Does iPhone Low Power Mode Affect Battery Health?

Understanding iPhone Low Power Mode and Battery Health

The question of whether iPhone's Low Power Mode negatively impacts long-term battery health is a common concern for many users. In essence, Low Power Mode is designed to conserve battery life by reducing background activity and visual effects. It achieves this by temporarily disabling or limiting features such as automatic downloads, mail fetch, background app refresh, and certain visual effects like parallax. For most users, especially those concerned about their device lasting through a day or more without charging, Low Power Mode is a beneficial tool. The primary objective of this mode is to extend the active usage time of your iPhone when the battery level is low, typically below 20%, or when manually enabled.

• Low Power Mode conserves battery by reducing background activity and visual features.
• It is designed to extend usage time, not degrade battery health.
• It automatically disables when the iPhone reaches 80% charge.
• The mode temporarily affects performance for battery saving.
• Its impact on battery health is minimal to none.

Battery health, on the other hand, refers to the overall lifespan and capacity of your iPhone's lithium-ion battery. Over time and with regular use, all rechargeable batteries experience a gradual decrease in their maximum capacity. This is a natural electrochemical process. Apple's Battery Health management system monitors this degradation, providing users with insights into their battery's current maximum capacity relative to when it was new. Understanding this distinction is crucial: conserving battery life during periods of low charge is different from causing permanent damage or accelerated wear to the battery's chemical composition.

The core misunderstanding often arises from conflating reduced immediate performance with long-term damage. When Low Power Mode is active, your iPhone might feel slightly less responsive, apps may take a moment longer to open, and animations might be less fluid. This is a direct consequence of the system throttling certain processes to save power. However, these adjustments are temporary and reversible once the iPhone is charged or Low Power Mode is turned off. They do not represent a permanent alteration of the battery's physical or chemical state. Therefore, the prevailing consensus and Apple's own explanations suggest that using Low Power Mode does not inherently harm your iPhone's battery health.

Instead, the mode acts as a smart switch, intelligently managing power consumption without causing undue stress or degradation to the battery's components. The battery's chemical aging is primarily influenced by factors like charge cycles, extreme temperatures, and the rate of discharge, not by the temporary reduction in processing power or background tasks that Low Power Mode imposes. By using Low Power Mode, you are essentially telling your device to operate more efficiently, which can indirectly prolong the usable life of the battery on a day-to-day basis, rather than shortening its overall lifespan.

How Low Power Mode Functions and Its System Adjustments

When you activate Low Power Mode, either manually or when your iPhone prompts you at 20% battery, a series of specific system-level adjustments take effect. These modifications are carefully calibrated to minimize power draw across various iPhone functions. It's important to recognize that these are not arbitrary power cuts but rather intelligent reductions in energy-intensive operations. The goal is to preserve enough charge for continued essential use, rather than to accelerate battery wear.

Key Adjustments Made by Low Power Mode

• Automatic Fetch for Mail: Instead of fetching new emails continuously in the background, your iPhone will fetch mail only when you open the Mail app. This significantly reduces background data usage and processing power.
• Background App Refresh: Apps that would normally update their content in the background will stop doing so. This means apps will only refresh their content when you actively open them.
• Automatic Downloads and Updates: Features like automatic app updates or iOS updates that might occur over Wi-Fi in the background are paused.
• Visual Effects: Certain visual enhancements, such as parallax effects (where wallpapers and icons subtly shift as you move the phone) and some animations, are reduced or disabled to save GPU processing power and screen energy.
• Screen Brightness and Auto-Lock: While not always explicitly stated as part of Low Power Mode's core functions, users often notice a slight dimming of the screen, and the auto-lock timer might be set to a shorter duration (e.g., 30 seconds) to prevent the screen from staying on unnecessarily.
• 5G (on supported models): For some iPhone models, Low Power Mode will limit 5G network usage to LTE, as 5G connectivity can be more power-intensive.

These adjustments are reversible. Once your iPhone is charged to 80% or higher, Low Power Mode automatically turns off. You can also manually toggle it on or off at any time from the Battery settings. The temporary nature of these changes is key to understanding why they don't negatively affect battery health. Think of it as your iPhone taking a brief, controlled rest from its most demanding duties to conserve energy, rather than undergoing a procedure that causes permanent damage.

The impact on your user experience is generally noticeable but manageable. You might experience slight delays when switching between apps or notice that some apps take a moment longer to update their content. However, for tasks like calling, texting, browsing the web, or using navigation, the functionality remains largely unimpeded. The system prioritizes core functionality over energy-consuming background processes and graphical flourishes.

The underlying battery chemistry is not subjected to new stresses by these operational changes. Lithium-ion batteries degrade due to electrochemical reactions that occur during charging and discharging cycles, and exposure to heat. Low Power Mode does not alter these fundamental processes; it merely reduces the frequency or intensity of the operations that *trigger* those cycles. Therefore, its function is to manage power effectively during low-charge periods, not to compromise the battery's long-term chemical integrity.

The Science of iPhone Battery Degradation

To accurately assess whether Low Power Mode affects battery health, it's essential to understand how iPhone batteries degrade over time. All rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, including those in iPhones, are consumables that become less effective as they age. This degradation is primarily an electrochemical process, influenced by several key factors that are largely independent of specific power-saving software features like Low Power Mode.

Factors Influencing Battery Health Degradation

• Charge Cycles: Every time you use up 100% of your battery's capacity, it counts as one charge cycle. For example, using half your battery one day and then fully charging it, and then using the other half the next day and charging again, equals one charge cycle. Lithium-ion batteries have a finite number of charge cycles before their capacity significantly diminishes. Apple designs batteries to retain up to 80% of their original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles under normal conditions.
• Age: Regardless of usage, batteries also age chemically over time. The extended storage of a battery, even when not in use, contributes to its degradation.
• Temperature: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can negatively impact battery health. Exposing your iPhone to high temperatures (above 35° C or 95° F) for extended periods can permanently reduce battery capacity. Very cold conditions can temporarily reduce battery life, but do not cause permanent damage.
• Depth of Discharge: While using Low Power Mode reduces the immediate need for power, it doesn't inherently force the battery into deeper or more damaging discharge states than normal usage. Deep discharges (draining the battery to 0%) and consistently topping up from very low percentages can theoretically put more stress on the battery compared to keeping it within a mid-range charge. However, modern battery management systems are designed to mitigate this.
• Fast Charging: While convenient, very rapid charging, especially when the battery is already warm, can generate more heat and potentially accelerate degradation. Apple's charging algorithms aim to manage this.

Low Power Mode does not fundamentally alter these degradation mechanisms. It doesn't force the battery through excessive charge cycles, expose it to prolonged extreme temperatures, or significantly change the depth of discharge in a detrimental way. Instead, it conserves energy by reducing the *demand* on the battery during periods of low charge. This means your phone might need less frequent charging cycles to get through a day compared to if Low Power Mode were not used, which could theoretically contribute to *slower* degradation over the very long term, not faster.

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Consider the alternative: if you didn't use Low Power Mode when your battery was low, you might find yourself needing to charge your phone more often throughout the day. Constant topping up from very low percentages, or needing to find a charger sooner, doesn't necessarily benefit battery health more than using a power-saving mode. The key is that Low Power Mode's actions are about managing *usage* and *demand*, not about stressing the battery's core chemical components.

Apple's Battery Health feature, accessible in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, provides a "Maximum Capacity" percentage. This metric is a direct indicator of battery wear. If Low Power Mode were significantly impacting health, you would expect to see a faster decline in this percentage compared to iPhones not using the mode. However, real-world observations and expert analyses generally do not support this correlation.

Does Low Power Mode Affect Battery Health: The Verdict

Based on the technical explanations of how Low Power Mode operates and the scientific principles of lithium-ion battery degradation, the consensus is clear: Low Power Mode does not negatively affect your iPhone's long-term battery health. The mode is an energy conservation tool, not a detrimental process. Its function is to intelligently reduce power consumption to extend your device's usability when the battery is running low.

The adjustments made by Low Power Mode—such as limiting background activity, disabling automatic downloads, and reducing visual effects—are temporary and designed to be reversible. They do not induce permanent chemical changes or physical stress on the battery components. The factors that genuinely contribute to battery degradation are charge cycles, age, extreme temperatures, and prolonged periods at very high or very low charge states, none of which are exacerbated by Low Power Mode.

In fact, by enabling Low Power Mode, you might inadvertently help preserve battery health by reducing the number of full charge cycles your battery undergoes over its lifespan. If your phone lasts longer on a single charge because of Low Power Mode, it may require fewer top-ups throughout the day or fewer full charging cycles per week. This could theoretically lead to a slower rate of degradation over the extended life of the device, rather than accelerating it.

Key Takeaways on Low Power Mode and Battery Health

• No direct harm: Low Power Mode does not cause permanent damage to your iPhone's battery.
• Energy conservation: Its purpose is to reduce power consumption for temporary use.
• Temporary adjustments: Features are limited or disabled only while the mode is active.
• Reversible effects: All changes revert once the phone is sufficiently charged.
• Focus on usage: The mode manages operational demand, not battery chemistry.
• Potential indirect benefit: May lead to fewer charge cycles over time.

The distinction between conserving battery life for immediate use and degrading the battery's overall health is critical. Low Power Mode serves the former purpose without compromising the latter. If you frequently find yourself needing to extend your iPhone's battery life, enabling Low Power Mode is a safe and effective strategy. It allows you to keep using your device for longer without the concern that you are prematurely wearing out its battery.

Apple's own recommendations and diagnostic tools do not flag Low Power Mode usage as a contributor to accelerated battery wear. The Battery Health feature, which monitors the chemical aging of your battery, provides an accurate representation of its condition based on actual usage patterns and cycles, not on whether Low Power Mode has been activated. Therefore, you can use this feature with confidence when you need it most.

Using Low Power Mode is a prudent strategy for extending your iPhone's immediate power supply, and it does not compromise the long-term health of its battery.

The perception that it might affect health likely stems from the temporary performance reduction experienced when it's active. However, this reduction is a sign of the mode working as intended—conserving energy—rather than a symptom of battery damage. For users experiencing rapid battery drain, understanding the settings that consume the most power is more important than worrying about Low Power Mode itself. Features like screen brightness, background app activity, and location services are far more significant contributors to daily battery consumption.

When to Use Low Power Mode Effectively

Understanding when to engage Low Power Mode can significantly enhance your iPhone experience, especially when you're away from a power source. It's not just a setting for emergencies; it can be a proactive measure to ensure your device lasts through busy days, long commutes, or travel where charging opportunities are scarce. The key is to use it strategically rather than letting it dictate your device's normal operation.

Scenarios Where Low Power Mode Shines

• When Battery Level is Low: The most obvious time is when your iPhone alerts you that the battery is at 20% or 10%. Enabling it here maximizes the remaining charge.
• During Long Days Out: If you know you'll be out all day without access to a charger—perhaps at a conference, a long day of sightseeing, or a full day of classes—enabling Low Power Mode proactively can prevent your battery from dying prematurely.
• On Public Transportation: Extended train or bus journeys can be challenging if your phone's battery is dwindling. Using Low Power Mode can ensure you have power for navigation, entertainment, or communication during the entire trip.
• While Traveling: Airplanes, trains, and even remote locations might offer limited charging options. Setting your iPhone to Low Power Mode before you embark on a long journey can provide peace of mind.
• Before a Critical Moment: If you're waiting for an important call or need your phone for navigation to reach a specific destination, ensuring it stays powered on by using Low Power Mode is a sensible precaution.
• To Minimize Battery Drain Overnight (with caution): While Low Power Mode is not primarily designed for overnight charging, some users might enable it if they charge their phone slowly or if they want to ensure minimal background activity. However, remember it automatically disables at 80%, so its effect is limited.

It's worth noting that the iPhone automatically disables Low Power Mode once it reaches 80% charge. This built-in behavior ensures that when your device is fully charged, it returns to normal operation, allowing for maximum performance and feature availability. You can manually re-enable it if you wish, but the default behavior is to resume full functionality as soon as possible.

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Pro Tip: Consider disabling features you don't actively use, like background app refresh for non-essential apps or automatic mail fetch, even when not in Low Power Mode. This offers a similar, though less comprehensive, battery-saving benefit without the temporary performance limitations.

The decision to use Low Power Mode should be driven by your current battery percentage and anticipated usage needs. If you have ready access to a charger or your battery is comfortably above 50%, the benefits of having full performance and background services may outweigh the need for extreme conservation. However, for any situation where battery longevity is paramount and charging is uncertain, Low Power Mode is an indispensable tool.

Remember, the mode is temporary and its function is purely to manage power consumption. It doesn't introduce any risk to the battery's long-term chemical stability. Therefore, using it whenever you anticipate needing your iPhone to last longer than usual is a practical and safe approach to battery management. It's about making your current charge go further, not about harming the battery's ability to hold a charge in the future.

Alternatives and Complements to Low Power Mode

While Low Power Mode is an effective tool for conserving battery life, it's not the only strategy available. Understanding complementary features and settings can help you manage your iPhone's battery even more effectively, and potentially reduce reliance on Low Power Mode while still extending your device's runtime. These methods focus on addressing the root causes of battery drain rather than just temporarily limiting functionality.

Settings to Optimize Battery Usage

• Display & Brightness: Reducing screen brightness is one of the most impactful ways to save battery. The screen is one of the biggest power consumers. You can adjust this manually in Settings > Display & Brightness or enable Auto-Brightness (Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Auto-Brightness).
• Background App Refresh: This setting allows apps to update their content when you're not actively using them. While convenient, it consumes significant power. You can disable it entirely or selectively turn it off for apps that don't need constant updates (Settings > General > Background App Refresh).
• Location Services: Many apps use your location, often more than necessary. Review which apps have access to your location and set them to "While Using the App" or "Never" instead of "Always" where possible (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services).
• Fetch New Data: For mail and other data that doesn't require instant updates, changing the fetch frequency from "Push" to "Fetch" at longer intervals (e.g., hourly or manually) can save battery (Settings > General > Background App Refresh, and Mail settings).
• Push Notifications: Frequent notifications can wake up your phone and consume power. Tailor your notification settings to only receive alerts that are truly important.
• System Services: Within Location Services, specific system services like "Find My iPhone," "Cell Network Search," and "Wi-Fi Calling" can also be adjusted if they are consuming unexpected amounts of power.
• Battery Health Management: Ensure "Optimized Battery Charging" and "Manage Battery Longevity" (or similar wording depending on iOS version) are enabled in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. These features help slow down the battery aging process by managing how your iPhone charges.

While these settings offer a more granular approach to battery management, they all work towards the same goal: reducing power consumption. Unlike Low Power Mode, which applies a broad set of restrictions, these individual adjustments allow you to fine-tune your iPhone's behavior. This can result in a noticeable improvement in battery life without the performance compromises that Low Power Mode sometimes entails.

Many users find that a combination of these personalized settings, along with the strategic use of Low Power Mode for specific situations, provides the best overall battery management. It’s about finding a balance that suits your daily usage patterns and ensures your iPhone is ready when you need it, all while respecting the long-term health of its battery.

Pro Tip: Periodically check your battery usage by app in Settings > Battery. This report can reveal which applications are consuming the most power, helping you identify specific culprits to address with the settings mentioned above.

It is also important to consider that a consistently draining battery, even when not using Low Power Mode, might indicate a need to check your iPhone's Battery Health percentage. If the Maximum Capacity is significantly degraded (e.g., below 80%), the battery may be nearing the end of its service life and might benefit from replacement, regardless of how you use Low Power Mode.

Common Misconceptions About iPhone Battery Health

Several myths and misconceptions surround iPhone battery health and charging practices. Addressing these can help users make informed decisions about maintaining their device and its power source. The belief that Low Power Mode itself harms battery health is one such common misunderstanding, often stemming from confusing temporary performance dips with permanent degradation.

Debunking Popular Battery Myths

• Myth: You must fully discharge your iPhone before recharging. This is a remnant of older battery technologies. Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from a "memory effect" and are best maintained by avoiding deep discharges and keeping the charge level within a moderate range (e.g., 20%-80%) when possible.
• Myth: Keeping your iPhone plugged in overnight will damage the battery. Modern iPhones and their charging systems are sophisticated. "Optimized Battery Charging" (a feature within Battery Health & Charging settings) learns your daily charging routine and waits to finish charging past 80% until just before you typically wake up. This minimizes the time the battery spends at full charge, reducing stress.
• Myth: Using third-party chargers or cables will harm your battery. While it's always best to use Apple-certified (MFi - Made for iPhone) accessories, reputable third-party chargers and cables that meet safety standards generally do not harm your battery. The critical factor is the quality and safety compliance of the accessory.
• Myth: Low Power Mode causes permanent battery damage. As detailed throughout this article, this is not true. Low Power Mode is a software feature designed to conserve energy by temporarily limiting non-essential functions. It does not inflict physical or chemical damage on the battery.
• Myth: You need to use your phone a lot for the battery to degrade. Battery degradation occurs naturally over time due to chemical aging, regardless of usage. While charge cycles are a primary factor, even a phone used sparingly will experience some degradation simply due to age.
• Myth: Extreme cold is as bad for battery health as extreme heat. While very cold temperatures can cause temporary performance issues and a noticeable drop in battery life, they generally do not cause permanent damage to lithium-ion batteries. Extreme heat, however, can lead to irreversible capacity loss.

Understanding these points helps demystify battery care. The aim is to manage charging habits and environmental factors that genuinely impact battery health, rather than adhering to outdated advice or fearing features that are designed to be beneficial. For instance, if your iPhone battery is draining quickly and you're worried about its health, the first step should be to check the Battery Health percentage in Settings and review your usage patterns, not to avoid using Low Power Mode.

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The key to battery longevity lies in minimizing prolonged exposure to high temperatures, avoiding unnecessary deep discharges, and letting the device's built-in battery management features do their work. Features like Optimized Battery Charging and Low Power Mode are designed to work with the battery's chemistry to provide a better user experience without causing harm. Relying on these intelligent systems, rather than manual, often misguided, interventions, is the most effective approach.

By dispelling these common misconceptions, users can confidently use their iPhones and its features, like Low Power Mode, knowing they are not inadvertently causing harm to their device's battery. The focus should remain on understanding the actual science of battery degradation and leveraging the tools Apple provides for battery management.

When to Consider Battery Replacement

While Low Power Mode and other optimization techniques can extend your iPhone's daily battery life and potentially slow down long-term degradation, every lithium-ion battery has a finite lifespan. Eventually, you may reach a point where the battery's capacity is so diminished that it no longer meets your needs, regardless of power-saving measures. Recognizing when to consider a battery replacement is as important as knowing how to manage its charge.

Indicators Your iPhone Battery May Need Replacement

• Significantly Reduced Maximum Capacity: Apple's Battery Health feature (Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging) displays your battery's maximum capacity as a percentage of its capacity when new. If this figure drops below 80%, Apple generally recommends a battery service. Performance issues may also become more apparent at this level.
• Unexpected Shutdowns: If your iPhone suddenly turns off, especially when the battery level appears to have a significant amount of charge remaining (e.g., 30-50%), it's a strong indicator that the battery can no longer supply the peak power required by the system. This is more common when the battery is chemically aged.
• Short Battery Life Despite Optimization: If you've implemented all the battery-saving tips, use Low Power Mode regularly, and have checked your usage statistics, yet your iPhone still struggles to last even a few hours on a full charge, the battery's capacity may be too low.
• Physical Swelling: In rare cases, a battery may swell due to internal chemical reactions. If you notice any bulging of the iPhone's casing, particularly around the screen or back, stop using the device immediately and seek professional service, as a swollen battery can be a safety hazard.
• Performance Throttling: iOS has a feature that can temporarily throttle the iPhone's peak performance to prevent unexpected shutdowns when the battery is heavily degraded. If you notice your phone feels sluggish, app animations lag, or certain features are slow, and your Battery Health is low, a worn-out battery might be the cause.

When considering a battery replacement, it's advisable to use Apple's official service channels or authorized service providers. They use genuine Apple parts, ensuring compatibility and proper installation, which is crucial for both performance and safety. While third-party repair shops can be an option, ensure they use high-quality replacement batteries and have a good reputation.

The cost of battery replacement varies, but it's often a more economical solution than purchasing a new iPhone, especially for devices that are still otherwise functional and meet your needs. Apple provides information on battery service pricing on its support website, and this is the most reliable source for current costs. Remember that a new battery can restore your iPhone's performance and significantly extend its usable life.

Therefore, while Low Power Mode and smart charging habits help preserve battery health, they are not a substitute for eventual battery replacement if the battery has reached the end of its chemical lifespan. Being aware of these signs ensures you can maintain your iPhone's functionality and user experience as it ages.

Managing Your iPhone's Battery Health Over Time

The longevity of your iPhone's battery is a combination of its inherent design, how it's manufactured, and, critically, how you use and care for it. While you cannot prevent natural chemical aging, you can adopt practices that minimize accelerated degradation and maximize its usable lifespan. This involves understanding the factors that contribute to wear and adopting intelligent charging and usage habits.

Best Practices for Long-Term Battery Management

• Utilize Optimized Battery Charging: Always keep this feature enabled (Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging). It learns your charging habits and reduces battery aging by minimizing the time spent fully charged.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not expose your iPhone to temperatures above 35° C (95° F) or below 0° C (32° F) for extended periods. If your phone gets hot while charging or during use, move it to a cooler environment.
• Use Genuine or MFi-Certified Accessories: While not strictly about health, using high-quality chargers and cables ensures efficient and safe power delivery, which is indirectly beneficial for the battery's overall well-being.
• Update iOS Regularly: Apple frequently releases software updates that include improvements to power management and battery efficiency. Keeping your iPhone's operating system up to date is crucial.
• Monitor Battery Health: Periodically check the "Maximum Capacity" percentage in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. This gives you a clear picture of your battery's current condition.
• Employ Low Power Mode Strategically: As established, this mode is safe and beneficial for extending daily usage. Use it when needed to avoid more frequent charging cycles.
• Manage Background Activity: Be mindful of apps that consume significant power in the background. Customize settings for Background App Refresh, Location Services, and Push Notifications to suit your needs and reduce unnecessary drain.

The goal is to create an environment and usage pattern that is conducive to battery health. This means being proactive rather than reactive. For instance, instead of waiting for your phone to die and then stressing about finding a charger, use Low Power Mode to extend its life. Instead of worrying about minor performance hiccups, understand that they might be the phone's way of managing a worn battery, signaling it's time to consider service.

By combining these practices, you can ensure your iPhone's battery performs optimally for as long as possible. It's about adopting a holistic approach that considers both your usage needs and the physical limitations and sensitivities of the battery technology.

Ultimately, while technology advances, the fundamental principles of battery care remain consistent: manage temperature, charge intelligently, and minimize unnecessary power drain. Understanding features like Low Power Mode and their genuine impact (or lack thereof) on battery health empowers you to use your device confidently and effectively.

FAQ: Low Power Mode and iPhone Battery Health

Here are answers to common questions users have about iPhone Low Power Mode and its impact on battery health. These address specific concerns and clarify potential confusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Low Power Mode reduce battery lifespan? No, Low Power Mode does not reduce your iPhone's battery lifespan. It temporarily reduces power consumption by disabling or limiting features, allowing the device to last longer on a single charge without causing permanent damage to the battery.
• Will my iPhone perform worse when Low Power Mode is on? Yes, your iPhone's performance may be slightly reduced. Features like background app refresh, automatic downloads, and some visual effects are limited, which can make the device feel less responsive. However, core functions remain operational.
• Does Low Power Mode permanently affect battery health? No, Low Power Mode does not permanently affect battery health. All adjustments made by the mode are temporary and are automatically reverted once your iPhone reaches 80% charge or you manually disable it.
• Should I use Low Power Mode all the time? It is not necessary to use Low Power Mode all the time. It's best used when your battery is low (below 20%) or when you anticipate needing your iPhone for an extended period without access to a charger.
• What happens to my apps when Low Power Mode is on? Apps may not fetch new data in the background, and their content will only refresh when you open them. This conserves battery by reducing background processing.
• Is it better to charge my iPhone to 100% or stop at 80%? For optimal long-term battery health, it's generally recommended to avoid keeping your iPhone at 100% charge for extended periods. Apple's "Optimized Battery Charging" feature helps manage this, aiming to finish charging past 80% closer to when you'll need it.
• What are the main causes of iPhone battery degradation? Primary causes include charge cycles, the age of the battery, and exposure to extreme temperatures, particularly heat. Using the phone extensively or charging it frequently contributes to charge cycles.