Rechargeable batteries are ubiquitous these days. While it’s very convenient not to have to replace the batteries (not to mention the environmental benefits), you’ll either have to have them replaced or buy a new device once the battery runs out. Since rechargeable battery life is usually the determining factor in the longevity of a device, it is recommended that you do everything possible to keep this battery in top condition.
However, this could have given rise to a host of myths and not necessarily wise advice, which are enough to lose users wishing to take care of their devices as best as possible. Let’s take a look at five of the most common myths.
Let the battery drain
One of the persistent myths that you might come across regularly on the web is that it’s good to let the battery of the device you’re using go completely dead from time to time. The idea is that charging is better when you do this, and it sort of “recalibrates” the battery.
This may have been true for older battery technologies, but modern lithium-based batteries don’t need it at all. In fact, while this practice is completely safe for high quality batteries, it may well damage lower quality batteries. A practice to be avoided, therefore.
Keep devices plugged in at all times
This is still a persistent myth. This assertion, however, has no basis. Not only do some devices still use the battery, but even if they don’t, leaving the device plugged in all the time can cause wear and tear from overheating.
Use only genuine chargers and cables
This is good advice this time. While poor quality chargers and cables can cause problems (damaging devices, causing electric shocks, and even starting fires), there are plenty of good quality third-party accessories offered by companies like Anker, Amazon, or Zendure. Not only are these devices as good as genuine chargers and accessories, but they are also much cheaper than accessories purchased from Apple or Samsung.
Never charge your battery to 100%
This myth has been around for years and gained popularity recently with Apple’s introduction of an optimized battery charging system that keeps the battery at 80% charge for as long as possible, adding only the last 20% just to time for the user to start their day. While it’s not good to leave a battery charging longer than necessary, there’s no problem charging a device to 100%. The batteries have been designed to work in this way and have built-in charge regulators that allow them to be charged to 100% safely.
Never use wireless charging
While I’m not a fan of wireless charging – it’s slower, less efficient, and can cause a device to run hotter than normal if it’s in a case – under normal conditions there’s nothing hard to use. Like all other forms of charging, wireless charging mechanisms carefully control the power delivered to the battery to ensure safe charging. If you regularly use wireless charging with a smartphone, I recommend that you make sure that the case you are using is compatible with wireless charging and that you are using a quality charger.
With those myths busted, here are our top tips for getting the most out of the batteries in your rechargeable devices:
- keep the battery away from extreme heat and cold;
- do not drop or damage a battery or device containing a battery;
- use good quality chargers and accessories;
- if you plan to store a device for an extended period of time, it is recommended to charge the battery to 50%;
- when the battery wears out, have it replaced with a high quality battery by a reputable repairer (or do it yourself).
Source: ZDNet.com