Smartphones are trusty devices that keep us in touch with family and friends, give us directions and wake us up in the morning. But most people probably don't know these tricks to keep their phones' vital batteries running for as long as possible.

Yahoo! Tech has shared a few ways to get the most out of your phone's battery.

1. As a rule, keep the phone charged at more than 50 percent.

People used to say that a battery should be completely drained and then fully charged again, but things have changed after the switch from nickel-based batteries to lithium ion.

At most, phones should be completely drained of battery once a month for calibration purposes, but any more frequently will drain the battery's lifespan, Yahoo reported. Phones shouldn't be charged overnight, another common mistake.

"Overall, short starts and fits of juice are much better than constant zero to 100 charging," Yahoo said. "If you're totally neurotic, the real sweet spot oscillates between 80 and 40 percent at all times."

A battery at zero percent is bad news, since lithium-ion batteries have protective self-destruct circuits that will kill a battery to prevent an explosion in the worst case scenario.

2. Protect your phone from the sun.

A smartphone is most comfortable at a cool 32 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Yahoo. Even if a phone is turned off, the battery can be fried if left on a car dashboard or lying next to a pool in summertime.

In tropical temperatures, a phone can lose 20 to 35 percent of battery life per year.

3. Charge it the old-fashioned way.

Simply plugging a smartphone into a wall outlet is the best way to charge it. Wireless charging devices tend to generate heat, and connecting a phone directly to a wall is better than plugging it into a computer.

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