How To: Save Battery on your Storm

[BBA]

Hello Storm-Users!
I just wanted to share some infos with you on how to save battery on the Storm:

1) Make sure 3G is switched to 2G (Europe) or from global to 1XEV (North America)
[Manage Connections -> Mobile Network Options -> Network Mode: 2G]

2) Turn your Screen Brightness lower.
[Options -> Screen/Keyboard -> Backlight Brightness: 10]

3) Turn your Backlight Timeout to 10s or 20s.
[Options -> Screen/Keyboard -> Backlight Timeout: 10/20]

4) Make sure you don't have too many applications running in the background. Download the attached little app that lists all your running applications.

5) Turn off the GPS-Receiver when you don't need it.
[Options -> Advanced Options -> GPS -> Disable]

6) Disable Bluetooth when you don't need it.
[Manage Connections -> Bluetooth -> Tick Off]

7) When you are in an area where you don't have phone-reception, turn off the Radio.
[Manage Connections -> Mobile Network -> Tick Off]

8) Carry your Storm in the OEM-Holster since (only) that thing triggers the Standby-Mode of the Storm. The Standby-Mode can be activated on all other devices by holding the Mute-Key for 3 seconds but on the current Storm-OS it doesn't have that feature. Maybe RIM will add that function in a future Build.

9) Regulary charge your Storm! Especially when you newly got your device, leave it hanging at the charging-cable for at least 12 hours!

10) Don't leave it uncharged (if you don't use it) for over 1 week since that is not good for the battery-pack.

Hope those tips help some of you! Just post your own experiences here on how to save battery!

[Fyrecracker]

Originally Posted by BBA

Hello Storm-Users!
1) Make sure 3G is switched to 2G
[Manage Connections -> Mobile Network Options -> Network Mode: 2G

Great list, but i think you mean switch from global to 1XEV?

*edit I see you are in Germany, the Global > 1XEV applies to north america

[BBA]

Originally Posted by Fyrecracker

Great list, but i think you mean switch from global to 1XEV?

*edit I see you are in Germany, the Global > 1XEV applies to north america

Thanks, changed/edited it in the post!

[spezialk]

thank you!

[Midnight Barbecue]

How'bout taking it one step further and turn it off all the time? I mean, I got the phone for it's features why turn them all off? Doesn't matter if the battery lasts longer if it's not worth using.
There are several holsters other than OEM that will trigger sleep mode too, BTW.
Good points on charging, although mine fully charges in about 7 hours and the charging circuit turns off when full so 12 hours is no different than 7 for me.

[Fyrecracker]

Originally Posted by Midnight Barbecue

How'bout taking it one step further and turn it off all the time? I mean, I got the phone for it's features why turn them all off? Doesn't matter if the battery lasts longer if it's not worth using.

Everything he posted does not affect functionality. If you are using VZW Navigator, of course you will need to enable GPS, and it will kill your battery. You don't need to do all of these to increase battery, you will notice a difference with even a few.

[s11mike]

4) Make sure you don't have too many applications running in the background. Download the attached little app that lists all your running applications.


Can you elaborate on this "little app", where can I get it?

[BBA]

Originally Posted by s11mike

4) Make sure you don't have too many applications running in the background. Download the attached little app that lists all your running applications.


Can you elaborate on this "little app", where can I get it?

It's attached to the first post. It's a small app that lists the currently running applications. Nothing special; I just don't like the app-list when you hold the Menu-Key.

I just attached it since maybe someone finds it usefull.
Eventually I could extend the app to close all open apps or so.

[Noypiako]

Originally Posted by BBA

Eventually I could extend the app to close all open apps or so.

That would be GOLDEN.

[davidaugust111]

Originally Posted by Noypiako

That would be GOLDEN.

Agreed, very handy.

[Bundy71]

Originally Posted by BBA

Eventually I could extend the app to close all open apps or so.

That would be a great app...assuming it doesn't have a memory leak!

[JRSCCivic98]

Just an FYI, but leaving GPS to Location On does not drain your battery. If nothing is making a call to the GSP chipset (app running in the background), it will not use anymore power.

[BBA]

Originally Posted by JRSCCivic98

Just an FYI, but leaving GPS to Location On does not drain your battery. If nothing is making a call to the GSP chipset (app running in the background), it will not use anymore power.

That's very good to know! Thank you for your input!

[CanisMinor]

Originally Posted by Midnight Barbecue

How'bout taking it one step further and turn it off all the time? I mean, I got the phone for it's features why turn them all off? Doesn't matter if the battery lasts longer if it's not worth using

Welcome to the world of testing beta software. It's such a privilege that you even have to PAY to test RIM's software

[minigts]

I think every device is going to manage power differently. For instance, I keep GPS turned on, but the programs that use it, turned off until I need them. I have had GPS on all day and typical messages through BES, text messages, other email, web browsing, etc., and I have only used one bar of power.

However, the other day I was using it more and everything else the same with the programs running and I was DOWN to one bar left. So, it depends on the phone and in some cases really depends on the situation.

I do have my brightness set to 10, timeout to 20, memory cleaner active and I do not use a holster, just my pocket.