Wireless charging has become a popular and convenient way to power up our devices, eliminating the hassle of tangled cables and providing a seamless charging experience. However, concerns have arisen regarding the impact of wireless charging on battery health.
This article discusses whether wireless charging is bad for the battery, how it works, factors affecting battery life and some tips to prolong battery life.
Also read: Why is my phone hot and losing battery?
Is wireless charging bad for the battery?
Wireless chargers won’t harm your battery health regarding the charging cycle count, especially when compared to wired chargers.
However, charging a battery, whether connected by wires or wirelessly, causes wear and tear over time. However, there’s been a close examination of wireless charging due to concerns about its efficiency compared to the traditional wired methods. Generally, it’s agreed that wireless charging operates at an efficiency level of around 80%. Yet, in real-world situations, this efficiency could drop to as low as 50%, depending on how well the charging coils in the charger align with those in the smartphone.
Unlike wired charging, wireless charging creates a physical gap between the charger and the device. Consequently, not all the power from the wall outlet may reach the device’s battery. This lack of perfect efficiency and potential misalignment of the charging coils can lead to heat generation. As we know, heat poses a threat to battery health by gradually diminishing its capacity over prolonged periods.
How does wireless charging work?
Wireless charging enables devices to receive power without physical cables. Using magnetic resonance coupling, electricity travels through the air via electromagnetic fields, creating a magnetic field that devices absorb for energy. This involves two main components: the wireless charger with a transmitter coil and the device with a receiver coil.
When connected to a power source, the charger’s alternating current induces a voltage in the device’s coil, converting it to direct current for battery charging. Efficient energy transfer depends on proper alignment between the transmitter and receiver coils, a factor addressed by most chargers and devices with built-in safeguards.
Factors affecting battery life
- Heat generation: Generating heat is a significant worry when wirelessly charging a device. The electromagnetic radiation produced during wireless charging can cause the device to heat up, potentially affecting its performance and even causing damage in certain cases. To counter this issue, it’s crucial to place the device in a well-ventilated area and refrain from prolonged charging sessions.
- Charge cycles: The number of times a battery undergoes a complete charge and discharge cycle is known as the charge cycle. Over time, these cycles can impact the battery’s performance and reduce its lifespan. Charging devices only when necessary is advisable to minimise the effects of charge cycles and avoid overcharging wirelessly. Additionally, using a high-quality wireless charger can help mitigate the adverse effects of charge cycles.
- Charging speed: Despite its convenience, wireless charging is often slower than wired charging due to technological limitations and relatively less widespread adoption. Selecting a premium wireless charger that supports fast charging speeds is essential to counter this concern.
Tips for longer battery life
While concerns persist, there are practical steps users can take to mitigate potential damage to their smartphone batteries:
- Frequent Top-ups: Charging your device in short bursts throughout the day, rather than overnight, can contribute to longer battery life.
- Maintain Charge Between 20% and 80%: Studies show that keeping your battery within this range helps preserve its longevity.
- Temperature Control: Prevent exposing your device to extreme temperatures because both excessive heat and cold can speed up the deterioration of the battery.
- Limit Super Fast Charging: Using extremely fast charging sparingly can minimise heat output, which is often associated with accelerated battery wear.
- Avoid Overnight Wireless Charging: Opt for wall charging when time permits, and consider using lower-wattage charging bricks to reduce heat generation.
Also read: Is charging your phone overnight bad? 5 ways to improve battery life
