In recent years, battery technology has made important strides. It is not just a matter of greater autonomy, but also of increasingly rapid and intelligent charging systems. — Pixabay
Charging your phone has become an essential daily ritual. In the morning as soon as we wake up, in the office in front of the computer, in the car or in the evening before going to sleep: we all try to have our smartphones always ready for use. The intensity with which we use it, between messages, social media, games, videos and work, means that the battery runs out several times a day. Not surprisingly, one of the most widespread fears is running out of charge at the least opportune moment.
In recent years, battery technology has made important strides. It is not just a matter of greater autonomy, but also of increasingly rapid and intelligent charging systems. Modern chargers, in fact, allow you to bring your smartphone back to 100% in a very short time, using algorithms that optimally manage the flow of energy and reduce the risks of overheating. However, we don't always have time to wait: that's why there are some simple tricks that allow you to further reduce charging times and, at the same time, protect the battery in the long run.
One of the most effective methods to speed up charging is to activate airplane mode. In this state, the phone interrupts all connections – data network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even signal searching – reducing energy consumption to almost zero. In practice, while the battery is receiving energy, it is not simultaneously being "sucked" by background processes. Several tests have shown that the charging time can be reduced by up to 25%. It's a particularly useful trick when you have little time and want to get the most out of it in a few minutes, for example before leaving the house.
A common mistake is to use universal or cheap cables and adapters, thinking that "one is as good as another". In reality, each smartphone is designed to work with specific voltage and amperage values. Using an incompatible charger can not only slow down charging, but also reduce battery life, cause overheating or even safety risks. The solution is simple: always rely on the original charger supplied by the manufacturer or, if you need a replacement, a certified one. It is a minimal investment that can extend the life of your smartphone for years.
Watching a Netflix series, playing a heavy game or even just browsing while the phone is charging is a widespread temptation, but it represents a bad habit. The reason is simple: while the smartphone is charging, it is also consuming energy to manage the apps. This double work not only slows down charging, but also causes the battery and internal components to heat up more. Heat is one of the main enemies of battery longevity. If you want the charge to be fast and efficient, it is best to let the phone rest during the process.
Dust, lint or small residues in the USB-C or Lightning connector may seem harmless, but in reality they compromise the correct contact between the cable and the phone. This leads to interruptions, slower charging or even problems in the long run. A good habit is to check and gently clean the charging port every now and then, using appropriate tools such as a dry stick, compressed air or a microfibre cloth. It is a small gesture that guarantees efficiency and prevents malfunctions.
Beyond speed, the real challenge is to preserve battery capacity over time. Some precautions can make a difference: it is better not to leave your smartphone constantly charging all night. Even though modern systems stop charging at 100%, keeping the battery at full voltage for hours is not ideal. It is good to avoid letting the phone discharge to 0% too often: it is better to recharge it when it drops to around 20-30%. Then you should always take advantage of the "optimised charging" functions present on many models, which slow down the charge in the last stages to reduce battery stress. Finally, it is better not to expose your smartphone to heat sources during charging: avoiding keeping it under the pillow, in the sun or near a radiator helps to keep temperatures stable. – Adnkronos International, Rome/Tribune News Service
