10 Ways to Maximize the Life of Your Phone Battery

• On an Android phone, go to Settings | Battery and device care | Battery | Power mode. You'll notice the phone will project how much time you have left on your present charge in Battery and, by tapping More battery settings, gives you the option to choose an Adaptive battery option that could extend battery life based on your usage patterns.

• On an iPhone, find the toggle switch under Settings | Battery | Low Power Mode. Clicking the switch to green will put your phone in Low Power Mode immediately.

• On a Mac running macOS 13, also called Ventura, click the Apple logo | System Settings | Battery in the left column, also called a rail. Click the box next to Low Power Mode to indicate whether you will enable this mode when the computer is Only on Battery, Only on Power Adapter, Never, or Always. In this mode, the Mac will reduce energy usage to increase battery life and operate more quietly.

• On a Windows PC, click Start ⊞ at the bottom of your screen | Settings ⚙ | System | Power & battery | Power mode. The Start menu is in the lower left corner on Windows 10 but more toward the bottom middle if you have upgraded to Windows 11.

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4. Watch out for power-hungry apps

 No matter what your device, its battery will drain faster if you’re using it for tasks that demand more of the system’s resources, such as watching video or playing multiplayer games. So it’s a good idea to make sure that whatever you’re using is well charged or plugged into a power source.

Other apps that require a lot of computing power and therefore battery power include programs that render images in 3D, productivity software such as Adobe Photoshop and Apple iMovie, and sophisticated games. Less taxing tasks include typing notes or browsing the web.

Animated wallpaper, also called live or dynamic wallpaper, looks nice but requires power for the animation. Don’t use it, or at least search for battery-friendly versions.

Peripherals, devices that attach to your computer such as external microphones, monitors and add-on webcams, draw power from your laptop when you have them plugged into a USB port on your computer. Use only what’s needed.

Multitasking, such as listening to music while reading an e-book, also can contribute to faster battery drain. So close an app when you’ve finished using it.

On a computer running Windows, you can check the Task Manager — Control, Shift and Escape keys depressed simultaneously — to learn what applications are consuming the most power. On a Mac, use Activity Monitor, found in Finder | Applications | Utilities | Activity Monitor. Then you can choose which apps you don’t need open at the moment.

5. Lock your phone

Always lock your smartphone when you aren't using it. Many have a button on the right side. 

You'll still be able to receive calls and texts, but you won't accidentally turn on the phone when it's in your pocket or purse because you hit a button or the screen. This also prevents embarrassing pocket dials. 

6. Update your operating system

On all your devices, remember to download and install all updates to the operating system whenever they are available. Manufacturers are always trying out new ways to improve power management and fix software bugs that could affect battery performance, too.

Check to see if your device is set to do this automatically. That's best.

• On an Android phone, and as a reminder the steps vary by model, go to Settings | System update | Download and install. You may also see a Check for install button. By placing your finger on Download and install, your phone will check for any updates. The option of Last update on the same screen as Download and install tells you not only when your most recent update was installed but also what's new. Most system updates and security upgrades already happen automatically.

• On an iPhone, go to Settings | General | Software Update | Automatic Updates to make sure that the toggles for Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates are turned on and green. You can also enable a toggle to automatically install Security Responses & System Files.

• On a Mac running Ventura, click the Apple logo | System Settings | General | Software Update and select Automatic updates. For more granular control, click the circled i to enable switches for Check for updates, Download new updates when available, Install macOS updates, Install application updates from the App Store, and Install Security Responses and System files.

• On a Mac running Ventura, click the Apple logo | System Settings | General | Software Update.

• On a Windows PC, type updates in the search bar – or magnifying glass  🔎 – at the bottom of the screen and click on Check for updates. Most automatically update but allow you in Advanced options to pause updates until a date you choose if needed.

7. Reduce push notifications

If you can, turn off push services or reduce the frequency with which your smartphone notifies you of new information, such as incoming email, game updates, real-time sports scores or stock quotes. The updates require your phone to check regularly with a company's computers over the internet.

Instead, choose to pull down messages only when you need to. If you still want push mail, at least disable push notifications individually for little-used apps in your smartphone's Settings section:

• On Android phones: Settings | Notifications

• On iPhones: Settings | Notifications

Also, phone manufacturers sometimes allow you to turn off wireless features you don't need at the moment to save on battery use. That includes Bluetooth, GPS, near-field communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi. But learn which of your favorite apps use these features.

For instance, the coronavirus Exposure Notifications System on iPhones and Android phones uses Bluetooth to check your proximity to someone who might later test positive for COVID-19. Apple, Google and Samsung mobile payments use NFC technology. Google Maps uses GPS. And you may want your phone to use your Wi-Fi at home if your wireless plan limits data use.

8. Limit location services

Check your smartphone settings so that any app is tracking your location only when you’re using that app, not all the time. The bonus: Your phone also will be gathering less information on you, and you’ll have more control over when it happens and for your convenience. 

9. Store at room temperature

Keep your tech cool and dry. Extreme heat, cold or dampness can prematurely drain your battery and affect its overall longevity.

Smartphones. Going to the pool or beach? Cover your phone or tablet so it's not in direct sunlight.

Laptops. Portable computers also can run hot under the hood, and that heat needs a way to escape. Never block the air vents on the back or sides. Always use your laptop on a hard, flat surface.

Those vents are easily obstructed if the laptop is kept on a soft surface, such as a bed, blanket, pillow or sofa. Blocking those vents could be a fire hazard, too.

Desktop computers. Tower-based desktops may have their “brains” on the floor under your desk. So keep the vents clear from dust and pet hair for the same reasons.

10. Carry a power bank

A backup battery pack, also called a power bank, is a great way to juice up a smartphone or tablet while on the go. That way, you won't need to find an electric outlet to plug in a device in danger of shutting down.

Many of today's laptops with USB-C ports also can charge up via one of these small battery bricks.

This story, originally published Feb. 15, 2021, was updated with new information throughout.

Chris Morris contributed to this story.

Marc Saltzman is a contributing writer who covers personal technology. His work also appears in USA Today and other national publications. He hosts the podcast series Tech It Out and is the author of several books, including Apple Watch for Dummies.