Without compact, rechargeable batteries, our mobile gadgets simply
wouldn't exist. But, if we're honest, our batteries really aren't that good. Most smartphones, tablet and laptops can barely last through a whole day of use - if that. That's why battery companies are working like crazy to come up with technology and materials that improve battery life or allow for faster charging.
In the meantime, there's plenty of advice floating around on how to keep your battery healthy and long lasting - including some from me. Unfortunately, it also means there are plenty of battery myths that people believe, either through misunderstandings or just old information. I'm going to bust five of those battery myths right now.
1. You shouldn't charge your gadget overnight
Many people are afraid to charge their phone or tablet overnight because they think it might overcharge and catch on fire. I also field this question from people worried about leaving laptops plugged in 24/7.Fortunately, there isn't anything to worry about. Modern electronics know when to stop charging so they don't overcharge. Click here to find out what does cause a battery to catch fire or explode.
Now, it is true that your battery is going to have a longer life if you mostly keep it between 40% and 80% rather than at 100%, but no matter what it should still last for three or more years.
2. Don't use your gadget while it's charging
There are two reasons you'll hear this advice. The first is that your gadget charges faster if you aren't using it, and that one is true. In fact, if you're in a hurry, turn off your gadget entirely to charge it.The second reason not to use your gadget while it's charging is that your gadget can explode or shock you. That one is NOT true.
Yes, there have been a few news reports of people being shocked by plugged in phones, or plugged in phones that burst into flames. In every case they were using knock-off chargers.
Using your gadget's official charger, or a reliable third-party charger, is perfectly safe. Just make sure your gadget gets some air so it doesn't overheat.
3. Don't use third-party chargers
In the last point, I made a distinction between knock-off chargers and third-party chargers. A third-party charger is an Apple- or Android-compatible charger from a reputable, company like Belkin or Monoprice.Knock-off chargers usually doesn't have a brand name, or they say they're from Apple, Samsung, HTC, etc. but have a ridiculously low price. Knock-offs are responsible for the horror stories you hear about gadgets bursting into flames or electrocuting people, so avoid them at all costs.
If you want to be safest, buy your charger directly from the gadget manufacturer. You should also know the signs of a shady gadget charger.
Third-party chargers are OK to buy. Just know that in general they won't charge your gadget as quickly or reliably as a gadget's official charger.
4. It won't hurt to leave your gadget in the car or outdoors
That depends on where you live. Extreme heat and cold can hurt both your battery life and battery health.For example, in Phoenix during the summer car interiors can hit up to 160 degrees. I've seen cellphone batteries swell and lose several hours of talk time after just a day in that kind of heat. Even direct sunlight on a warm day can decrease your battery life.
In areas where it hits temperatures below freezing, your battery won't fare much better, and your gadget might actually die if you're trying to use it outdoors. Of course, cold has other ways to kill electronics as well. Learn how to keep cold from killing your gadgets.
When in doubt, look at the label on the battery or your gadget's user manual. It will have an operating-temperature range for your gadget's battery and you want to keep it in that range as much as possible.
5. You have to let your battery get to zero before charging
This one's a little confusing. You'll hear people say that you shouldn't discharge a gadget's battery, but then they'll say that you need to to discharge it to calibrate it. So, which one is it?There are actually two parts to this.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries, the old standard for rechargeable batteries, have something called a "memory effect." If you keep recharging them at a point before they're completely dead, then that point becomes the new "empty." In other words, you train the battery to have less of a charge than it can hold.
Lithium-ion batteries - the kind in just about every modern gadget - don't have that problem. In fact, as I said earlier, Li-ion batteries last longest when you keep them between 40% and 80% charged. Also, if you let Li-ion batteries discharge completely for too long they can be permanently damaged or become dangerous - more on that here.
That being said, Li-ion batteries do have a built-in sensor that tells your gadget how much electricity is left in the battery. Over time that stops matching up with the battery's actual charge.
To reset it, you have to charge the Li-ion battery to full, let it run down to the point where your gadget gives you a serious battery warning and then charge it to full again. However, this only needs to be done every three months or so.
For some gadgets, you might not need to do it at all. Apple used to recommend this in the past, but now says it isn't needed. Check your gadget's manual to see if it has any specific directions.
