Your phone dies faster than it should - and most of the time, it's not the battery's fault. It's your habits. The good news? A few simple changes (and the right accessories) can make a massive difference. Here are 10 sneaky smartphone habits that are draining your battery, and what you can do about each one.
1. Always Charging to 100%
Lithium-ion batteries actually prefer to stay between 20–80% charge. Constantly topping up to 100% stresses the battery over time. Pair this with a quality USB-C cable that supports smart charging protocols, and you'll extend your battery's lifespan significantly.
2. Background App Refresh Running Non-Stop
Apps refreshing in the background are silent battery killers. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → Background App Refresh and disable it for apps you don't need live updates from. On Android, check Battery → Background usage limits.
3. Screen Brightness Cranked Up All the Time
Your display is one of the biggest power draws on your phone. Enable auto-brightness and keep it as low as comfortable. A good screen protector with anti-glare coating can help you see clearly at lower brightness levels - a win for your eyes and your battery.
4. Using Cheap or Incompatible Chargers
Not all cables are created equal. Cheap, unbranded cables can deliver inconsistent power, cause overheating, and even damage your battery over time. Investing in a quality USB-C cable with proper fast-charge support is one of the best things you can do for your phone's long-term health.
5. Ignoring Software Updates
Software updates often include battery optimisation improvements. Skipping them means you're missing out on efficiency gains your phone manufacturer has already built for you. Keep your OS up to date - it's free and takes minutes.
6. Being in Poor Signal Areas
When your phone struggles to find a signal, it ramps up its radio power to compensate - draining your battery fast. If you're in a low-signal area frequently, consider switching to Airplane Mode and using Wi-Fi calling instead.
7. Keeping Too Many Apps Open
While modern phones manage RAM reasonably well, some apps genuinely continue running in the background. Make it a habit to close apps you're done with, especially navigation, streaming, and social media apps.
8. Wireless Charging Myths vs. Reality
Wireless charging is convenient, but it generates more heat than wired charging - and heat is the enemy of battery health. Use wireless charging for top-ups during the day, but rely on a quality wired cable for your main overnight charge.
9. Running Out of Storage Space
A phone with a nearly full storage works harder - and uses more battery - to manage files and run apps. Free up space by offloading photos and files to a USB drive or expanding your storage with a compatible memory card. Keeping at least 10-15% of your storage free keeps your phone running smoothly.
10. Not Using a Case
Heat is a battery's worst enemy, and a phone without a case is more exposed to temperature extremes. A good protective case doesn't just protect against drops - it can also help regulate heat, especially in hot Australian summers.
The Bottom Line
Small habits add up. By tweaking how you charge, what accessories you use, and how you manage your apps, you can dramatically extend both your daily battery life and your phone's long-term health. And when it comes to accessories - cables, memory cards, USB drives, and screen protectors - quality really does matter.
Browse our range of premium smartphone accessories at TechCoveAU and give your phone the gear it deserves.
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