Why Does My Phone Stop Charging at 80%? Common Causes and Solutions

Are you experiencing the frustration of charging your phone only to have it stop at 80%? You are not alone! Many smartphone users have encountered this issue and have been wondering why it happens. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons why your phone stops charging at 80%, how you can prolong your battery life, and some possible solutions to troubleshoot the problem. 

Battery Charging Basics

Before we dive into the causes of your phone stopping charging at 80%, let's have a quick overview of the battery charging basics. Phone batteries are made of lithium-ion, a rechargeable battery technology that is used in most modern phones. To charge the battery, an electrical current is applied to it, which causes lithium ions to move from the positive electrode to the negative electrode, thus storing energy.

The charging process has three stages: bulk, absorption, and trickle. During the bulk stage, the battery is charged rapidly, reaching 80% of its capacity. Then, during the absorption stage, the battery is charged at a slower rate, reaching 100%. Finally, during the trickle stage, the battery is maintained at 100%, ensuring that it remains fully charged.

Understanding Battery Health

The battery health of your phone is essential for its longevity and performance. It is a measure of the battery's capacity to store energy and is expressed as a percentage of its original capacity. As your phone gets older, its battery health decreases, and it becomes less efficient at holding a charge.

You can check your phone's battery health by going to the battery settings on your phone. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. On an Android phone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.

The Role of Battery Management Systems

Battery Management Systems (BMS) are software programs that are embedded in your phone's hardware to protect the battery from overcharging, overheating, and over-discharging. They also regulate the charging process and prevent damage to the battery. BMS technology has improved dramatically over the years, and modern phones have advanced BMS features that protect the battery and prolong its life.

Why Your Phone Stops Charging at 80%:

Now that we understand the basics of phone batteries and BMS technology let's talk about why your phone may stop charging at 80%. There are several reasons for this:

1. Battery Health: As mentioned earlier, as your phone's battery health decreases, it becomes less efficient at holding a charge. To prevent damage to the battery, your phone's BMS may stop the charging process once it reaches 80%.
2. Battery Management System: Your phone's BMS is designed to regulate the charging process and prevent damage to the battery. If it detects any abnormalities during the charging process, it may stop charging your phone at 80% to prevent damage to the battery.
3. Fast Charging Technology: Some phones have a fast charging feature that allows you to charge your phone quickly. However, fast charging can generate heat and cause damage to the battery. To prevent damage, your phone's BMS may stop charging your phone at 80%.

Tips for Prolonging Battery Life

Now that we know the reasons why your phone may stop charging at 80%, let's explore some tips for prolonging battery life:

Avoid extreme temperatures

Exposing your phone to extreme temperatures can damage the battery and reduce its capacity. Keep your phone away from direct sunlight, and don't leave it in a hot car or outside during cold weather.

Use an original charger and cable

Using a third-party charger or cable can damage your phone's battery and reduce its life. Always use the original charger and cable that came with your phone or purchase certified accessories from reputable brands.

Keep your phone cool 

High temperatures can cause damage to your phone's battery, leading to shorter battery life and charging issues. Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight or hot environments, such as inside a car on a hot day. Additionally, using your phone while it's charging can cause it to heat up, so try to avoid doing so.

Turn off unnecessary features 

Your phone has many features that may not be necessary for everyday use. Turning off features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location services when not in use can help extend your battery life.

Reduce screen brightness 

The brightness of your phone's screen can significantly impact its battery life. Turning down the brightness or enabling auto-brightness can help conserve battery power.

Use airplane mode 

When you're in an area with poor cell service or traveling on a plane, using airplane mode can help conserve your phone's battery life.

Update your software 

Software updates often contain bug fixes and optimizations that can improve your phone's performance and battery life. Make sure to regularly update your phone's software to ensure you're getting the most out of your battery.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

If you're still experiencing issues with your phone stopping charging at 80%, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take.

Reset your phone

Sometimes, simply resetting your phone can fix charging issues. To reset your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on your phone, so make sure to back up any important files first.

Check for software updates 

As mentioned earlier, software updates can fix bugs and optimize your phone's performance. Check for any available updates and install them if needed.

Inspect your charging port

Check your phone's charging port for any debris, such as dirt or lint, which can prevent the charger from properly connecting to the port. Use a small tool, like a toothpick or a can of compressed air, to remove any debris.

Try a different charger and cable

 If your original charger and cable are not working, try using a different charger and cable. Make sure the charger and cable are certified and from a reputable brand.

Consider using a fast charger 

If you're frequently running out of battery and need a quick charge, consider using a fast charger like the GravaStar Alpha65 GaN fast charger. This charger allows you to charge your phone at a faster rate and has multiple ports for charging multiple devices at once. Additionally, the Alpha65's GaN technology makes charging faster and more efficient, with less heat and better power supply efficiency. Its unique and stylish design also adds a touch of personality to your charging setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your iPhone is stopping charging at 80%, it could be due to a variety of factors, including battery health, software issues, and charging equipment. By taking proper care of your phone's battery and following the tips mentioned in this post, you can help extend the life of your battery and prevent charging issues. 

If you're still experiencing problems, consider trying the troubleshooting steps mentioned or investing in a high-quality fast charger like the GravaStar Alpha65 GaN fast charger. With the right care and equipment, you can ensure your phone is always charged and ready to go.