How to Extend the Battery Life of Your Wearable Devices

In today’s fast-paced world, wearable technology has become an essential part of our daily lives. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, these devices help us stay connected, monitor our health, and even make payments on the go. However, one common issue that many of us face is battery life. Understanding how to extend battery life of wearable devices is crucial. Whether you own a high-end smartwatch or a simple fitness tracker, each device has its own unique features and power demands. While specific settings and options may vary across different brands and models, the tips in this guide are designed to be broadly applicable, helping you maximize battery life regardless of the wearable you use.

In this guide, I’ll occasionally use the Apple Watch to demonstrate specific examples and images. However, rest assured that the advice provided will be useful for most wearables, not just Apple’s offerings. For those interested in diving deeper into the specifics of the Apple Watch, including its unique features and troubleshooting, you can check out our other post on everything you need to know about your Apple Watch.

1. Adjust Screen Brightness

The screen is one of the biggest battery drains on any device. High brightness levels can significantly reduce battery life. While most wearables have an auto-brightness feature, manually lowering the brightness can yield even better results.

How to adjust brightness:

• Smartwatches: Navigate to Settings > Display > Brightness. Consider keeping it at the lowest comfortable level.
• Fitness Trackers: Use the companion app or the device menu to adjust brightness settings.

2. Manage Notifications

Wearables keep us connected, but constant notifications can quickly drain the battery. Being selective about which notifications you receive can help conserve power.

Steps to manage notifications:

• Open the companion app on your smartphone.
• Navigate to the Notifications settings.
• Select only the essential apps that can send notifications to your wearable.

3. Regular Software Updates

Manufacturers regularly release software updates that improve battery efficiency, fix bugs, and enhance performance. Keeping your wearable’s software up to date is crucial for optimal battery life.

How to update your wearable:

• Ensure your device is connected to its companion app.
• Go to the Settings menu and check for firmware updates.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

4. Use Battery Saver Modes

Most wearables come with a battery saver or low power mode, which can significantly extend battery life by limiting non-essential functions. These modes typically reduce screen brightness, disable notifications, and restrict background activities.

How to enable battery saver mode:

• Smartwatches: Swipe down from the top of the screen to access quick settings and select Battery Saver Mode.
• Fitness Trackers: Check the companion app for Battery Saver options.

5. Disable the Always-On Display

While the always-on display is a convenient feature, it consumes a substantial amount of power. Disabling it can greatly extend your wearable’s battery life.

How to disable always-on display:

• Smartwatches: Go to Settings > Display > Always-On Display and toggle it off.
• Fitness Trackers: Use the companion app to manage display settings.

6. Limit GPS Usage

GPS tracking is a known battery hog. To save battery, use GPS only when necessary, such as during workouts or navigation, and turn it off when not in use.

How to manage GPS:

• Smartwatches: Navigate to Settings > Connectivity > GPS and toggle it off when not needed.
• Fitness Trackers: Manage GPS settings through the companion app.

7. Disable Unnecessary Sensors

Wearables are equipped with various sensors, such as heart rate monitors, step counters, and sleep trackers. If you don’t need these features all the time, disabling them can save significant battery life.

How to turn off sensors:

• Smartwatches: Go to Settings > Sensors and disable the ones you don’t need.
• Fitness Trackers: Use the companion app to control sensor settings.

8. Reduce Screen Timeout

The longer your screen stays on, the more battery it consumes. Reducing the screen timeout can help extend battery life.

How to adjust screen timeout:

• Smartwatches: Go to Settings > Display > Screen Timeout and select a shorter duration.
• Fitness Trackers: Adjust the screen timeout settings via the companion app.

9. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures can negatively impact battery performance and lifespan. Avoid exposing your wearable to very high or low temperatures.

Tips to protect your wearable:

• Don’t leave your device in direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Keep it away from heaters, radiators, and air conditioners.

10. Clean and Maintain Your Device

Dirt and grime can block the charging contacts on your wearable, leading to inefficient charging and reduced battery life. Regular cleaning helps keep your device running optimally.

Cleaning tips:

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe your device.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

Additional Tips for Maximizing Battery Life

• Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: When not in use, turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can further reduce power consumption.
• Use Airplane Mode: If you don’t need connectivity for a while, consider using Airplane Mode to turn off all wireless communications.
• Customize Watch Faces: Some watch faces consume more power due to higher graphical demands. Opt for simpler watch faces that use less battery.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can significantly extend the battery life of your wearable devices. Each device is different, so be sure to explore your wearable’s settings to find the best battery-saving options tailored to your needs. Staying connected and active doesn’t have to mean constant charging—take control of your wearable’s power usage and enjoy a longer-lasting device!

Stay connected, stay active, and keep going strong!

---

Sources:

https://www.wired.com/story/smartwatch-battery-life-tips