Gadgets like smartphones, tablets and laptops are powered by re-chargeable Lithium Ion batteries that can gradually lose their capacity to re-charge and hold-charge. Hence, we are providing below some tips and suggestions to increase the Battery Life of your gadgets.
Tips to Increase Battery Life of Your Gadgets
The tips and suggestions to increase the battery life of gadgets as provided below are of general nature and should be applicable for your mobile phone, computer and practically any gadget that is powered by a Lithium Ion battery.
“The lithium-ion battery works on ion movement between the positive and negative electrodes. In theory such a mechanism should work forever, but cycling, elevated temperature and aging decrease the performance over time” – Battery University.
1. Protect Your Device from Heat & Cold
Make sure that you protect your devices from extreme temperatures. Exposing devices to temperatures higher than 35° C or 95° F can permanently damage battery capacity.
In cold weather, the battery loses its life quickly but this condition is temporary, the battery starts functioning normally once it reaches normal temperature.
The sweet spot or the ideal comfort zone for your gadgets and batteries is 16°~22°C or 62°~72° F.
2. Protect From Direct Sunlight
Never leave your phone, computer or tablet exposed to direct sunlight, like leaving them in a car parked outside in hot weather. Prolonged exposure to temperatures higher than 35°C can permanently damage the battery.
3. Use the Right Adapter
Using the wrong adaptor while charging can damage the battery of your mobile phone, computer and other gadgets, especially if the adapter does not supply the recommended rate/type of power to the battery cells of the gadget.
4. Use Approved Protective Cover
Charging a smartphone while it is in its case can be damaging for the device and its battery in case the protective case is not designed to dissipate heat generated during charging.
You need to be careful about this in case you have the habit of leaving your devices plugged for overnight charging.
5. Protect from Impacts
Do not allow your gadgets to be dropped, hit, thrown, or smashed due to carelessness or leaving them unattended around pets and children.
The cells in the battery can suffer damage due to such impacts and shock, leading to battery failure.
6. Charge Stored Devices
The recommended charge in case you are not planning to use a device for a month or more is 50%. Also, do not fully charge or discharge the battery if you are planning not to use a device for a month or more.
Storing a device with a fully discharged battery can lead to a battery that is incapable of holding its charge. Likewise, storing a device with fully charged battery can lead to a battery with shorter battery life.
If you plan to store your device for longer than six months, make sure that it is charged to 50% every six months.
7. Storage Conditions
Make sure that your devices are placed in a cool, moisture-free environment. Gadgets like phones, laptops and tablets should not be stored in temperatures exceeding 90° F (32° C).
Never allow your devices to fully drain or go below 10% battery charge. The recommended optimal time to charge Lithium ion batteries is between 30 and 70%.