- Modern Android devices now offer native tools like Samsung’s Battery Protection and OnePlus Optimized Charging to limit charging and extend battery life without root or third-party apps.
- For older phones without built-in features, apps like AccuBattery and Battery Guru help monitor charge cycles, while root-required apps like Battery Charge Limit can directly set charging thresholds.
- Charging up to 80% and avoiding 0%-100% cycles significantly improves battery life, supported by research on Li-ion and Li-Polymer batteries.
Modern smartphones (especially after 2022) are equipped with advanced battery management systems, thanks to Android updates and manufacturer-specific features. It includes built-in tools like adaptive charging or battery health management, making it easy for users to control charging habits without third-party devices or rooting. However, for older devices, rooting may still be necessary.
What are custom battery charge limits on Android?
Li-ion batteries wear out over time. However, that time is increased if the battery is charged from 0 to 100%. However, these days, Li-Polymer batteries are used, which do not differ in terms of charge cycle and can degrade over time with use.
As a result, when setting a custom battery charge limit on Android, the battery charge is limited to the set percentage. Thus, making the Li-ion battery immune to being fully charged.
Now, if you use a custom battery charge limit, your phone will not charge beyond that percentage, thus saving your battery from deep charge cycles. This increases the life of the battery and also saves the hassle of replacing the battery. Needless to say, battery costs are very high these days, thanks to the global economy and chip shortages.
How to Set Custom Battery Charge Limits on Android
Unfortunately, setting a custom battery charge limit on Android isn’t that easy, especially if you have a non-rooted phone. If you have a non-rooted Android, check out this guide to root your device without using a PC. Once you’ve connected your device, you’re ready to set custom battery charge limits.
Method 1: Using a third-party app
Third-party apps still provide a solution for users who have older devices or lack native features. However, due to strict security on Android, some methods may require root access.
Popular apps for battery charge limiter:
AccuBattery:
- Download from Google Play Store.
- Use it to monitor charge cycles and set reminders to unplug at 80%.
- Note: Does not stop charging but provides notifications.
Battery Guru:
- Similar functionality to AccuBattery with advanced statistics on charge and health.
Root-requiring apps:
- Since newer Android versions prevent direct access to Charging Control without root privileges, apps like Charge Control still work but require rooting.
Method 2: Using the command interface
If you think the above method is too easy for you, using the command interface will take your battery charge limit to the next level. However, as we mentioned, this is a tricky method, and you should only try it if you are savvy enough to play with the ADB shell. Now follow these steps to do the same:
- Download the SDK Platform Tools and extract it to your PC using a zip extractor.
- Now, enable USB debugging on your Android smartphone.
- If you don’t know, open Settings, and go to About Phone.
- Tap on Software and then tap the build number 7 times to unlock developer options.
- Open Developer Options and toggle USB Debugging.
- Now open the SDK Platform Tools folder and open Power Shell or Command Prompt by right clicking on an empty space.
- Enter these codes at the command prompt, and make sure to press Enter after each command:
- Now your android phone will prompt you for super user request. tap on grant.
- Once granted, now go back to your PC screen, and enter this code at the command prompt:
adb shell dumpsys battery set max_charging_current 1000
- Press enter, close the command prompt, and disconnect your mobile from your PC.
In the code above, 70 represents the charge percentage. If the battery charge reaches 70%, it will stop charging. You can change this number as per your convenience.
Battery charge limit if your phone is not rooted with built-in battery optimization features
Most modern Android devices from brands like Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Oppo, and Xiaomi now include features to manage battery charge limits without root access.
Samsung (Battery Protection):
-
- open up settings > Battery and device care > Battery > More battery settings.
- Toggle Protect the battery To limit the charge to 85%.
OnePlus and Oppo (Optimized Charging):
-
- open up settings > Battery > Advanced settings.
- Enable Optimized charging. This feature prevents charging beyond 80% during long charging sessions (eg overnight).
Google Pixel (Compatible Charging):
-
- open up settings > Battery > Adaptive preferences.
- Enable Custom charges Extend battery life by controlling charging speed and time.
Xiaomi (Battery Health Mode):
-
- go to settings > Battery and performance > Battery health.
- Enable Set a charging limit (If available in MIUI version).
What’s the hype about charging up to 80%?
Before you get into the hype behind the 80% charging cycle, you need to understand the concept of deep cycling.
In a li-ion or li-poly battery, there are charge cycles that determine the life of the battery. A charge cycle is charging the battery from 20% to 80%. However, deep cycle means charging the battery from 0% to 100%. Often, batteries are equipped with 500-deep cycles or 1000-deep cycles.
Now, if you regularly charge your phone from 0 to 100, your battery will drain as fast as less than a year. By the end of the year, you’ll be charging your phone twice a day for 24 hours of use.
In a study conducted by Battery University, it was found that fully-discharged batteries (those that were charged at 100% and used close to 0%) showed more signs of degradation than partially discharged batteries (batteries that were backed up before receiving them). up to 30%) in laboratory tests.
As already stated, some manufacturers are including features to further optimize battery life, we have to make do with temporary solutions in the meantime.
The bottom line
In 2024, manufacturers have made progress in addressing battery degradation issues, reducing the need for complex solutions such as rooting. However, for older devices, rooting remains an option for advanced users. Always make sure you understand the risks of rooting or using third-party tools and prefer built-in features whenever possible.
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