In Depth Make your Android phone's battery last longer
Improve your Android phone's battery life with these tips
Battery life is one of the biggest issues in the Android world today. Take your SIM card out, turn off Wi-Fi and never touch it and it'll sit there happily, lasting for a whole week on one charge. But try to use it for anything "smart" and, well, that's where the problems start.
It's a pretty sorry state of affairs when we count the uptime of today's smartphones in numbers of hours rather than days, with the standard metric of decent battery life being whether a phone can last a whole working day on a single charge.
So are there any realistic things you can do to improve your phone's battery life, other than just switching it off, putting it a sock drawer and hoping no one ever wants to call you?
Yes, yes there are. Of course it's not possible to suddenly double your Android phone's uptime by magically tweaking a few settings, but you should be able to squeeze out a few more hours of life from even the puniest of batteries without compromising on performance too much.
Here are some easy, not-too-compromising methods of boosting your Android phone's battery life.
1. Set a rigid bedtime
Some of today's phones feature automation tools, which let you, say, turn off the mobile signal and Wi-Fi after a certain time. Putting your phone in this sort of induced coma will save power, so if your phone doesn't support scheduled activities, install a management app like Tasker and turn off all non-essential stuff over night. Or stick it in airplane mode yourself. You'll sleep better, too.
2. Deactivate Wi-Fi when not needed
If your phone's constantly sniffing out and trying to connect to every Wi-Fi signal in the area like a robot dog on heat, you're wasting power. Switch off Wi-Fi when out and about or when you know you're not going to be needing it. A Home screen toggle will make this easy. Think of it as something boring but essential you have to do, like always putting your seat belt on.
3. Upload and sync only on Wi-Fi
If you're a keen Dropbox user or rely heavily on music syncing services, you'll benefit greatly from only doing your uploading through Wi-Fi. It's vastly quicker, which means less connectivity time for your phone and less strain on the battered old lithium reserves.
4. Uninstall unnecessary apps
You can never be too sure what's running itself in the background, what with all the multi-tasking, self-uploading, auto-replicating features in today's modern Android apps, so at least minimise the chances of something randomly hoovering up all your battery by constantly trying to connect to some non-existent server, by deleting any unused or old apps.
5. Use push notifications if possible
Android's built-in email application is great and stylish and everything, but having it poll for messages every 15 minutes isn't the best for your battery. If your mail provider offers push notification support use it - the excellent standalone Hotmail app does, for example, which will help lessen power drain a little.
6. Check yourself
Apps like Battery Doctor will give you a much better indication of what's literally eating away at your phone's battery over time than Android's own limited battery life checker, which could help finger something that's the key culprit in draining power. And if you can live without it, bin it.
7. Install a brightness toggle widget
Set your phone to its minimum possible brightness by default, as it's your display that's by far the biggest user of power. Then stick a big brightness high/low toggle widget on the home screen, in a place you can find it without being able to see it (like when using your now ultra-gloomy phone outside). Then only max the brightness when you need to. It might help, and even the automatic brightness option uses a marginal amount of power, as the light sensor needs to... sense light.
8. Dump the widgets
Yes, widgets are a key part of Android, and we're trying to keep this guide practical and not simply tell you to nuke everything, but do you really need a constantly updating Facebook widget on a Home screen? It's just full of boring people's boring baby photos these days anyway, and updating widget content puts a constant strain on your battery throughout the day, even if you just activate your phone for a few seconds to check a text message.
9. Remove haptic feedback
Surely your brain's had enough practise using touch devices that it knows if you've pressed something or not by now? If so, turn off all the haptic feedback options. These little bumps and grinds use power each time you press a key, so try to get used to life without physical feedback.
10. Switch off GPS
Unless you're one of those people who's still using Foursquare to tell the world about it every time you go out to the shop to buy a packet of crisps, there's little reason to have GPS constantly active on your phone. Turn it on when you need it, and use the option to have your phone detect your location through the wi-fi connection. Wi-fi location is usually close enough an approximation for most apps. And if they do need GPS, they're clever enough to tell you anyway.
11. Put your phone on the windowsill...
A strong connection to your phone network requires less power to maintain, so the technical people tell us. So instead of keeping it in your pocket, stick it somewhere and point it in the right direction so you see the maximum number of connection strength bars. Simply flipping your phone 45 degrees on your desk might actually make the battery last longer. What a mind-blowing revelation, eh?
12. ...and keep it cool
Batteries work best in cooler temperatures, with prolonged warm periods gradually lowering their efficiency over time. Putting your phone in a looser pocket might help, or perhaps just gently fanning it while it charges. That might not be the best use of your working day, but at least you'll still be able to get on Twitter on the train home.
Motorola, Sony and other devices. Be advised,
though, that some of these can cause serious
changes to your device’s configuration, so
don’t play with something that you don’t fully
understand.
*#06# – IMEI number
*#0*# – Enter the service menu on newer
phones like Galaxy S III
*#*#4636#*#* – Phone information, usage
statistics and battery
*#*#34971539#*#* – Detailed camera
information
*#*#273282*255*663282*#*#* –
Immediate backup of all media files
*#*#197328640#*#* – Enable test mode
for service
*#*#232339#*#* – Wireless LAN tests
*#*#0842#*#* – Backlight/vibration test
*#*#2664#*#* – Test the touchscreen
*#*#1111#*#* – FTA software version (1234
in the same code will give PDA and firmware
version)
*#12580*369# – Software and hardware info
*#9090# – Diagnostic configuration
*#872564# – USB logging control
*#9900# – System dump mode
*#301279# – HSDPA/HSUPA Control Menu
*#7465625# – View phone lock status
*#*#7780#*#* – Reset the /data partition
to factory state
*2767*3855# – Format device to factory
state (will delete everything on phone)
##7764726 – Hidden service menu for
Motorola Droid
You can find more of these spread across the
internet, and they’re usually very handy to
have, even if just to show off your geekiness
to your social circle.
(International Mobile Equipment Identity) for any mobile or cellular phone. On the main screen type *#06# Information you get from the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) XXXXXX XX XXXXXX X TAC FAC SNR SP TAC = Type approval code of your Nokia Mobile FAC = Final assembly code of your cell phone SNR = Serial number of your Nokia Phone SP = Spare =================================================== FOR LG LG all models test mode: Type 2945#*# on the main screen. 2945*#01*# Secret menu for LG IMEI and SW (LG 510): *#07# Software version (LG B1200): *8375# Recount cheksum (LG B1200): *6861# Factory test (B1200): #PWR 668 Simlock menu (LG B1200): 1945#*5101# Simlock menu (LG 510W, 5200): 2945#*5101# Simlock menu (LG 7020, 7010): 2945#*70001# Simlock menu (LG 500, 600): 2947#* LG-U81XX SPECIAL CODES Code to read phone version : - Phone without SIM - Enter 277634#*# or 47328545454# - Select ‘SW Ver.info’ Code to reset phone : - Phone without SIM - Enter 277634#*# or 47328545454# - Select ‘Factory Reset’ Code to enter UNLOCK MENU : - Phone wit SIM inside - Enter 2945#*88110# Test Menu 8330 : 637664#*# Test Menu 8180 V10a: 49857465454# Test Menu 8180 V11a: 492662464663# Test Menu 8130-8138: 47328545454# Test Menu 8110-8120: 277634#* LG all models test mode: Type 2945#*# on the main screen. 2945*#01*# Secret menu for LG IMEI and SW (LG 510): *#07# Software version (LG B1200): *8375# Recount cheksum (LG B1200): *6861# Factory test (B1200): #PWR 668 Simlock menu (LG B1200): 1945#*5101# Simlock menu (LG 510W, 5200): 2945#*5101# Simlock menu (LG 7020, 7010): 2945#*70001# Simlock menu (LG 500, 600): 2947#*
LG-U81XX SPECIAL CODES Code to read phone version : - Phone without SIM - Enter 277634#*# or 47328545454# - Select ‘SW Ver.info’ Code to reset phone : - Phone without SIM - Enter 277634#*# or 47328545454# - Select ‘Factory Reset’ Code to enter UNLOCK MENU : - Phone wit SIM inside - Enter 2945#*88110# Test Menu 8330 : 637664#*# Test Menu 8180 V10a: 49857465454# Test Menu 8180 V11a: 492662464663# Test Menu 8130-8138: 47328545454# Test Menu 8110-8120: 277634# ================================================== FOR NOKIA To check the phones Software revision for Nokia Mobile. On the main screen type *#0000# To enter in the secret menu in Nokia Phone. On the main screen type *#92702689# [*#war0anty#] It will take you to a secret menu where you may find some of the information below: 1. Displays Serial Number. 2. Displays the Month and Year of Manufacture 3. Displays (if there) the date where the phone was purchased (MMYY) 4. Displays the date of the last repair – if found (0000) 5. Shows life timer of phone (time passes since last start) To restore Factory Settings for Nokia mobile *#7780# reset to factory settings. Taking picture without getting noticed. Turn on/off the “click” sound made by the camera by selecting the ‘Silent’ profile or by turning warning tones on/off. Hiding your Mobile/ Cellphone Number Go to: Menu > Tools > Settings > Call > Send My Caller ID > ‘Yes’, ‘No’ or ‘Set By Network’ to follow the default settings of your home network. It works only with very few network who provide you facility of “Private Number” Speed Dialing From Simcard contact (not stored in mobile phonebook) Type number followed by # then call. Example: 1# or 2# or 21# ================================================== FOR SAMSUNG If you have downloaded corrupted or incompatible Java midlets or other media, which are causing problems with the phone, try this *2767*JAVA# Java Reset and (Deletes all Java Midlets) *2767*MEDIA# Reset Media (Deletes All Sounds and Pics) *2767*WAP# Wap Reset *2767*CUST# Reset Custom EEPR0M *2767*FULL# Reset Full EEPR0M (Caution) For example : *2767*JAVA# would be keyed in as *2767*5282# Note : Not all codes will work with SGH-C100. The master reset code is:#*7728# This will not delete anything from your mobile phone, but set each and eveything to its default/standard setting as it was on the time of purchase. To unlock your phone put a sim from another company, now type *#9998*3323# it will reset your phone. Push exit and then push 7, it will reset again. Put your other sim in and it will say sim lock, type in 00000000 then it should be unlocked. Type in *0141# then the green call batton and it’s unlocked to all networks. This code may not work on the older phones and some of the newer phones. If it doesn’t work you will have to reset your phone without a sim in it by typing *#2767*2878# or *#9998*3855# (not tested) Other Samsung Codes*#9998*4357# Help Menu*#9998*5282# Java menu (GRPS/CSD settings for JAVA server)*#9999#0# Monitor Mode *#9999# or *#9998*9999# Software Version *#8888# or *#9998*8888# Hardware Version *#9998*746# or *#9998*0746# or *#0746# Sim Infos *#9998*523# or *#9998*0523# or *#0523# Display Contrast *#9998*842# or *#9998*0842# or *#0842# Vibration On (until you push OK) *#9998*289# or *#9998*0289# or *#0289# Buzzer On (until you push OK) *#9998*288# or *#9998*0288# or *#0288# Battery & Field Infos *#9998*377# or *#9998*0377# Error log *#9998*778# or *#9998*0778# or *#0778# Sim Service table *#9998*782# show date and alarm clock *#8999*638# show network information *#9998*5646# change operator logo at startup *#9998*76# production number *#9998*968# view melody for alarm*#9998*585# Non-Volatile Memory (NVM)*#3243948# Digital Audio Interference Off*#32436837# Digital Audio Interference On ================================================== FOR MOTOROLA Code to lock keys. Press together *7 Note: [] (pause) means the * key held in until box appears. Select phone line – (use this to write things below the provider name): [] [] [] 0 0 8 [] 1 [] Add phonebook to main menu: [] [] [] 1 0 5 [] 1 [] Add messages to main menu: [] [] [] 1 0 7 [] 1 [] Copy SIM memory (phonebook menu): [] [] [] 1 0 8 [] 1 [] Eng Field options (main menu): [] [] [] 1 1 3 [] 1 [] Slow (Frequency of search menu): [] [] [] 1 0 1 [] 1 [] Medium (Frequency of search menu): [] [] [] 1 0 2 [] 1 [] Fast (Frequency of search menu): [] [] [] 1 0 3 [] 1 [] Enable EFR: [] [] [] 1 1 9 [] 1 [] Function : [] [] [] # # # [] 1 [] Change pin: [] [] [] 0 0 4 [] 1 [] Unblocking using the “puk” number: [] [] [] 0 0 5 [] 1 [] You can change GSM frequencies to 900/1800 by entering the enginnering model. Following the below steps: enter menu and press 048263* quickly, then you will enter the secret engineering menu under “Opcode” input 10*0*3 for GSM 900 10*0*4 for GSM 1800 10*0*5 for GSM 1900 10*0*6 for dual band GSM 900/1800 10*0*7 for dual band GSM 850/1900 To add extra message space 4 your Motorola C350 C450 C550 or C650, press menu button, press 048263* quickly, then on the popup menu enter 47 press ok. press 50 and ok.press 1 ok.press 64 ok.press 1 ok.press 186 and ok. You will receive an extra 50 msgs memory space.Switch phone off and back on. ================================================== Sony Ericsson Sony Ericsson Secret Menu: > * < < * means press joystick or arrow keys to right < means press joystick or arrow keys to left 1. push joy stick to RIGHT once 2. press * 3. push joy stick to LEFT twice 4. press * 5. push joy stick to LEFT once 6. press * The Service Menu will appears containing following information ! 1. Service Info a. Software Version b. SIMlock c. Configuration 2. Service Setting a. Contrast 3. Service Test a. Display b. LED/Illumination – *This test is very cool c. Keyboard d. Buzzer e. Vibrator f. Earphone g. Microphone h. Real Time Clock i. Joystick Counter* Lockstatus: < * * < Shortcut to last dialed numbers: 0# Shortcut to sim numbers: On main menu type a number and press # If you change the language from default to any other language, then it may be difficult to switch to default language. The shortcut is very simple. Just press stands for right arrow button or joystick. Secret Games: Snake on the T68 Go to Erix and then on the main screen press 123 and you will be taken to the game. Secret Message: On Tetris on the main screen when the blocks are falling press 397 and a message will appear. ====================================== GSM Secret All the tips and tricks provided by Hidden Tricks is free and its not necessary to sign up also. Type *#61# and press call – Check call redirection status. Cancel all redirections: ##002# *43# to activate call waiting, to deactivate #43#. If your phone doesn’t have incoming call barring and outgoing call barring, you can try this. For outgoing call barring dial *33*barcode*# and pres OK. To deactivate it dial #33#barcode*#. On any phone on any network type in **43# to enable conference calls. You can make up to 7 calls at once If you need to block SMS reception (if you are spammed by someone) just press this code: *35*xxxx*16# xxxx is your Call Barring code (default is 0000). To remove this barring type: #35*xxxx# If you want to hide/show your phone number when calling, put one of these codes below in front of the number that you are going to call. (*#30# / *#31# or *31# / #31# ) Works on some networks. Typing *0# or *nm# on the beginning of a txt message gives you detailed delivery report on some networks.. But turn off reports in message settings before. When the sim card-pin blocked type **042*pin2 old*newpin2*newpin2* Important: If you know any other tips & tricks & secrets about GSM mobile or any other mobile which is not listed here then you can post in Memberbook and it will be updated soon with your name. Warning:
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