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What's best for battery health?
- Thread starter Eric5273
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spiderman0616
Suspended
I tend to go that route. At the end of my work day, I always look at the battery indicator and see where I'm at. If it's so low that I don't think I'm going to be able to go without a charge later on that evening when I need my iPad again, I plug it in. If it's at 50% or higher, I don't worry about it. These are pretty high tech batteries--no need to fret so much about them.
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
Yes, that's what Apple used to recommend - I find it still handy especially after iOS updates.
The guy who wrote BatteryUniversity, in his book, says that a discharge and charge can help reverse some crystallization that happens from staying at 100% for long periods of time and recommends it a few times a month now and then. I'm on my phone right now but if you want I can try to find a direct quote.
But yeah, Apple iPhone and iPad batteries will be plenty fine in the 2-3 years that most people use them.
augustya
Suspended
Can you explain more on how to do this ? I have still not been able to understand what do you mean here ? Do you mean to say when the battery drops down to 15% start charging is that what you mean? But then what do you mean when you say don't let it go above 80 ?
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
Right 80% charge. Batteries operate the best between 40-80%. Often times though, maintaining the battery charge percentage between these percentages is difficult if not inconvenient.
Besides, most people only keep their phones 2-3 years and with normal usage, a battery will easily last that long (so 20-80% isn't needed - but if you want you can do it to help overall life).
augustya
Suspended
But does that mean I should not charge the iPad battery ever above 80% ? I still didn't get it !
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
All she's saying is that if you keep the charge percentage in between 20%-80% you will extend the life of your battery.
So, when your phone hits 20% - plug it into the wall to charge it. When the charge percentage says 80%, unplug from the wall to stop the charging so it doesn't go above 80%.
This is extreme behavior and although it will extend the life of your battery, Apple batteries usually last 2-3 years with normal usage and don't need this type of behavior. Now if you're going to keep your device 8+ years, it wouldn't hurt if you want to.
Even I, with a battery "OCD" (batteries are a huge hobby of mine) - I don't do the 20-80%. It's just too much work. I just plug in my phone, when it says 100%, I unplug it. I DO keep it above 20% tho. So I don't let the battery drop below 20%.
Most of my iPhone usage is 60-100%.
You can charge it above 80% - just keeping it between the percentages of 40-80% will extend the life by a little bit. Its overkill and I don't recommend it unless you're wanting to do it just for fun or because you really want to make the battery last as long as possible.
gim
macrumors 6502
The 20-80% rule is legit.
My iPad Air will be 4 years old in about 2 months. 627 cycles, 96% of original capacity.
A friend of mine is bothered by the battery life of his Air 2, which is one year younger. 274 cycles, 89% of original capacity.
That's not a scientific comparison at all, but I fared very well with the 20-80% rule on all my devices and therefore highly recommend it if you want to use the device more than 2-3 years.
My iPad Air will be 4 years old in about 2 months. 627 cycles, 96% of original capacity.
A friend of mine is bothered by the battery life of his Air 2, which is one year younger. 274 cycles, 89% of original capacity.
That's not a scientific comparison at all, but I fared very well with the 20-80% rule on all my devices and therefore highly recommend it if you want to use the device more than 2-3 years.