How to Charge Your Phone Many experts recommend that smartphone owners should follow the 40-80 rule, which means that you should plug in your phone once it falls to 40% and then charge it until it reaches 80%. That way, you’ll be able to extend your phone battery’s capacity for recharges. Don’t worry, though, if your phone falls below 40% every once in a while — just make sure to only charge it to 80% and to keep a charger nearby in the future.