Posted on 10th Aug 2010 @ 1:18 PM

The newly released iPhone 4 from Apple is a very complicated device and can be used for many hundreds of functions throughout the day. Naturally, as we have come to rely on the device more and more throughout our day to day lives we require it to be ready whenever we need it to be. Luckily there are many things you can do to improve the length of the batteries life so it is always ready for you to use.

Depending on how you choose to configure your device, you will be able to make considerable savings to your batteries life. For example if your device is constantly checking your email from multiple accounts you can run the battery down quickly. If you are using the iPhone 3 software or later you can use some of the tips below to extend and improve your devices battery life.

Adjust brightness: The first thing everyone should do is turn down the brightness of the screen on their iPhone to save valuable energy. The screen takes up a large amount of battery power when on full but is not really necessary. Most of us will be able to see the screen just fine on a lower setting, and if it is during the day you may be able to turn it down even further.

Lock your iPhone: By locking the device you will still be able to receive calls and text messages but you will not be able to turn on the screen so can save energy by making sure it does not accidently turn on in your bag or pocket.

Use the phone regularly: Lithium-ion batteries need to be regularly charged and de-charged fully to preserve the integrity of the electrons within. Make sure you go through the charging cycle at least once a month by fully charging the battery to 100% and then completely running it flat to 0%.

Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & 3G: If any of these are enabled then the iPhone will be constantly searching to connect and re-connect all day even when they are not in use. You can easily change the settings of these to turn them off so you save energy in this area.

Turn off EQ: If you have turned on the equalizer in the sound settings it could be using more battery life than you realize, so make sure that is turned off to save that little bit extra. If you have imported songs from iTunes you may prefer to have the EQ settings turned to flat any way because it will preserve the original iTunes sound settings.

Minimise internet use: Applications such as maps, GPS, email, and data feeds will need to connect to the internet so minimising the use of them can help your battery life significantly.

Minimise the use of third party applications: Many apps such as games can stop your screen from dimming or shutting down so using these as infrequently as possible will stop your battery from wearing down as quickly.

Use airplane mode in low or no coverage areas: The iPhone will always try to maintain a connection with the network so if you are in an area of low signal you may be burning a lot of energy unnecessarily. By turning on your airplane mode you can still the device for things other than making and receiving calls.

Other alternatives include the use of battery extenders such as the Fuel Lite, and Fuel Max from Case-Mate. They are as easy to use as a simple case but act as an extra fuel cell to keep you talking for up to 2 hours longer.