Batteries don’t die suddenly. Every charge cycle wears down the electrodes a bit, and the wear accelerates when the battery spends time at high states of charge. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
A phone charged to 100% every day will typically lose about 20% of its original capacity within 2 years (roughly 500-700 cycles). That same phone, limited to 80%, can hold onto its capacity for 3-4 years — sometimes longer. The numbers aren’t magic; it’s just electrochemistry. Lower voltage = less stress = slower degradation.
How to Limit Battery Charge to 80% on iPhone
Apple’s built-in charge limit (iOS 17+)
Apple finally added an 80% charge limit in iOS 17. To turn it on: Settings → Battery → Charging → 80% Limit. On some iOS versions it’s under Battery Health & Charging instead.
This is only available on iPhone 15 and newer. If you have an iPhone 14, 13, SE, or anything older, this option simply doesn’t exist.
How to Limit Battery Charge to 80% on Android
Samsung
Samsung’s probably the best here. Go to Settings → Battery and device care → Battery → More battery settings → Protect battery. It limits charging to 85% (not 80, but close enough). Available on most Galaxy phones from 2022 onward. Older Samsung phones? Out of luck.
Google Pixel
Pixel has “Adaptive Charging” under Settings → Battery, but don’t confuse this with a charge limit. It’s not. It just slows down charging overnight and your battery still hits 100% by morning. Google hasn’t added a real charge limit to stock Android yet.
Everyone else (Motorola, Sony, Xiaomi, Nokia, LG…)
Most of these brands don’t have any charge limit feature.
