Samsung Galaxy shield icon: Battery Protection is on

The shield icon beside the battery symbol on a Samsung Galaxy phone is easy to mistake for a security badge, but Engadget reports it is actually about the battery. It means Battery Protection is active and the phone is not charging to full capacity.

Modern lithium-ion batteries wear faster when they stay at high charge levels for long periods. Samsung's Battery Protection feature tries to slow that aging by capping the charge.

Three modes

Engadget says Battery Protection offers Basic, Maximum and Sleep Time Protection.

• Basic: charging stops at 100 percent and resumes at 95 percent.
• Maximum: you pick a cap between 80 and 95 percent, with lower caps protecting the battery more but leaving you with less charge per session.
• Sleep Time Protection: learns your habits, stops at 80 percent overnight and tops up before you wake.

Where to find it

Open the Settings app on your Galaxy, go to the Battery menu and tap Battery protection. Toggle it on, then choose Basic or Maximum. Selecting Maximum shows a slider for setting the charging cap.

Should you turn it on?

Engadget says it depends on your charging habits. If you leave the phone plugged in overnight or on a desk charger during the day, the feature is worth turning on, and your phone will likely reach a full charge before you need it. If your routine is unpredictable and you often need a full charge quickly, you can leave it off. You can change the mode whenever you need to.

• Android
• battery health
• Battery Protection
• how-to
• Samsung Galaxy