Easy ways to speed up device charging

It might seem bizarre – even indulgent – to have a phobia dedicated to the fear of not having a smartphone to hand.

Yet nomophobia is understandable when you look past its groan-inducing name, and the inevitable sense of Millennial entitlement.

Our phones have evolved far beyond mere communication tools into our windows onto the world.

They’re unlocked hundreds of times a day as we reference and check things, entertain ourselves, keep abreast of current developments and (increasingly) hold down our jobs.

Phone calls have been joined by the relentless rise of messaging services, social media platforms and video calling, in the growing roster of available communication methods.

Little wonder that a low smartphone battery is now a cause for genuine concern, rather than a mild inconvenience.

Fortunately, the days of waiting for hours as a rechargeable battery is replenished are behind us.

There are numerous ways to speed up device charging, ensuring your phone has enough energy to cope with a trip out, an imminent call or a few hours at your desk.

These are our recommendations.

Ten ways to speed up device charging

1. Invest in fast charging cables. These high-speed cables are available for all the main smartphone brands, potentially providing a significant top-up in a matter of minutes.
2. Turn off WiFi. This is a leading battery drain. Deactivating it while the device is plugged in means more mains power can be expended on recharging rather than running services.
3. Turn off Bluetooth. Similarly, Bluetooth is constantly scanning for available devices when it’s on. You don’t need this service when the phone is on standby and charging.
4. Don’t rely on wireless charging. The resonant charging principles of mats and stations are slow and inefficient, compared to plugging a device into a mains power socket.
5. Keep it cool. Direct sunshine, tight-fitting protective cases and warm rooms could all increase the amount of heat surrounding the handset, which can affect battery capacity.
6. Don’t let the battery drain before recharging. Aim to keep around 20 per cent charge, since it’s harder (and therefore more time-consuming) to recharge an almost-empty battery.
7. Engage Airplane mode. If you need to access media files and offline data, Airplane Mode cuts out unnecessary pinging and data transfers, letting you focus on essential services.
8. Reduce screen brightness. Again, if the device is charging and also in use, much of its incoming power will be expended illuminating the screen. Dull it down to save energy.
9. Minimise usage. One way to speed up the process is to not use the phone while charging, thereby avoiding the unwelcome principle of parasitic loads. Lock it and leave it.
10. TIOATIOA. The OS and background apps drain power whenever the phone is on. Speed up device charging by switching the handset off, so mains power exclusively replenishes the battery.