Expert warns that many people are charging their phones incorrectly, which can permanently harm the battery and harm the phone’s longevity. Leaving your phone plugged in overnight or letting it die can reduce the lifespan of your battery. Instead, experts recommend keeping your charge level between 20-80 percent. Newer handsets offer options to optimize charging, such as iOS 13 and beyond on iPhones, and by going into settings on Android. Another issue that can damage battery life over time is dirt in the charging port, which can cause overheating or stop charging. To combat this, a toothpick and a damp cloth can be used to clean the port. Additionally, leaving phones in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures can damage the battery permanently. So, experts recommend keeping phones out of hot cars or trains and – if your phone overheats – charging it in a cooler space. By following these steps, you can extend the life of your phone’s battery and ensure it runs smoothly for longer.