Should You Charge Your Phone Only When It's Completely Dead? Science Debunks the Myth!

Should You Charge Your Phone Only When It's Completely Dead? Science Debunks the Myth!Over the years, there have been many rumors surrounding the best ways to maintain your phone's battery life. One of the most common claims is that you should always let your phone's battery completely drain before charging it

Should You Charge Your Phone Only When It's Completely Dead? Science Debunks the Myth!

Over the years, there have been many rumors surrounding the best ways to maintain your phone's battery life. One of the most common claims is that you should always let your phone's battery completely drain before charging it. This supposedly extends the battery's lifespan. However, this myth has been scientifically debunked.

According to a report by CCTV News, the Beijing Association for Science and Technology, along with the Beijing Cyberspace Administration, published a list of "scientific" rumors, debunking the claim that phone batteries should be fully drained before charging.

The myth gained traction because older nickel-cadmium batteries were susceptible to the "memory effect." When a nickel-cadmium battery was charged before being fully drained, it experienced a temporary decrease in battery capacity. However, modern smartphones utilize lithium-ion batteries, whose lifespan is determined by charge cycles, completely different from the charging methods of nickel-cadmium batteries.

For lithium-ion batteries, charging only when the battery is completely drained actually damages the battery's capacity. This is mainly because:

• Deep discharge harms the battery: When a lithium-ion battery is fully drained, it enters a state of deep discharge. This triggers irreversible chemical reactions within the battery, reducing its capacity.

• Lengthened charging time: Charging a fully drained battery takes longer, generating more heat and accelerating battery degradation.

Instead, the correct way to use lithium-ion batteries is:

• Charge before the battery is fully drained: Lithium-ion batteries don't need to be fully drained before charging. You can plug in your phone when it reaches a certain lower percentage.

• Avoid overcharging: Once the battery is fully charged, it's best to disconnect the charger to prevent overcharging. Overcharging also generates heat and accelerates the aging process.

It's important to note that its best to charge your phone in a room temperature environment. Leaving your phone in direct sunlight or extreme heat may permanently damage the battery. If you notice your phone getting abnormally hot while charging, immediately disconnect the charger.

Additionally, if you are not using your phone for a long period of time, its best to keep the battery charge at around 50%. Leaving your phone in a completely drained state can lead to deep discharge, rendering the battery unable to hold a charge.

In conclusion, you don't need to wait until your phone completely drains before charging it. In fact, charging it before it's fully drained is the best way to extend the lifespan of your phone's battery. Using lithium-ion batteries correctly can help your phone last longer and avoid unnecessary wear and tear.