Charging your phone to 100% is a mistake — expert debunks battery myths

ZDNet journalist Adrian Kingsley-Hughes examined common smartphone charging myths and concluded that most familiar advice is outdated. The key finding: constantly charging to 100% shortens battery lifespan rather than extending it, contrary to popular belief.

Modern device manufacturers recommend avoiding maximum charge levels on a regular basis. This helps preserve battery capacity over a longer period. The expert also dismissed the need to fully discharge a phone before plugging it in — that practice was only relevant for old nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries, which suffered from the "memory effect." Modern lithium-ion batteries do not have this issue.

Leaving a phone on the charger overnight is also safe, according to the expert. Modern smartphones are equipped with overcharge and overheating protection systems that automatically stop power delivery once the required level is reached. Kingsley-Hughes also stressed the importance of temperature: charging should only be done within the 0 to +35 degrees Celsius range recommended by manufacturers.

Using a smartphone while it charges poses no danger either, provided the device is in good condition and the charging equipment is of high quality. The journalist concluded by noting that chargers differ in power output and supported standards, so it is essential to use accessories compatible with your specific smartphone model.