Smartphones are our life-line. They help us make calls, send texts, surf the net, balance our accounts, check emails, take photos and yes even play games. It is like having several different devices in one calculator-sized device in our pockets. However, this feeling of ‘being in control’ lasts only as long as the Smartphone’s battery lasts. It can be very agonizing to be suddenly cut off everything while the battery recharges. However, there are some easy ways to prevent this cell phone downtime. A few changes to your habits and the use of certain settings can help you squeeze out more minutes from your Smartphone’s battery. Let’s take a look at android battery optimization settings to help you get the most of your battery life:
1. Notifications sap your battery life
The easiest way to save battery on Samsung or other android devices is to turn off all notifications. Whether it is email or other chat applications, go to the application settings and turn off or disable the notification for all apps.
2. Turn off GPS
Another application that drains your battery life is the GPS or global positioning. Many apps tap into the phone’s GPS and keep sending notifications sapping your battery in the process. So turn the GPS off and save tons of battery juice in the process.
3. Keep Wi-Fi off
Like the GPS, your phone’s Wi-Fi feature also saps and drains your phone’s battery life. So whenever you are leaving your home, turn this feature off. Turn it on only when you need to use data services using the available Wi-Fi range.
4. Shut off the Bluetooth
Bluetooth also drains your phone’s battery life as it continuously listens to signals from available sources in the vicinity. Only if you are expecting a call while driving or wish to transfer or send files to other devices, should you turn this feature on. This simple tip can actually increase your Smartphone’s battery life by an hour.
5. Update apps
Allow the apps to update themselves when you use Wi-Fi, since many up-to-date versions are more energy efficient than their previous versions.
6. Kill certain apps
Many extraneous apps cause your Smartphone and its battery to multi-task. This burns a lot of battery energy. So in order to avoid apps from increasing your phone’s CPU workload, kill extraneous apps. However, do be cautious as this might be against vendor best practice recommendations.
7. Knock down screen brightness
This is an easy and sure fire way to make your android battery last longer. The brightness setting of your phone can really cut into the battery life so knock it down to 50% or lower. Also do not make the mistake most people make-that of setting screen brightness on AUTO. This feature might take a bit of getting used to, but it will do wonders for your battery life.
8. Use lock screen functionality
Lock screen not only prevents others from peeking into your phone; it also reduces accidental usage of while it is in your bag or pocket. This can sap your battery life.
9. Keep the phone cool
Always keep the phone in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. Overheating can damage your Smartphone and can also drain its battery life. While outdoors, place your phone in your pocket or handbag. You can also keep it clipped to your belt.
10. Do not let battery charge drop too low
You can easily extend your Android Smartphone’s battery life easily by charging it when it is closer to 40%. When you wait to charge it when it is dead, it makes the battery work harder thereby lowering its life expectancy.
11.Do not use the vibrate function
The phone vibrate function is disrespectful to your friends and also drains your battery life. So use it sparingly or not at all. As stated above, turn off the notifications on all apps. If you are in a meeting, place the phone where you can see it light up, should there be a call. This approach is courteous to both your battery and the people around you.
12. Use case battery
People think it is easier lugging a phone charger around whereas the fact is that a battery extender case is the best accessory that your phone can draw power from when running low.
13. Replace the battery every 2 years
Most Android batteries are worn out in two to three years. This is the best time to replace the battery or, better yet, get a new phone before it crashes completely.
14. Use airplane mode
Even when you are not flying, use the airplane mode which stops incoming calls and text messages that consume your battery life. Naturally, this is the last resort which you can use when your battery is very low, as it prevents you from going online and making calls or sending texts.
15. Control screen lit time
This is an important and easy way to save battery on iPhone 6, Samsung or other Android devices. Go to screen timeout setting and check how long your phone screen stays lit after not being in use. If it is currently 2 minutes, consider bumping it lower to 30 seconds.
16. Use the phone’s power saver feature
Every Smartphone is built with a power saving mode that helps users manage the phone’s power saving app. This feature prevents background processes and reduces screen timeout, animations etc. If your battery is about to die, switch this feature on so you can reduce it from being consumed up quickly.
