Proper smartphone charging methods to protect battery health

To minimise voltage spikes that can damage a device, the charger should be plugged into the wall outlet before the cable is connected to the phone, and when unplugging the phone should be disconnected first followed by the charger. This sequence helps prevent sudden, temporary increases in voltage.

For brand‑new phones, manufacturers such as Lenovo advise leaving the supplied charger connected from the first use, allowing a few seconds for the charging process to start. Modern smartphones stop charging at 100 %, but keeping them plugged in for many hours can cause micro‑cycles that generate heat and accelerate wear. Experts recommend charging in short intervals and keeping the battery level roughly between 20 % and 80 % to reduce stress.

Avoid exposing the phone to direct sunlight or using it intensively while charging, as heat is a major factor in battery degradation. Using the original charger and keeping the device’s software up to date also supports optimal charging performance. "Avoid the heat, it's the main silent enemy of the battery," said Juan Pablo Cortés, Xiaomi Colombia sales director.