How to extend your iPhone 5 battery life

With the newest Apple release of the iPhone 5, there's been much speculation about whether the battery life is all it's cracked up to be. If you're experiencing a short battery life with your new iPhone 5, try using these tips and start seeing an ample battery life!

Step 1: Close apps

Exit applications when you're done with them. Leaving applications active will drain the battery even when the iPhone 5 is in the standby state.

Step 2: Keep it cool

Keep the iPhone 5 out of the heat -- such as in a hot car (especially avoid the glove box) or in direct sun. Make sure to keep your iPhone 5 as close to room temperature as possible, which would be about 72 F (22 C).

Step 3: Not too bright

Lower your iPhone 5 battery consumption by reducing screen brightness. Go to Settings > Brightness > then move the slider as far left as you can while still being able to see everything.

Step 4: Turn off unused networking

If you're not using 3G access, data roaming or Wi-Fi, turn any/all of these settings off. Go to Settings > General > Network and select options there.

Step 5: Pull the Bluetooth

Not using Bluetooth? Shut it off: Go to Settings > General > Bluetooth.

Step 6: Charge in the car

Plug your phone into the car charger to conserve juice while you're driving and using the iPhone 5 for music, calls, navigation or anything else.

Step 7: Shut down the vibes

Turn off the "vibrate" setting if you don't need it or aren't in silent mode. Go to Settings > Sound > two vibrate options there.

Step 8: Skip the equalizer

Switch off the equalizer for song playlists. Go to Settings > iPod > EQ.

Step 9: Plug into the port

Hook your iPhone 5 into the USB port when you're at your computer to conserve battery power. This is also a great time to sync your device and download any new versions of iTunes or iPhone software, or upload any data from your phone to iCloud.

Step 10: Try a battery boosting device

Get an add-on battery charger accessory, such as the RichardSolo 1800 for iPhone or Kensington Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone 1G and 3G. This device can reduce the load on your battery, and is helpful for long flights or other times when you can't recharge on the go.

Step 11: Lock it up

Lock your iPhone 5 when you're not using it (click the top button for sleep/wake) so nothing happens if you accidentally touch the screen. You can also set the auto-lock go on after one or two minutes of no activity. Go to Settings > General > Auto-Lock.

Step 12: Maintain your battery's health

Run your iPhone 5 battery to empty and fully recharge it at least once a month. Apple says, "For proper maintenance of a lithium-based battery, it's important to keep the electrons in it moving occasionally. Be sure to go through at least one charge cycle per month (charging the battery to 100 percent and then completely running it down)."