Save Battery Power on a Blackberry

Tips to maximize the time between battery charges for Blackberry cell phones (many of these tips are applicable to cell phones in general, too) are provided below. Most individuals should be able to do at least a couple of the suggestions with little negative impact. They are presented below in no specific order.

Steps

  1. Use a land line when possible. You'll not only save battery life doing this, but you'll save plan minutes, too.
  2. Use the phone while connected to a car charger or AC adapter if available. Using the phone this way reduces the burden of powering the phone by the internal battery alone. Most phones require a minimum amount of battery power to work this way though - so if the battery is drained completely, it may not work.
  3. Reduce the amount of time back lighting is on. Locate the options or settings page to adjust the length of back lighting time, and/or reduce its brightness to a usable but low level.
  4. Turn off Bluetooth (BT) radio when not needed. Locate the options or settings page to disable the Bluetooth radio if you do not use these devices (BT headset, external GPS, etc.) with the phone.
  5. Disable global cell mode. When in a particular country, set the cell mode to only the local frequency bands. For example, many people in the United States can save power by switching to 1XEV mode.
  6. Minimize use of GPS. The GPS makes use of an additional dedicated radio and processor to calculate your location. These specialized hardware components consume additional power that is in excess of the cell phone's power requirements.
  7. Turn off Wi-Fi. Like the GPS function, the WiFi capability also relies on an additional dedicated radio and other hardware that must be powered when "on". If not actively browsing the Internet or updating your software, disable Wi-Fi mode.
  8. Minimize using the phone for entertainment purposes. Using the phone for games, listening to audio, watching video, etc. consumes more battery power than if the phone were simply powered up in standby (waiting for a call).
  9. Minimize internet access usage. This includes web browsing, email and streaming of any audio or video content.
  10. Keep cell calls brief. The longer the phone is in an active state, the more quickly the battery will be depleted.
  11. Turn off cell when in fringe coverage areas when possible. Cell phones adjust output power up and down as needed to maintain contact with cell towers, even in standby. The greater the distance between the tower and the phone; the more power used by the cell phone to maintain contact. This translates to rapid battery discharge when in deep fringe areas.
  12. Turn off cell when not needed. As stated above, the phone still uses power, even in standby. The standby state is one that allows the phone to be quickly located on the network when called. Shutting the phone off completely will stop draining battery power.
  13. Set your phone to automatically turn off overnight (or your sleeping period) when you need it least. This is very simple and will give you at least an additional eight hours of battery life, and is particularly important if unable to recharge overnight. To do this go to "options," then "auto on/off" and choose the time when you know you will probably be in bed by. The other thing left to do is set the "on" time (when you usually wake up by.)



Tips

  • Many phones can be recharged via USB cable connected to a computer. You might be able to save the expense of a charger or dock by purchasing a simple cable instead. Newer Blackberry models have a "Micro USB" port, while older models have a "Mini USB" port. As you might guess, they are not interchangeable. Bring your phone with you when selecting a cable for purchase to be sure to get that fits.
  • Purchase additional chargers or docking stations for regular use at your desk, in the car or other location. The chances of being stranded with a dead battery will be minimized.
  • If you do not intend to receive an immediate response to the person, introduce yourself to pen and paper. Write the person a letter instead of calling them. If they want, they can also write you back (in the meantime, the battery can charge at least a few times through).
  • If the battery is a year or more old, it may be time to replace it. When the battery fails to hold a charge as long as it once did (under similar usage conditions) and is becoming an issue, it should be replaced. Useful battery life is based on variables such as the frequency of charging, discharge level when charging, etc. Most batteries are covered under warranty for a period of up to a year, so check with your carrier before that term is up for a free replacement.
  • Consider purchasing an "extended capacity battery" if the stock battery does not last long enough. Extended capacity batteries have as much as twice the talk and standby time as the stock battery, and as such are physically larger. This often requires changing the battery door or cover of the phone to accommodate the larger battery. Make sure the door is included if needed for your model phone.
  • Not all of the suggestions above are practical for everyone, all the time. Employ as many as possible when the situations permit to maximize battery life.

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