Recovery Battery Health

Introduction

Modern battery powered devices these days use lithium ion batteries. These type of batteries do not carry the same disadvantages of “memory loss” as its predecessor nickel metal hydride batteries. Where these batteries over time would lose its charging capacity, reducing how long the battery would last.

However, the device itself (maybe your laptop), has a function called power management that uses a “power gauge”, known as State of Charge (SoC) to determine when the battery is full (therefore stop charging) and when the battery is almost empty (therefore shut down the device).

This software power gauge can come out of sync with the battery’s actual full and empty state and stop charging or shut down your device perpetually, giving you less time on battery power than what is actually available.

It is not possible to recover a lithium ion battery to its new state, but it is possible to “reset” this software power gauge, utilising the full remaining capacity of the battery and hopefully giving you longer battery usage.

Safety First

At any time if you experience extreme heat, smell of burning or signs of “swelling” where the battery is located. Stop charging and remove the battery immediately (if possible), and do not use the device until you have replaced the battery.

No do charge batteries overnight or unattended. Nor in extreme temperatures including direct sun light.

Always dispose of batteries (or devices with installed batteries) in a safe manner – never dispose of batteries in household waste.

Resetting the power gauge.

1. Set power management to always on.
2. Fully charge the battery continually to 100%.
3. Make a note of the time (for a benchmark)
4. Unplug the charger.
5. Run something to keep the laptop busy (like a long YouTube video).
6. Periodically check the battery percent and make a note of the time (this will give you a good idea how long the battery will last).
7. Keep running the device continually until it shuts down.
8. Repeat from step 2. Do this two or three times. Each time you should notice your benchmark times increase.
9. After the final charge set your power management back to battery optimised.

Prolonging battery life tips.

• To prolong the life of your battery it is recommended, for everyday usage, that you do not let the battery fully discharge nor fully charge it. You should aim for between 20% and 80% respectively. Only charge to 100% if you need to.
• Never charge a battery in extreme temperatures, nor in direct sun light.
• Charging the battery while using the laptop is recommended, this will allow the battery to charge slower and prolong the battery life.
• If you are not going to use the device for a long period of time remove the battery (if possible) and periodically top up the battery. Leaving the battery completely flat for a long period of time can cause it to “break down”, this will damage the battery and also could damage the device (if left in).
• Once a month “reset” the software power gauge (State of Charge) by following the guide above.

E&OE. Copying of this document, or text & images associated with it, is strictly prohibited. Imagery taken from Microsoft software is solely used for advice and training, Microsoft , Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Pro Logic Computers (UK) Ltd or its agents accept no responsibility for the content of this document or results from actions taken by it. This document is provided as is, with no warranty or liability.