Your phone battery is one of the most important parts of your device. It powers everything — from making calls, using mobile money apps, scrolling through social media, or listening to music on your way to work. Yet, many smartphone users in Kenya often complain that their battery drains too fast or wears out after just a year of use.
The truth is, most of these problems come down to charging habits and the type of accessories you use. With the right practices, you can extend the lifespan of your battery and enjoy longer hours of use daily.
1. Invest in Quality Chargers and Power Banks
One of the biggest mistakes phone users make is buying cheap chargers or power banks from random stalls. While they may work for a short while, most of these accessories deliver unstable current, which slowly damages your battery.
Why quality matters:
- Consistent voltage: Original chargers prevent battery swelling.
- Fast & safe charging: Certified fast chargers (25W and 45W) are safer and more efficient.
- Long-term value: Spending a little extra saves you from replacing your battery too soon.
👉 Example: If you travel often, a 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh power bank can keep your phone charged all day without worrying about finding a socket.
2. Avoid Overcharging Overnight
Many of us plug in our phones before going to sleep and leave them charging till morning. While most modern smartphones have protection chips that stop charging at 100%, keeping your phone on the charger for hours builds unnecessary heat and weakens the battery over time.
💡 Tip: If you like charging at night, use a fast charger so the phone fills up quickly and unplug before you sleep. Alternatively, charge in the evening while you relax or during the day at work.
3. Keep Your Phone Away from Heat
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of battery health. Using your phone in the sun while at a matatu stage, charging under direct sunlight, or gaming heavily while charging are habits that shorten your battery life.
What you can do:
- Don’t leave your phone inside a hot car.
- Avoid covering your phone with pillows or blankets while charging.
- If you game or stream a lot, take breaks while charging to let the phone cool down.
4. Adjust Your Phone Settings for Better Battery Health
Extending battery lifespan isn’t just about charging; it’s also about reducing how much power your phone consumes daily.
Here are quick settings that make a big difference:
- Reduce screen brightness or use auto-brightness.
- Turn on battery saver mode when your battery is below 30%.
- Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS when not in use.
- Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data, since mobile data drains faster.
- Close apps running in the background, especially heavy ones like TikTok or YouTube.
5. The 20% – 80% Rule
Experts recommend charging your phone when it drops to about 20% and unplugging it around 80%. Keeping your phone between these levels reduces strain on the battery and prolongs its life.
⚠️ Letting your battery hit 0% repeatedly or keeping it at 100% for long periods makes it age faster.
6. Replace Your Accessories When Needed
Even original chargers and cables wear out with time. If your cable starts peeling, heating, or charging slowly, it’s time for a new one. Using worn-out accessories can damage your charging port or battery.
Comparison Table: Healthy vs. Poor Charging Habits
| Healthy Charging Habits | Poor Charging Habits |
|---|---|
| Using original chargers & power banks | Buying cheap or fake accessories |
| Charging between 20% – 80% | Letting battery drain to 0% regularly |
| Unplugging once full | Leaving phone charging overnight daily |
| Keeping phone cool during charging | Gaming/streaming heavily while charging |
| Adjusting phone settings to save power | Brightness & mobile data always on |
Where to Buy Original Accessories in Nairobi
📍 Visit us at: Licast Accessories, Kenya, Nairobi, Tom Mboya Street, Rural Urban Building, Shop M1
📞 Contact: 0790008527
At Licast Accessories, we stock Oraimo, Awei, and other trusted brands fully stocked to keep your devices safe and powered.
Final Thoughts
Your phone battery doesn’t have to die within a year. By developing smart charging habits, avoiding heat, and investing in original accessories, you can enjoy longer battery life and better phone performance.