Elternguide.online

“I have to call it a day, my battery is almost out!” – does this sound familiar? Just when the smartphone or tablet was fully charged, it flashes red again. This article explains which functions consume a particularly large amount of energy and how you can increase the battery performance of mobile devices.

Charge battery correctly

Lithium-ion batteries are installed in smartphones and tablets. They store energy, release it into the device’s power circuit, and absorb new power via a cable. Do not allow your device to fully discharge, but do not fully charge it either. According to TÜV Süd, the ideal battery level is 30 to 70 percent. Leaving the device hanging from the power cord at night is not a good idea. More expensive models have a battery control system that automatically regulates the charging process. Use the charger supplied by the manufacturer, because then the charging power and speed will optimally suit your device.

Increase battery power

Batteries are very sensitive components of smartphones and tablets. Protect your devices from moisture and humidity, from cold and heat, as well as from shocks and falls. This will prevent damage to the battery cells.

You can increase the battery life with the following tips:

The display eats up the most power in mobile devices. Reduce the brightness of the screen, use the “Automatic brightness” function and use the “Night mode” in dark environments. Avoid the “Always On” mode, where the display is on continuously, for example to show the time.
Turn off features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or location when you don’t need them. The constant search for reception consumes a lot of power.
Check the “Battery” section in the settings: how much energy does your device consume during the course of the day and which apps require particularly much power? If there is an app in the list that you have not used at all, it could be a buggy or data-robbing app. Uninstall the app or make an app update.
Close apps and processes that are running in the background. The more processes are active, the more power your device requires. Close apps that you don’t need at the moment. On Android, turn off automatic synchronization of accounts like the Google apps under “Settings” à “Accounts”.
Activate the “Energy saving mode” function. This automatically stops background processes. Your device may then operate somewhat slower, but with less energy.
Widgets, for example with current news or the weather, also consume a lot of power. Remove it from the screen again if necessary.
Reduce the number of apps that are allowed to send you push messages. Each time a notification is sent, the device is brought out of sleep mode. For Apple, go to “Settings” à “Messages”. On Android, you select the individual apps under “Settings” à “Apps & Notifications” and then specify which app is allowed to send you notifications.
To save power, use silent mode and reduce audible and sensory signals. Sounds and vibration consume quite a bit of energy.

Here is what you and your child can look out for

To ensure that you and your child enjoy your device for longer, check the settings on the smartphone and tablet together. If you are on the device a lot, you also consume a lot of battery. Gaming apps like Clash of Clans and video streaming are particularly energy-hungry. Set a good example and be a role model for conscious media use. Think together about how you want to shape media use in the family and agree on rules that apply to everyone. Especially for younger children, screen time settings can help regulate time on the device.

If the battery is not enough, you can take a powerbank with you on the road. If the battery often runs down quickly despite all energy-saving measures, don’t buy a new device right away, but have the battery replaced by the manufacturer. This protects both our environment and your wallet.