Does your phone run out of battery? Here's how to fix it!

Credit goes to uploaders from pixabay.com: Dooffy, OpenIcons, and ReadyElements. Edited by me.

Does your phone run out of battery? Here's how to fix it!

Does your phone run out of juice? Does it seem like it can't keep up with the length of your day? Does it die in minutes? Not to worry. It is pretty unlikely that your phone is on its way to the grave or that your battery is gone.

What some people don't realize is battery drainage could be caused from bad habits, automation, or even just being unaware of what's using the battery up. Not to worry! I'm here to help! I'll show you some tips and tricks to get your phone off life support and hopefully running the whole day!

First steps (settings): (Read the fluff or check out the easy outline)

The first thing you really need to look at are your settings. Most people don't realize that there are several settings that can easily be turned off that kill your battery pretty fast. Sadly, these settings mostly stay on for three reasons. One, you have a bad habit of leaving unneeded settings on, you don't know these settings are on, or you've grown dependent on these settings (which really can't be helped). Lets see what we can do to fix this ;-). 

Turn off your WiFi when it isn't needed.

Image by Samuel1983 from Pixabay (image of WiFi)

First of all, what is WiFi? By definition WiFi is just a trademark but as we see it, it is the setting that
allows us to connect to a physical network to obtain an internet connection or access to a network's files or directories. Simply put, the WiFi setting allows you to connect to the internet wirelessly at public locations, home, or for the more advanced, a mobile hotspot.

Why do I need WiFi? With most modern day phones and phone plans... you really don't need it constantly on. Most plans are unlimited internet through your network however, if you are using a tablet or if your on a pre-paid plan that doesn't have unlimited data, internet can be non-existent or become very expensive very fast without using WiFi.

Does it really drain my battery and why? There are several points to keep in mind. First off, WiFi  CAN SAVE YOUR BATTERY when used properly. If you are connected to a network using WiFi the energy usage is far less than what your service carrier's data service would be. The reason is simple; distance! Connecting to the internet at your home, business, or hotspot requires less distance to travel and connect which takes less energy to do it. Connecting to a cell phone tower on the other hand requires a bunch of energy as the distance can be feet to miles away.

So if it's more energy efficient then why tell me to turn it off? Well, its sad really. Dating is difficult and can be pretty lonely. Image that when you have your WiFi turned on and your out on a stroll by the beach or a romantic walk in the park...there may not be a WiFi connection you can connect to. Your phone is left searching, searching... and trying to connect to new beautiful fiber optic super networks, but constantly getting rejected... and well, rejection sucks and the search goes on. The biggest problem is WiFi isn't picky and attempts to search for any possible network and will connect to any network waiting and willing. So in short, when left on and when not needed, your WiFi constantly tries to search and connect which takes up more juice than you think. Booo!!! :-(

Turn off Bluetooth when it isn't needed.

Image by 200 Degrees from Pixabay (middle icon is Bluetooth)

Well what's Bluetooth? Bluetooth is yet another wireless feature that allows you to primarily connect to other devices like a computer, another cell phone, printer, camera, speaker, etc. It can even connect to the internet and hotspots although not very ideal.

Why do I need Bluetooth? Much like WiFi, you only need Bluetooth when necessary. To really NEED Bluetooth is for something like hands free phone calls during your drive, connecting to your speakers for your custom playlist, or fine tuning your GoPro. The thing that separates Bluetooth from WiFi is that WiFi cannot efficiently connect to small devices or accessories and WiFi isn't typically used for such devices. Bluetooth is for devices and accessories and WiFi is primarily for internet access. Also, most devices and accessories would identify Bluetooth over WiFi unless you had some sort of special app or it's just one of the options the connecting device has.

Photo by Qusai Akoud on Unsplash

Does it really drain my battery and why? Just like WiFi, if it isn't being used it is living a sad life of constant searching for acceptance. In regards to overall power consumption Bluetooth is crazy efficient and takes up less juice than WiFi and even less than cellular data however if left on, it's going to be like a puppy looking for some petting, but everyone's pretending it doesn't exist. Do yourself a favor, turn it off, save battery, and don't contribute to neglected puppies.

Turn off your GPS

Image by digital designer from Pixabay

And what's GPS? Global Positioning System. In short, it tells you where you are and where to go. The modern day Thomas Guide (or a map for you youngins).

Why do I need GPS? Most of your most common navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps, rely on GPS. Some browser can also use it to get you better local searches. Even apps like Yelp can use GPS for local recommendations. Sometimes games like Pokemon Go or useful apps like Uber can depend on GPS as well.
Although it isn't always needed as your phone can technically use WiFi or more commonly used, Cellular data; GPS will get you the most accurate location and sometimes and in areas where WiFi or Cellular data isn't available.

Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash

Does it really drain my battery and why? Yes...yes it does. Out of Cellular data, WiFi, and
Bluetooth; GPS takes the cake...the entire cake in battery consumption that is. It awkwardly eats more slices of cake than we feel comfortable with because it needs satellite connections and apps depend on it. So not only are you running an app that is looking for it, but it is also trying to bounce signals around to reach a practical satellite to get your iddy-bitty location jjuuuusssttt right!

Last Steps (Closing apps and changing settings)

Photo by Isai Ramos on Unsplash

I promise; we're almost done! For every app you download, it is waiting. For every app you use, it will continually stay on. They will be creeping in the shadows, behind what your currently doing ...staring ...waiting ...sucking the life out of you. I mean... your battery. Let me explain.

Lets turn off notifications: For every app you download it automatically turns on notifications.

Image by rawpixel from Pixabay

These notifications can be extremely useful or extremely annoying. Although they don't take up a lot of battery they can add up. Some apps can even allow themselves to stay on in the background and constantly show in your notification area. Apps such as tracking apps like health and exercise apps or an anti-virus would be a good example of these. 

My advice: If your not consistently using the app, turn off the notification. The same goes for leaving the notification on. So if you haven't gone for a walk in a few days and your not using your tracking app, there isn't any sense in leaving that app on or notification on.

How do I turn off the notification: It is different for every OS (typically Apple or Android platform) but usually all notifications can be turned off in your settings. Sometimes you can turn off notifications in the app itself or through the app that you downloaded from (appstore, itunes, Play store). Leave a comment or contact me if you want more specifics on how to do this and I'll try my best to answer. 

Android platform

Close the background apps: When you load an app, despite you exiting out of the app, loading something else, or even closing the screen your app is running in the background. This is so you can conveniently jump back into what you were working on before and to allow faster access with less loading time. Unfortunately a build up of these apps in your background can drain your battery quite a bit and even slow down your phone.

Easiest way to close these apps: The easiest way to clear this build up is to turn your phone or device off completely for a few seconds. This allows your phone or device to "refresh" and often times closes the apps or disconnects them so they aren't taking up as much of your battery. Now, a restart will not help you; it must be a shut down for at least 30 seconds to a minute.

The next best ways: For iOS (Apple platform) devices double tap home and swipe up for each app you would like to close.
For most Android platforms, click the square on the bottom right and swipe right for every app you would like to close or simply click clear all.

If all else fails; life support

Image by Andrzej Rembowski from Pixabay

Sadly, we've grown attached to many of our features and apps that it is difficult to let go. We can't avoid battery drain completely and sometimes the drain is worth the reward. If you just can't help but to allow your battery to die from day to day I can only suggest to either buy a spare battery or even better, get a power bank. 

What Power Bank: From my experience you can get super inexpensive and even "innovative" power banks online that have solar charge or advertise outrageous charge length. If it is too good to be true, it is just that...too good and not true. I've been through so many cheapy chargers to tell you it isn't worth it for the following reasons:

1. They don't sustain as much battery as you think despite the advertising. 
2. The recharge rates of solar charged power banks are very slow, should be reserved for emergencies, and is no practical for daily use.
3. The output rate is usually less than 2.0. In fact, most of these claim to be at 2.0 but the actual outlet is 1-ish. (most GOOD power banks run at 2.0 or 2.1 output).

Advice: Look into a good power bank. Search the reviews and do he research. My personal choice would be any power bank by Anker. They're affordable and they do the job super well.

Ok! Now for the easy outline! (To Top)

1. Turn your WiFi off when not needed
2. Turn your Bluetooth off when not needed
3. Turn your GPS off when not needed (biggie)
4. Turn off your notifications
5. Close your background apps
6. All else fails; get a good power bank (not a cheapy)