This article originally appeared and was published on AOL.com
One problem that plagues smartphone users everywhere is short battery life. While using apps less frequently and turning down the brightness on your screen can help save precious battery life, a study has discovered that you might be charging your smartphone the wrong way to begin with.
Battery University, a site by battery company Cadex, has released a study proving that many people are charging their phones in way that will ruin their battery life in the long run. The report goes into detail describing wrong charging practices and why they are bad for your phone.
But don’t worry, Battery University gave these guidelines for correct charging practices:
1. Remove your phone from the charger when it is fully charged. Leaving your phone plugged in when fully charged is bad for battery life. According to Battery University, “this is like relaxing the muscles after strenuous exercise.
2. Don’t charge your battery to 100 percent. Battery University says, “it is better not to fully charge, because a high voltage stresses the battery”
3. Don’t charge your battery at extreme temperatures. “Extreme cold and high heat reduce charge acceptance, so the battery must be brought to a moderate temperature before charging,” Battery University says.
4. Charge your phone periodically during the day. Avoid long charging sessions.
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