Charging, and what actually wears a battery out
Charge it without worrying about it, and say what actually wears a battery out.
A tablet battery is not used up by being on. It is used up by the screen, and then by the loudspeakers, and then by very little else.
That is why the same tablet lasts two days on a bedside table and four hours in front of a movie. It is also why turning the brightness down is worth more than closing every app you have ever opened.
Key points
- Leave it charging overnight without worrying, with optimized charging on
- Read the percentage at the top instead of guessing from a small picture
- Say what actually wears a battery out, and what does not
What to remember
- Optimized charging is the setting that lets you leave it plugged in all night with a clear conscience. On an Android tablet the words differ and there may be no battery health figure at all — look under Settings and then Battery, and turn on whatever kinder-charging switch is offered there.
- Charge it whenever you like, overnight included. Turn on optimized charging and stop thinking about it.
Try this
Turn on the battery percentage on your own tablet, if it is not on already. Guessing from a small picture is what makes a battery feel unpredictable, and the number is the whole cure.
Practice: Charging, and what actually wears a battery out. Your first lesson is free, with no account or card; the rest are part of a Lantern plan. Interactive lessons require JavaScript.