Everyone knows how to charge a battery: you just plug it in, right? Yes, but it's more than that! If you want the best results, it's not about what you use, it's about how to use it for long battery life. This article will show you how to optimally charge your iPhone or iPod!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Charging the Battery
Step 1. Plug it in
This is the easy part. Using the adapter that came with your iPhone or iPod, connect one end to a power source, and the other end to your device. But there's a hitch: Apple has a slightly different connector, and has a few different ways to plug it in. Here are some options:
Plug one end of the USB cable into your computer, and the other end into your device. Not only will this charge your device, but it will also allow you to make data communications via cables, for example to backup, update and synchronize
Step 2. Use the right connector
There are different connectors for different devices. Older iPods use USB connectors; over the past few years, the iPod and iPhone have used a flat, wide 30-pin connector; and newer iOS devices use a small Lightning connector. Make sure you have the right connector for your device.
Step 3. Make sure you completely charge your device
Some power sources do not have enough energy to power the device they are powered on. If this happens, instead of the familiar charging icon appearing, the device will still say "Not Charging". If this is the case, you must use a powered hub, or AC adapter. Plug the USB end into a powered power adapter or hub, and the other end into your device.
Part 2 of 2: Maximizing Battery Life
Step 1. Keep your software up to date
Since battery life is one of the most important features on a mobile device, Apple is always trying to improve battery performance. The new software may contain better battery management procedures.
Step 2. Adjust the brightness control
Just as dimming the lights at home lowers your electricity usage (and the bill!), dimming the screen on your device reduces energy consumption. If your device has the option to use auto brightness, enable that option so that your device will shine brightly when needed.
Step 3. Turn off the email service (email)
Email providers such as Yahoo, Google or MS Exchange will "push" new emails to your device, which uses a small amount of battery power for each incoming email. Disable Push in the Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data pane. Your emails can still be retrieved based on your Fetch settings globally-you control the settings, or the email service controls you.
Step 4. Don't pick up emails too often
Unless you absolutely need to check your email every 15 minutes, reduce the frequency with which your device picks up new emails. You can choose every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, every hour, or just when you manually check your email.
Step 5. Turn off push notifications. You know that little red circle with white numbers in it, above the email, Facebook, message, and phone icons? Those are push notifications. The more notifications are enabled, the more battery power is used. You can turn off notifications for individual apps in the Notifications panel. It won't block incoming information, it just won't notify you automatically.
Step 6. Reduce apps that use location services
Location services use GPS satellites, Wi-Fi hotspots and cell tower locations to find you. You will be prompted every time the app uses location services for the first time, and then it will continue like that. In the Privacy panel, tap Location Services, and scan your apps. Turn off applications that you rarely use, or turn off Location Services completely.
Step 7. Switch to Airplane Mode
If you are in an area with minimal or no signal, your device will constantly search for a connection. If you are not heading to an area that has a signal, switch to Airplane Mode. You won't be able to make or receive calls, but when you get a signal back, you'll still have a full battery.
Step 8. Turn off the phone when you are not using it
By default, iPhone and iPod will be locked after 5 minutes. You can still get calls and notifications, but you won't be using the battery to keep the screen on.
Tips
- Use your device! Your iPhone or iPod will perform at its best if you use it regularly. Try to run a full loop charge at least once a month: use it until the battery is completely discharged, then charge it to 100%.
- Some protective cases cause your iPhone or iPod to heat up when you charge it. Over time, this will have a negative impact on battery capacity. If this happens, remove the device from its protective case before you charge it.
- If you turn off your iPod/iPhone for charging, turn it off after you plug it in. Otherwise, the device will restart and require a longer charging time.
