How to get as much battery life as possible on your iPhone or Android phone

Batteries hold us back. It’s that simple. Battery technology is not progressing as quickly as other areas of tech, and our smartphone experience is hindered as a result. It could be years before we see any real progress made in terms of truly significant improvements in battery technology, which is why smartphone companies are devoting so much time to making software optimizations that extend battery life. Examples include the extreme power-saving modes on Samsung and HTC’s latest flagship smartphones, and Google’s “Project Volta” in Android L, which is already resulting in huge battery life improvements in pre-release stages.

Of course, we can also take matters into our own hands. By remembering a few simple tips and tricks, we can dramatically improve the battery life on our iPhones and Android phones.

News emerged recently of a TSA policy change in some regions. According to the new rules, devices including smartphones and tablets must power on in order to be allowed on commercial flights. If a passenger’s phone doesn’t power on during security checks, he or she may be forced to leave it behind.

In light of this new rule, it seems like the perfect time to remind you of some simple things you can do to significantly extend the battery life on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

BGR has shared battery-saving tips and tricks on a number of occasions in the past, but today we’ll bring your attention to three posts in particular.

15 tips for squeezing as much battery life as possible out of your iPhone

This post focuses on the iPhone, but nearly all of the tips and tricks listed there will apply to Android smartphones as well. When you need to extend your battery life in a pinch, this is your definitive guide.

This cool trick could have a huge impact on your Android phone’s battery life

This is Android-only, of course, but it covers a simple free app you can install to dramatically extend your Android phone’s battery life. For even more help, check out the Battery Defender app we covered recently.

In a rush? Here’s how to charge your iPhone or Android battery as quickly as possible

Smartphone battery-extending strategies shouldn’t just be about power management — ensuring your phone is fully charged before you leave the house is crucial as well. This guide will help you charge your phone as quickly as possible.