How Long Do Power Banks Last? Tips to Increase Longevity
Power banks are a convenient way to keep your devices charged when you’re on the go, but how long do they last? And more importantly, how do you make them last as long as possible? In this blog post, we will answer those questions and give you some tips on how to get the most out of your power bank.
The average lifespan of a power bank is difficult to ascertain because it varies based on factors such as quality, battery capacity, brand, type of battery, and how you use it. Generally speaking, however, most power banks last 1.5-3.5 years or 300-1000 charge cycles.
Factors That Affect the Longevity of a Power bank
The lifespan of a power bank is determined by several factors, including the
- Quality of the Power bank
- Type of battery used,
- Charging habits,
- Storage conditions.
Quality of the Power bank
Power banks are becoming an increasingly popular way to keep phones and other devices charged while on the go. However, not all power banks are created equal. The quality of the power bank can have a significant impact on its longevity.
Poorly made power banks are more likely to overheat, suffer from electrical shorts, and become damaged by physical impact. In contrast, high-quality power banks are designed to withstand heavy use and last for years. When shopping for a power bank, it is important to look for one that is made from durable materials and features multiple safety protections.
If you go with well-known brands like Anker(20,000mAh) and Mophie(10,000mAh) – (Links will take you to amazon), or if you are more into Asian countries you can have Xiaomi MI, they all make pretty good quality power banks.
Type of Battery Used
The type of battery used in the power bank can also affect its lifespan. If you are confused about whether the power bank is the same as a battery or not refer to my article Is a Power Bank Same As Battery?
The most common type of batteries used in power banks are
- lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery
- lithium polymer battery.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that have a number of advantages over other battery types. Lithium-ion batteries have high energy densities, meaning that they can store more power than other types of batteries.
They are also relatively cheap compared to Lithium Polymer batteries. In addition, Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, meaning that they can be charged and discharged without reducing their capacity. However, Lithium-ion batteries do suffer from aging when not in use, and they have a history of exploding.
Lithium polymer battery
Li-Polymers batteries are more robust and flexible than other types of batteries due to their size and shape. They are also lightweight, which makes them less likely to suffer from leaking. However, they are more costly to the manufacturer and have lower energy densities. This means that they can store less power than other types of batteries.
So the advantages of using above two battery type maybe vary from person to person, from case to case. If you are looking for a battery with high energy density and low cost, then Li-Polymers batteries may not be the best option. However, if you need a battery that is lightweight and less likely to leak, then Li-Polymers batteries may be a good choice.
Charging Habits
As with any battery-powered device, how you charge your power bank can have an impact on its lifespan. In general, it’s best to avoid letting the battery run all the way down before recharging it. This puts unnecessary strain on the battery and can shorten its overall life. Instead, try to charge your power bank whenever it gets below 50%.
When it comes to maintaining the lifespan of your power bank, it is important to avoid what is known as a “full charge cycle.” A full charge cycle occurs when you discharge your battery all the way down to 0% and then recharge it back up to 100%.
While it may seem like common sense to keep your power bank fully charged, this actually puts unnecessary strain on the battery, which can shorten its overall lifespan. Instead, it is best to charge your power bank only when it reaches around 50% capacity. This will help to prolong the life of your power bank and ensure that it always performs at its best.
Some power banks boast a longer battery life, which provides more charge cycles and makes the product last longer. Every time a cycle is completed, the power bank’s ability to charge depletes slightly. This loss of quality slowly builds up over time until the product is no longer usable.
Storage Conditions
If you rely on a power bank to keep your devices charged, it’s important to take care of it. Extreme temperatures can damage the battery and shorten the life of the power bank. So, avoid using it in very hot or cold conditions.
It’s also best to keep it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. And don’t leave it in your car, where it could be exposed to extreme temperatures. Further, it’s important to keep the power bank dry. If it gets wet, wipe it down with a dry cloth and allow it to air dry completely before using it again.
Ways to Increase the Lifespan of a Power Bank
- Be sure to fully charge the power bank when it is brand new for optimal performance.
When you first purchase a power bank, it’s important to charge it to 100% capacity before using it. This helps to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Over time, power banks can lose the ability to hold a full charge, but this initial “priming” can help to prevent this degradation.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep the power bank at least partially charged when not in use; allowing it to completely discharge can also lead to reduced performance over time.
- Always charge your power bank immediately after each use. This will prevent it from running out of juice and ensures that it will be able to charge your devices when you need it.
- Battery life is negatively affected when power banks are used in high humidity. Always keep your power bank dry to extend its lifespan.
One of the biggest dangers to a power bank is high humidity. When the air is filled with moisture, it can cause corrosion inside the power bank, which can lead to premature failure. Additionally, High humidity can also cause the batteries in the power bank to swell and rupture. As a result, it’s important to keep your power bank in a dry place and to avoid using it in environments with high humidity levels.
- Make sure to charge your power bank regularly, even if you’re not using it. This will help keep it in good condition and prevent damage from lack of use.
if you don’t use them regularly, it’s important to charge them periodically to prevent damage. Unused power banks can develop what’s known as a “memory effect.” This means that they become less able to hold a charge over time.
- Never drop your power bank, as it can break the internal circuitry or ruin the battery.
Power banks can be delicate, and dropping them can cause serious damage. The internal circuitry is fragile and can be easily broken, which can render the power bank useless. In addition, the battery is also susceptible to damage. A dropped power bank may not work properly, and it may even explode.
- Use this Power Bank with compatible devices to charge them on the go!
When using a power bank, it’s important to make sure you’re using it with compatible devices. This means making sure the mAh of your device is lower than the power bank and making sure the power bank’s description says it’s compatible with your device.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer. Using an incompatible device can cause damage to both the power bank and your device.
- Never use liquids, chemicals, solvents, or strong detergents on your power bank. To clean it, only ever use an anti-static brush. If you want to clean the appearance of your power bank, wet a cotton ball with small amounts of anhydrous alcohol.
- Use the correct power cable
To quickly and properly charge your power bank, use the cable that was given by the manufacturer. This will help ensure that your power bank is able to reach its full capacity in a shorter amount of time.
Additionally, using the correct cable will help to increase the lifespan of your power bank by preventing damage to the charging port.
