Summary
Charge Sidephone using the provided charger, monitor the battery icon in the top-right corner, and keep the device plugged in during first setup if the battery is low. If the device won’t turn on, charge for 10–15 minutes before retrying.
Steps
Charging your Sidephone
Connect the provided charging cable and charger.
Plug the provided charging cable into Sidephone.
Connect the provided charger to a wall outlet.
If the device is powered off, a charging animation will appear that roughly indicates the battery level of the device.
If the device is powered on, the battery icon in the top right corner of the display will show a lightning bolt. The device will also indicate an approximate time until fully charged. This estimate becomes more accurate over time.
Extending battery life (everyday use)
Turn off LTE and Wi-Fi when you don’t need it (Settings → Network & Internet).
Reduce screen-on time (tap power button to sleep the display).
Avoid leaving Sidephone in very hot or very cold environments.
Prefer regular top-ups over letting the battery fully drain.
Turn on 'low power / battery save' modes
Understanding battery health over time
Watch for patterns: slower charging, rapid drops, or excessive warmth can indicate aging.
Compare performance across multiple charges rather than judging from one session.
If behavior changes significantly, note when it started and what changed (charger, cable, usage).
Considerations
Device won’t power on: Charge for 10–15 minutes, then retry the power button.
First boot takes longer: Normal for a new or fully depleted battery.
Phone not charging: Confirm the cable is fully seated and the outlet works. On rare occasions, third party cables may be too short to fully input into the device. A fully seated cable will create a firm connection that cannot fall out by gently moving the device.
Low battery during initial setup: If battery appears low, leave the device plugged in while you complete initial setup of Sidephone.
Third party charging equipment: Avoid third party chargers and cables. Using third party cables and charging hardware (e.g. battery packs) may impact charging speed and overall safety. Exercise extreme caution if necessary to use. Keep Sidephone within sight while charging and on a dry, fire-resistant surface. The device may get slightly warm during charging, but should not feel hot to the touch.
Optimal battery level: The optimal charge level to maintain a lithium-ion battery for longevity is between 40% and 60% (or 40-80% for regular use), while avoiding full 100% charges or deep discharges below 20%. Storing them at this level minimizes stress on the internal chemistry, reducing capacity loss over time, especially when stored in a cool place.
Ambient and internal device temperatures: The device may not charge if the device is too hot. Allow the device to cool to a reasonable temperature prior to charging.
Battery drains quickly after first setup: This can occur during initial system indexing and app installs. Reassess after one full charge cycle.
When to Contact Support
Create a support ticket if Sidephone still will not power on after 15+ minutes of charging with the provided charger, or if the device powers on but loses charge abnormally fast across multiple charge cycles.
What to Collect for Support
Does the Sidephone show the logo when you try to power it on?
How long has the device been charging before you tried again?
What does the battery icon show (empty, low, mid, full)?
Are you using the original charger and cable?
Does the device feel warm while charging?
Has battery behavior changed recently (when, and after what event)?