Why Stop at 85%?
Lithium-ion batteries power the vast majority of smartphones. These batteries have a finite number of charge cycles before their capacity begins to degrade. Interestingly, charging your phone to 100% can actually accelerate this degradation process. Stopping the charge at 85% can extend your battery’s lifespan by reducing stress and heat, which are two main factors contributing to battery wear.
The Science Behind It
Charging a battery to its full capacity puts it under a state of high stress and voltage, hastening the wear and tear process. By keeping the charge between 20% and 85%, you’re maintaining the battery in its optimal stress-free zone, thus preserving its health and efficiency over time.
Implementing the Hack
Adapting to this charging habit might seem daunting initially, but it’s quite manageable with a few tweaks:
- Use a smart plug that turns off automatically after a set time.
- Many smartphones have built-in or third-party apps that alert you when your battery reaches a certain level.
- Practice charging your phone little and often throughout the day instead of overnight to full capacity.





