Gadgets like smartphones, tablets and Laptops are powered by rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries that can gradually lose their capacity to re-charge and hold-charge. However, with good care you can make the batteries of your gadgets last longer and work better. Here are some tips to take care of your gadget batteries and get the most out of them.
1. 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.
2. Ideal conditions: The sweet spot or the ideal comfort zone for your gadgets and batteries is 16°~22°C or 62°~72° F.
3. Phone Cases: 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.
4. Medium term storage: 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.
5. Long term storage: If you plan to store your device for longer than six months, make sure that it is charged to 50% every six months.
6. 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).
7. 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%.
8. Never leave your gadgets 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.
9. 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.
10. Adapter: Using the wrong adaptor can damage your battery in case the adapter does not match the recommended power to gadgets battery cell.
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.