One of the best parts about game day is being able to capture and share all of the fun moments you have with friends and family.

On the other side of the spectrum is that wave of depression that falls over you with the notification that your phone is about to die.

Suddenly you start prioritizing the only acceptable occasions to use it for the rest of the day, and get snippy anytime someone says “Hey, can you look this up on your phone?”

But this scenario doesn’t have to happen to you.

If you prepare accordingly using the below tips, you’ll never have to worry about a dead phone on game day ever again.

Turn Off WiFi

One of the biggest battery hogs a phone’s constant struggle to find a nearby WiFi signal. If public WiFi is available, it’s hardly reliable. On top of that, there will be so many people trying to access it that it’s really more trouble than it’s worth. In an attempt to be helpful, your phone then tries to switch back and forth between cell network and WiFi, which ends up using even more battery life.

Do yourself a favor a make it habit to shut off WiFi and Bluetooth as soon as you leave the house.

And while you’re at it…

Turn Off All Those Apps

Believe me, no one Instagrams, Snapchats, Tweets and Facebooks more than me on game day. But you can close out ALLLLLLLL of those other apps you won’t be using. Especially those running in the background that you may not see listed.

For iPhone users, you’ll have to double-tap the home button to shut off each app by swiping up on the ones you aren’t using. For Android users it involves a few more steps, by heading over to your Settings > Application Manager > All and then clicking “Disable” or “Turn Off” for each app.

Utilize On-Site Charging Stations

More and more teams are realizing the need for portable charging stations inside their stadiums.

For example, Ohio State and the Cincinnati Reds offer stationary charging areas where users can walk right up and plug in their phone.

Some stadiums also have the option of renting a battery pack that fans can take with them throughout the stadium, provided they bring it back.

The best way to figure out if the team your visiting has portable charging stations and the details is to check out their website or call customer service. Ya know, if you still have enough battery left.

Get a Portable Charger

Why rely on a team to provide charging stations when you can provide your own?

Items like wearable charging bracelets are starting to enter the market that make juicing your phone effortless and wireless.

Personally, I don’t attend any sporting event without my Mophie, which, once fully charged, can provide enough power for up to four devices. Taking it a step further involves getting a Mophie phone case that will automatically charge your phone without the need for a separate charger. I personally don’t prefer that route because I’m the type of techie who updates my phone too regularly to drop that amount of cash on an annual charger.

All of these devices mentioned are around $100 and available at most electronic retailers.

When All Else Fails, Ask a Bartender

The old school method of just asking a bartender still works. But if they’re super busy, don’t expect them to cater to your charging dilemma.

And if they do, make sure you tip them for both drinks and being super considerate to care about your lack of battery life.

 

This article first appeared on Gamedayr.