When massive storms strike and power grids falter, our most essential tools — smartphones — can quickly become lifelines. From emergency alerts and GPS navigation to staying connected with loved ones and first responders, a working phone is more than a convenience; it’s a critical survival tool during disasters. Unfortunately, when the power goes out, maintaining battery life becomes an uphill battle, especially if you’re without backup solutions for more than a few hours.
In recent years, the frequency and intensity of mega storms across the U.S. have increased, leading to prolonged outages leaving millions without electricity for days. Whether you’re facing a hurricane in Florida, a snowstorm in the Midwest, or wildfires out West, knowing how to extend your phone’s battery life — and how to charge it creatively — could make all the difference. With that in mind, we’ve compiled 10 smart, practical strategies to help you keep your phone alive when the lights go out.
At-a-glance tips to keep your phone charged during power outages
| Strategy | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Activate Low Power Mode | Reduces background processes and screen brightness |
| Use Battery Saver Apps | Turns off unnecessary features and extends charge |
| Store Power Banks Fully Charged | Gives multiple extra charges without power |
| Invest in Solar Chargers | Uses sunlight to recharge your phone anytime |
| Limit Phone Use to Emergencies | Preserves critical battery for essential tasks |
Turn on power-saving mode immediately
The very first step during a power outage is to activate your smartphone’s built-in **battery saver** or **low power mode**. On both iOS and Android devices, this feature dramatically extends your battery life by reducing background activity, lowering screen brightness, stopping automatic downloads, and disabling visual effects. For Android phones, it also hibernates apps that hog energy unnecessarily.
Turning this setting on proactively — before your battery dips below 20% — can buy you hours of critical runtime. Be sure to learn how to activate it quickly from your settings or control center.
Store fully charged power banks — and rotate them
A common mistake people make is buying power banks but forgetting to charge them (or keeping them stored for too long). Keep a few **high-capacity portable chargers** (ideally 10,000mAh to 20,000mAh) ready and fully charged at all times — and test them every couple of months to ensure they still work.
These power banks can give most smartphones between 2 to 6 full recharges, depending on the battery size. Look for models with **multiple USB ports**, so more than one device can recharge simultaneously, or those with built-in cables and flashlights.
“Power banks are your first line of defense when the grid goes down. Treat them like smoke detectors — always charged, always tested.”
— Cara Fitch, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Leverage the sun with solar charging devices
When the sun is shining but the power is out, **solar USB chargers** offer an eco-friendly way to recharge. Compact models can clip onto a backpack or be placed in a sunny window. Larger, fold-out panels can generate enough power to charge multiple phones throughout the day. Just be sure to place them facing direct sunlight and use shorter cables for optimal efficiency.
Some models come with built-in batteries to store energy during the day and use it at night. Remember, charging via solar is slower than traditional charging but extremely valuable in multiday outages.
Use your car as a charging station
If you own a vehicle, it can be a surprisingly reliable source of electricity. Most cars have **12V cigarette lighter outlets** or **USB ports**, and you can buy inexpensive USB inverters or adapters to plug in multiple cables. Just be cautious: don’t idle your engine for too long in enclosed spaces like garages, due to carbon monoxide risk.
For electric vehicle owners, some newer models even act as mobile power hubs, letting you charge phones and power small electronics directly.
Shut off apps, notifications, and unnecessary features
Even in low-power mode, certain apps and settings can quietly run in the background and drain battery. Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (especially if you’re not using them), turn off GPS/location tracking unless needed, and avoid auto-sync features like cloud photo backups. Also, restrict incoming notifications which can frequently wake your screen or ping alerts.
“Think of your phone like a gas tank — you wouldn’t leave the engine running while parked. Shut it down when it’s not in use.”
— Dan Luskey, Mobile Security Analyst
Text instead of calling — or use offline messaging apps
Voice calls drain more power than quick texts. Whenever possible, use **SMS or low-data messaging apps in offline mode** to stay in touch. Apps like Bridgefy, FireChat, and Briar allow device-to-device messaging via Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi mesh networks — they work even when cellphone towers are down.
If you must make a call, keep it brief or use speakerphone to reduce screen use.
Dim your screen and use dark mode
One of the biggest battery hogs is your phone’s display. Manually reduce the brightness to the lowest viewable level, and turn on **dark mode** whenever possible (especially if your phone has an OLED screen). These techniques can significantly reduce energy usage and keep your battery from slipping quickly.
Keep a charging rotation strategy if in a group or family
If you’re sheltering with several people and have access to limited chargers or power banks, it’s smart to **rotate power usage**. Designate one phone as the active device for check-ins or updates during specific hours, while others stay off to conserve power — this “hub method” ensures there’s always at least one usable phone for emergencies throughout a longer outage.
Also, consider designating a central charging station with all power sources in one location for convenience and better power monitoring.
Restart only when necessary
Often overlooked, restarting your phone draws **a significant spike of battery** energy. Unless required, avoid frequent restarts. Instead, use Airplane Mode if you need to pause all connectivity or reboot problematic apps. If you must restart, make sure it’s part of a troubleshooting effort and not a routine.
Plug into alternative indoor power sources
If you use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for your computer or router, you may be able to plug a USB charging hub directly into that device to top off your phone in an emergency. Likewise, some larger battery-operated camping lights and lanterns include USB output ports.
Additionally, if you have portable power stations or generators, prioritize phone charging early — while the devices still hold a charge or have fuel. Try to limit use by combining charging activities (phones, flashlights, radios) all at once.
Winners and losers when it comes to phone charging in outages
| Winners | Why | Losers | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| People with fully charged power banks | They stay connected for days | Users who leave apps running | Battery drains within hours |
| Solar charger owners | Continuous charge during daylight | No backup chargers | No options when power fails |
| Dark mode and low screen brightness users | Longer battery runtimes | High brightness usage | Drain battery much faster |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a smartphone last on battery during a power outage?
With minimal use and enabled battery saver settings, most smartphones can last 2 to 3 full days. Keeping the phone in airplane mode when not in use can further extend battery life.
What’s the best type of power bank for emergencies?
High-capacity power banks (10,000mAh or higher) are ideal. Look for ones with fast-charging capabilities, multiple ports, and built-in flashlights for emergency usability.
Can I safely charge a phone with a car during a storm?
Yes, but only when the vehicle is safely outdoors or well-ventilated. Never idle a car in a closed garage due to carbon monoxide risks. Use a car USB adapter or 12V inverter for best results.
Do solar chargers work on cloudy days?
Solar chargers are less efficient on cloudy days but can still generate some power. It’s slower, so keep charging throughout the day to maximize output.
Is it safe to charge via a generator?
Yes, if you’re using proper surge protectors and following generator safety rules. Avoid overloading the circuit and keep generators dry during heavy storms.
Should I turn off my phone to save battery entirely?
If you’re not expecting urgent messages, turning off your phone can conserve power. However, turning it back on uses energy, so limit how often you restart.