better performance.

Turn Off Always-On Display and Reduce Screen Timeout: Save Your Battery, Save Your Sanity

The screen is the biggest battery hog, so reducing the time it stays on can make a big difference. Sure, the lowest setting might drive you crazy, so choose a timeout that suits your patience level.

For iPhones

To put your iPhone on a screen-time diet:

1. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness.
2. Set Auto-Lock to 30 seconds. Yes, it’s short, but your battery will thank you.
3. Consider toggling Always On off, because really, does your screen need to be awake 24/7?

For Android Phones

Android users, here’s your game plan:

1. Go to Settings > Display.
2. Set Screen Timeout to 15 seconds. It’s like sending your screen to a power nap.
3. Consider turning Screen Saver off. Your screen doesn’t need to be the life of the party when you’re not even looking at it.
4. Go to Settings > Display > Lockscreen and ensure Always Show Time and Info is toggled off. Your phone doesn’t need to be a clock all the time.

Enable Dark Mode

If your smartphone has an OLED or AMOLED screen, enabling dark mode can also save battery life. These screens turn pixels off when displaying black, so it’s like giving your battery a break in the shade.

By turning off the always-on display and reducing screen timeout, you’ll extend your battery life and keep your phone from running out of juice at the worst possible moments. Your phone might sulk a little at first, but soon enough, it will appreciate the downtime.

Connect to Wi-Fi and Use Airplane Mode: Keep Your Battery from Going MIA

Your phone is like an overzealous scout, always on the lookout for the best cell signal. When it can’t find one, it works overtime, draining your battery faster than you can say, “Where’s the charger?”

Here’s how to keep your battery from going MIA by connecting to Wi-Fi and using Airplane Mode.

Connect to Wi-Fi

When you’re in an area with a weak cell signal, your phone works extra hard to maintain a connection, which drains your battery. Instead, connect to a Wi-Fi network whenever possible. It’s like giving your phone a comfy chair to relax in.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi: Go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and connect to a network. This will save your battery from the exhausting search for a cell signal.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi Calling: This feature lets you make calls over Wi-Fi, reducing the need for a strong cell signal. It’s a win-win for your battery and call quality.

Use Airplane Mode in Rural Areas

If you’re traveling through a rural area with poor coverage and don’t need your smartphone for a while, consider switching on Airplane Mode. It’s like telling your phone to take a nap and stop searching for a signal.

1. Turn on Airplane Mode: Swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the airplane icon. This disables all wireless connections, saving battery life.
2. Remember to Switch It Off: When you’re back in an area with good coverage or need to use your phone, swipe down again and turn off Airplane Mode. Just remember, your phone is disconnected from the network while Airplane Mode is on, so you won’t receive calls or messages.

Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

When using public Wi-Fi networks, make sure to follow steps to secure yourself. This includes using a VPN, avoiding sensitive transactions, and making sure your connection is encrypted. Your battery and your personal data will thank you.

By connecting to Wi-Fi and using Airplane Mode strategically, you can save your battery from unnecessary strain. It’s like giving your phone a much-needed break, so it’s ready to go when you need it most.

Kill Keyboard Sounds and Vibrations: Save Your Battery and Your Sanity

Keyboard sounds are like the tiny drumbeats of texting – and while they might add a bit of flair to your typing, they also drain your battery (not to mention annoy everyone around you).

Here’s how to silence those pesky sounds and vibrations to give your battery a break.

The Case Against Keyboard Sounds and Vibrations

Realistically, turning off keyboard sounds and vibrations will have a minimal impact on battery life unless you’re a texting fiend.

But every little bit helps, right? Plus, it’s a considerate move for anyone within earshot.

For iPhones

To silence your iPhone’s clickety-clack:

1. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
2. Toggle Lock Sound off.
3. Tap Keyboard Feedback and toggle Sound off. You might consider turning Haptic off, too, for an extra boost to battery savings.

For Android Phones

For Android users, here’s how to shush your phone:

1. Go to Settings > Sound and Vibration.
2. Toggle off Screen Locking Sound and Touch Sounds.
3. Consider turning off Vibration and Haptics for an even quieter, more battery-friendly experience.

By turning off keyboard sounds and vibrations, you’ll enjoy a quieter typing experience and a slight improvement in battery life.

It’s a small change, but one that makes texting a little less disruptive and your phone a little more efficient.

So go ahead and give your keyboard a silent mode makeover – your battery and those around you will appreciate it.