[AC Question]

I'm on an LG-G2 Mini, Android version 4.4.2... So like, I'm constantly plugging my phone to the PC through USB cable to transfer music, pics for contacts, and such. Problems is every time I plug it in, it obviously starts charging, and I'm afraid I'll ruin the battery life. So what I really need is a way to prevent this charging (having the option to switch it would be good), or another one would be the ability to transfer these files to the phone through the wireless network, I guess. Are there any way (even through apps) that would do either? Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

[SpookDroid]

I don't think you can turn USB Charging off, not even with root as this is a hardware 'issue'. The USB power pin is always ON if the port is ON. Some PCs and devices will turn it off if you plug in a device it can't find the driver for, but that's because they are essentially disabling the port. But with current battery tech, the effect of that is negligible.

As for transferring stuff wirelessly, you can do that via Bluetooth or you can use apps like Push Bullet to transfer files via WiFi.

[jonesmalaco]

... But with current battery tech, the effect of that is negligible.

By that, do you mean that the battery life won't be affected if I plug it to the USB, even if it's, let's say, at 50% battery life? You sure about that?

[SpookDroid]

100%. It will affect it, but you'd have to plug it in like a thousand times to make a difference. Batteries these days don't 'care' if you deplete them completely or charge them halfway through (no more memory effect). It is advisable to let it run out completely once in a while to keep things active, though.

The life expectancy is now in full charge/discharge counts. So, if you use your battery from 100% to 0%, it counts as one cycle. If you use it from 100% to 50%, then charge to 100%, then let it go back to 50% and charge it again to 100%, it doesn't count as two cycles, but as one (you only used half a cycle on each use).

And unless it's a shady battery from a shady manufacturer, it will also be protected against overheating if you leave it plugged in for a long period of time. When it reaches 100%, it will just cut off charging.