Viral TikTok video proves we’ve all been charging our iPhones wrong

The Viral TikTok That Started It All

A recent TikTok video has taken the internet by storm, showing a user named Shomes with an iPhone 13 Pro that he's had since September 2021, yet its maximum battery capacity remains at 100 percent. In a world where battery degradation is a common complaint, this seems almost too good to be true. But Shomes swears by a simple charging habit that he claims is the secret to his phone's longevity. The video has racked up millions of views, sparking a heated debate about how we charge our devices. Could it be that we've all been doing it wrong? Let's dive into the science behind battery health and separate fact from fiction.

The Science of Battery Degradation

Before we debunk or endorse Shomes' method, it's essential to understand how lithium-ion batteries work. These batteries degrade over time due to a combination of factors, including charge cycles, temperature, and voltage stress. Each time you charge your phone, you complete a cycle, and after a few hundred cycles, the battery's capacity naturally decreases. However, the rate of degradation can be slowed by adopting certain habits. For instance, keeping your battery between 20% and 80% charged can reduce stress on the cells. But is there a magic formula? Let's examine the claims.

What Shomes Does Differently

In his video, Shomes reveals that he never charges his phone overnight and always unplugs it once it reaches 80%. He also avoids using fast chargers and keeps his phone cool while charging. These practices align with expert recommendations: heat and high voltage are known enemies of battery health. But does this guarantee a 100% capacity after two years? While possible, it's not the norm. Battery degradation is also influenced by usage patterns and manufacturing variances. Still, Shomes' results are impressive and suggest that mindful charging can make a significant difference.

Common Charging Myths Busted

Shomes' video has reignited discussions about charging myths. Let's separate fact from fiction:

• Myth: Overnight charging ruins your battery. Modern smartphones have built-in safeguards to prevent overcharging. However, keeping your phone at 100% for extended periods can still stress the battery. It's better to unplug once fully charged.
• Myth: You should completely drain your battery before recharging. This was true for older nickel-based batteries, but lithium-ion batteries don't have a memory effect. In fact, deep discharges can be harmful. Frequent top-ups are fine.
• Myth: Fast charging damages battery health. While fast charging generates more heat, reputable manufacturers design their fast chargers to minimize stress. Using certified chargers is key.

By understanding these myths, you can make informed decisions about your charging routine.

Expert Recommendations for Optimal Charging

So, what do experts say about the best way to charge your iPhone? According to battery researchers, the ideal approach is to keep your battery between 20% and 80% and avoid extreme temperatures. Apple itself has introduced Optimized Battery Charging, which learns your daily routine and delays charging past 80% until you need it. This feature is a testament to the benefits of avoiding full charges. Additionally, using a lower-wattage charger for overnight charging can reduce heat and stress. Finally, if you're storing your device for a long time, keep it at around 50% charge. These guidelines align with Shomes' habits, but they don't guarantee a 100% capacity after years of use—they simply slow degradation.

Shomes' Routine: A Closer Look

Let's break down Shomes' charging routine to see what you can adopt. He charges his phone during the day, typically when it drops to around 20%, and unplugs at 80%. He uses a standard 5W charger instead of a fast charger, and he never leaves his phone plugged in overnight. He also avoids using his phone while charging to prevent heat buildup. While this routine requires some discipline, it's not overly restrictive. Many users might find it cumbersome to monitor their battery level constantly, but Shomes argues that it's a small price to pay for a longer-lasting battery. His iPhone 13 Pro's 100% capacity after two years is a compelling data point, but it's essential to note that battery health also depends on usage intensity and environmental factors.

Is 100% Battery Health Realistic for Everyone?

While Shomes' achievement is impressive, it's not the norm. Most iPhone users see a drop to around 90% after two years, even with careful charging. Battery health is influenced by factors beyond charging habits, such as exposure to high temperatures, heavy usage, and even manufacturing variances. Some batteries simply age better than others. So, while adopting Shomes' habits can help, don't be discouraged if your battery health isn't perfect. The goal is to slow degradation, not to achieve a perfect score. Experts recommend focusing on overall battery performance rather than obsessing over the percentage. If your battery life still gets you through the day, you're likely fine.

Practical Tips to Extend Your iPhone's Battery Life

Based on expert advice and Shomes' routine, here are actionable tips to prolong your battery's lifespan:

• Enable Optimized Battery Charging in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. This feature reduces the time your phone spends at full charge.
• Avoid extreme temperatures—never leave your phone in a hot car or direct sunlight.
• Use certified chargers and avoid cheap, unbranded ones that may not regulate voltage properly.
• Keep your battery between 20% and 80% when possible. Frequent partial charges are better than full cycles.
• Reduce screen brightness and use low power mode when needed to minimize drain.
• Update your software regularly, as Apple often improves battery management with iOS updates.

These tips, combined with mindful charging, can help you maximize your battery's lifespan. Remember, consistency is key—small habits add up over time.

What This Means for Your Charging Habits

The viral TikTok video serves as a reminder that our charging habits matter. While Shomes' 100% battery health might be an outlier, it underscores the importance of avoiding common pitfalls like overnight charging and excessive heat. By adopting a more intentional approach to charging, you can slow battery degradation and extend the life of your device. Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy your iPhone without constantly worrying about battery health. So, the next time you plug in, think about Shomes—and maybe unplug at 80%.