If you always go to the extreme when charging and discharging your smartphone, you will quickly be penalized with a shorter battery life. But where exactly is the ideal state between full and empty? The TÜV explains what users should pay attention to.
Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many places in the home: They are widespread in everything from smartphones and notebooks to Bluetooth boxes. But what many users don’t know is that disciplined charging and discharging can significantly extend their service life. This is indicated by the TÜV Süd.
In general, the energy dispensers should never be completely discharged, since this so-called deep discharge can lead to dangerous defects within the battery cells, the experts explain.
Smartphone batteries: full is not great
The same applies to charging: If possible, lithium batteries should never be fully charged. This usually happens with smartphones, for example, when they are plugged into the socket overnight.
A charge level between 30 and 70 percent is ideal for the battery. So you shouldn’t charge it to more than 70 percent. And if the battery level has fallen below 30 percent, then it’s a good idea to charge it up to 70 percent again, advises the TÜV.
The good news: some high-quality rechargeable batteries and devices already have a so-called battery management system (BMS) that can control the charging and discharging behavior of the rechargeable battery cells.
Protect cell phone from heat and cold
A battery is not a raw egg, but it should be protected from extreme cold and heat as well as from moisture, moisture, bumps and falls. Because not only improper charging and discharging is harmful.
Damage to the battery cells caused by physical impact or extreme temperatures can also lead to short circuits and a thermal reaction. Experts warn that if the battery swells, there is a risk of explosion depending on the design and materials used.