Any tips on making a cell phone battery last longer, besides replacing it?

Question

Any tips on making a cell phone battery last longer, besides replacing it?
Ive had the phone for months and the battery seems to be draining faster and faster. Should I keep it on or off when Im not using it for a long time? Is there such thing as over charging? How long should I charge the battery? How come it will say that its fully charged after a half hour of charging, Ill make one min. call and the battery goes down a bar? Does the vibrate ring use more of the battery? The phone company told me to buy a new battery. Of course they say that. Thats how they make their money. If Im doing something wrong Ill just wear out that one too. Any tips?

Answer

Its not designed just to die after a year. Rechargable batteries have certain chemicals inside that can hold a charge and regain the charge by adding electricity. Over time, these chemicals usually nickel and cadmium lose their potency. The best way to extend their life is to periodically run the battery completely dead, and then recharge it fully. Most take several hours to actually recharge, and if you take them off too soon it can reduce their potency. Always leave your batteries to charge for at least a couple hours, dont always trust what the phone says.brbrAs far as the onoff question, the batteries will keep the current charge for longer if you turn it off, but it shouldnt affect the lifetime of the battery. Vibrate does use more of the current charge, but ditto on the lifetime. If your battery wont keep a long enough charge, the potency is permanently affected and you do need a new battery.brbrFreezing the battery may work, but it may also cause the battery to explode. Do that at your own risk.