Alert issued to mobile phone users as one habit instantly drains battery

We all need our mobile phones, but it's no secret that their batteries can drain pretty easily. From using them to connect with people, to exploring apps and checking the news, there are all sorts of reasons why we use our mobile phones regularly, but one simple habit is causing their batteries to plummet pretty rapidly, according to an expert.

When you're out and about, or travelling abroad, the last thing you want is for your battery life to drop to 5% when you have a long day ahead of you. If you're someone who clings to your gadget a lot, then you may want to pay attention, as a simple habit you have could be eating your battery life more than you know so, if you want to stay charged and ready, there are a few things you need to be clued up on.

According to Dmitry Kandratsyeu, Head of Product at Solitaires.com, people make the same mistake over and over again, and it’s killing their batteries. And, while this might be frustrating, it can also lead to safety issues if you arrive somewhere unknown without a working phone due to battery issues.

"People are quick to reach for trending and flashy mobile games when they’ve got time to kill, but these are often some of the biggest battery killers," Dmitry explained. According to the expert, it’s been found that Instagram alone can drain over 12% of your battery in under an hour, and gaming apps often use even more.

Speaking of the travel issues it can cause, Dmitry added: "They’re packed with ads, require a constant internet connection and fill your screen with animation. Your battery doesn’t stand a chance, and this isn’t great when you need Google Maps, your boarding pass or a way to message friends and family.

"There’s nothing worse than landing in a foreign country, your phone dead and you can’t even order an Uber."

Even though most of us now travel with power banks and phones designed to last longer, mobile games have become more demanding too. "More games than ever now rely on real-time play, heavy graphics and constant updates," he added. "The result? They go through battery charge faster than you expect!"

So, what can you do to help your battery last as long as possible? Go back to basics, according to the expert. Classic card games like Klondike, Spite & Malice and Speed are light on graphics, work offline and don’t bombard you with ads. This means you can kill time without killing your phone.

Even the simplest of game swaps can make a difference. Dmitry explained that offline games without hidden downloads or background processes mean you can stay entertained without draining the battery you’ll most likely need later.

So, before starting up any old game, he told people to think again if they need their phones to last for a long period. A simple switch when it comes to your entertainment could be the difference between arriving with 50% battery, or frantically hunting for a plug or battery pack to get you through the day.

Previously, the expert also explained playing games can also impact you if you're travelling on a plane. Dmitry said: "As a games expert with an interest in gaming habits, I’ve noticed that a lot of popular mobile games are designed to keep your brain on high alert.

"Fast-reaction titles like Candy Crush, Stack or Duet are all about quick thinking, bright visuals and constant rewards. It’s a recipe for staying engaged, but also for feeling overstimulated.

"In my view, when you play these kinds of games for long stretches during a flight, you’re not giving your mind much chance to switch off. Instead of helping you unwind, they can leave you feeling wired and restless. Your brain is processing rapid taps, colourful animations and pop-up messages all at once.

"That flood of stimulation doesn’t exactly set you up for a smooth nap or an easy adjustment to a new time zone, which can have a negative effect on jet lag symptoms."