How Do You Use a Power Bank for the First Time? 3 Simple Steps Explained
A power bank is a device that helps you keep your electronic devices charged when you are on the go. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be very helpful when you are traveling or if you just don’t have access to an outlet. But how do you use them for the first time? In this article, I will walk you through the steps of using a power bank for the first time!
Should You Charge Them Before Using for The First Time?
Yes. When you purchase a new power bank, it is important to charge it fully before using it for the first time. Although the power bank may come with a partial charge, this is not enough to ensure that the battery will be able to hold a full charge.
By charging the power bank before using it, you will help to prolong the life of the battery and ensure that it is able to provide a consistent power output. Additionally, charging the power bank before use will help to ensure that it is able to provide a full charge to your devices, which is especially important if you are planning on using it for extended periods of time.
Ultimately, taking the time to charge your power bank before using it for the first time is an important step in ensuring that it performs as intended.
First Impression Matters
Did you ever hear that first impression matters? Well, it does. The same goes for the first time you use your power bank. It is important to get off on the right foot to avoid any potential problems down the road. So below are the steps to follow when charging a power bank for the first time
1) Use Wall Charger Instead of Using a USB Output From Your Laptop To Charge the Device
Most power banks come with a charging cable but not a wall charger. While you can use any USB port to charge your power bank, using a wall port will provide you with a higher current output and charge your power bank more quickly.
In addition, if you’re using a power bank with multiple devices, such as a laptop and a phone, charging via a wall port will also help to keep both devices charged at optimal levels. While not essential, using a wall charger is definitely the best way to charge your power bank.
2) Check the Manual for Full Charging Time and Conditions
When charging any electronic device, always prior to plugging in, check the user manual for both the full-charging time as well the correct charging conditions. Overcharging can lead to reduced battery life and in some cases, dangerous conditions. Depending on the device, recommended full-charging times can range from 2 hours to 12 hours or more.
Many devices require specific charging voltages and conditions, such as using only the included charging cable and adapter or avoiding use while charging. Some devices may become warm to the touch while charging; this is normal and not cause for concern unless the device becomes hot to the touch or begins emitting smoke or sparks. If at any time during charging you notice these conditions, immediately unplug the device and contact the manufacturer.
If your power bank has a digital display that shows the battery level this will become easier as you will be able to see when the power bank is fully charged. If there is no digital display, you’ll need to estimate the full-charging time based on the capacity of your power bank (usually listed in mAh, or milliamp hours) and the current output of your charger.
For example, if you have a power bank with a capacity of 10000mAh and you are using a charger with an output of 2A, it will take approximately 5 hours to charge your power bank from empty to full.
3) Once Fully Charged, Unplug the Power Bank From the Charger
Once you’ve plugged your power bank into the charger, it will begin charging automatically. Depending on the model, it may take less than an hour or a few hours to reach a full charge. Once it’s fully charged, be sure to unplug it from the charger. Leaving it plugged in for too long can damage the battery and shorten the lifespan of your power bank.
If you’re not planning on using it right away, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place. Keeping it in a hot or humid environment can also damage the battery. With proper care, your power bank should give you years of reliable service.
If you want to know more about what you should do to longevity of the device refer How Long Do Power Banks Last? Tips to Increase Longevity
FAQ
1) Why Do Power Banks Come With Partial Charging?
Power banks usually come only partially charged when you buy them because it is the best way to store and ship them. Lithium-ion batteries will degrade faster when fully charged, so leaving them partially charged prolongs their lifespan.
When you first get your power bank, make sure to charge it to full capacity before using it. Once it is fully charged, you can discharge and recharge it as needed. However, try to avoid letting the battery drain completely, as this can also damage the battery.
When you first get your power bank, you may be tempted to use all the available charges. However, it is more useful to let the battery fully charge so that it “wakes up” from its period of inactivity. With proper care, your power bank can provide years of reliable power for your devices.
2) Does a Power Bank Automatically Stop Charging Once It’s Full?
The smart circuitry inside the power bank controls the charging of the battery. Once the battery is fully charged, it stops charging. This smart circuitry is a feature that helps to prevent damage to the battery from overcharging.
Additionally, this feature can also help to improve the overall lifespan of the power bank by preventing charging cycles when they are not necessary. As a result, the smart circuitry inside the power bank is a valuable feature that can help to keep the power bank working properly for a longer period of time.
If you buy a high-quality power bank, it will likely have this feature. However, if you get a cheap one that is lower quality, it may not include this function and your battery could overcharge and become damaged as a result.
3) I’ve Noticed That My Power Bank Is Getting Warm When I’m Charging It. Is This Normal?
Yes, it is normal for power banks to get warm when they are charging. This is because the battery is converting electrical energy into chemical energy, and this process releases heat. However, if the power bank becomes hot to the touch or begins emitting smoke or sparks, this is not normal and you should unplug the device immediately and contact the manufacturer.
4) Do I Need To Use a Special Charger To Charge My Power Bank?
No, you can use any USB charger with your power bank. However, using a higher-voltage charger will charge your power bank faster. For example, if you are using a power bank with a capacity of 10000mAh and you are using a charger with an output of 2A, it will take approximately 5 hours to charge your power bank from empty to full.
5) How Many Hours Should the Power Bank Be Charged?
Depending on the capacity of your power bank, it can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight to fully charge. For example, if you have a 10,000mAh power bank, it will take approximately 5 hours to charge using a 5V/2A adapter.
In general, it’s best to use the highest voltage and amperage adapter that your power bank supports in order to reduce charging times. However, you can also use a lower voltage/amperage adapter if necessary – it will just take longer for the power bank to reach full capacity.
Regardless of which adapter you use, you have to be certain that the adapter is supported by your power bank or you could damage the device.
