Whether you’ve just unboxed a brand new smartphone or upgraded your power tools, the goal is to keep your rechargeable electronics operational for as long as possible. One of the biggest problems with these devices is the battery; no one wants to deal with a device that’s constantly dying, and it can be stressful trying to keep yours charged. But it is this fear that gave birth to the famous 80-20 rule. It’s a charging strategy designed to squeeze every ounce of longevity out of the rechargeable batteries in your modern electronic devices. The concept is simple: keep your battery level between 80% and 20%.
How does this make a difference? Rechargeable devices typically use lithium-ion batteries. Today they power almost everything, but they’re also picky about how they manage power, even phones with the best battery life. Going below 20% can destabilize the chemistry. On the other hand, charging up to 100% causes unnecessary chemical reactions. But keeping the charge between 20% and 80% avoids this extreme stress and keeps your battery chemistry healthy and happy (read: it will last longer).
Tech giants have actually relied heavily on the 80-20 philosophy. Browse the battery settings on almost any rechargeable gadget, like a Google Pixel phone, and you’ll see built-in tools designed to handle this. These smart features can learn your daily routines, charge your gadget to 80%, freeze it there on purpose, then push out the last 20% just before your morning alarm goes off.
Why heat is the real enemy of your battery, not its use
There are many mistakes that can ruin your devices’ lithium batteries, but one stands above them all: extreme heat. In fact, heat is one of the biggest silent killers of lithium-ion batteries. Yes, lithium-ion batteries naturally degrade over time, but they will suffer permanent damage if left in sweltering heat for too long.
The chemical reactions inside these batteries naturally generate some heat while you’re charging, but pushing those temperatures into the danger zone can destroy the cells’ internal structure. Leaving your tablet in a hot car, letting your headphones roast in the summer sun while you relax by the pool, or playing intense games on your phone while it’s fast charging are guaranteed ways to cook that delicate internal chemistry and even cause your lithium-ion battery to catch fire. Heat stress permanently reduces the maximum capacity of a device’s battery, much faster than a battery below 20% or above 80%.
Protecting your gadgets from overheating is the best way to ensure they survive for years to come. On a daily basis, you can help your lithium-ion devices thrive with a few simple adjustments. For one, remove thick, bulky cases before charging to let them breathe. Next, try to keep those electronics in the shade when you’re outside. Finally, store them in a cool place; this will do more for their long-term health than frantically unplugging your device once it hits 80%.
