You Need to Charge Your Devices, Even If You Rarely Use Them
Nintendo recently warned Switch owners that not being able to charge their consoles regularly (in this case, at least every six months or so) could impact battery life. It’s easy to avoid this problem – if you don’t use it to drain your battery somehow, just charge your Switch or Switch Lite twice a year or so – but that’s not unique to Nintendo hardware.
Every gadget with a battery needs to be recharged periodically to avoid many problems, even those that you only use from time to time. Some batteries will no longer hold a charge if left empty for too long, while others can undergo chemical reactions over time that can lead to … explosive results.
Devices that you use infrequently and are unlikely to replace are at greatest risk – keep in mind that you can still take out your old PlayStation Portable when you want to, a portable battery that you only use on summer hikes, or a battery for that DSLR. which you bought in college and have been holding on to it ever since.
The recommended charging interval differs for different devices and battery types, but the general recommendation is to charge underutilized equipment every three to six months . If possible, try to leave your old equipment about 50 percent charged before putting it away. It is not necessary to drain the battery if it is simply returned to the drawer, as this can also affect its overall capacity. (And this box should ideally be in a cool, dry place .)
However, do not rush to immediately turn on equipment that you have not used for months or years; some of these batteries may not be safe. Check your old equipment for swelling, cracks, corrosion, or battery acid leaks, especially if they have been lying untouched in a closet or warm garage.
If you see any signs of dangerous wear, make sure you dispose of a ruptured battery properly. This is especially important for classic tech collectors who have battery-powered devices in their hiding places .
What about smartphones, tablets and laptops?
While technology you only use occasionally is most at risk of long-term wear and tear, batteries in iPhones, Android devices, and laptops you use every day are also prone to undercharging, albeit in different ways.
Modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops typically retain their full battery potential for up to 500 cycles (discharging the battery to zero and then fully recharging it) before the battery’s life is reduced. However, a partial charge does not count towards a full cycle, so you should not allow your smartphone or laptop battery to drain completely if you can avoid it . Good news? You can safely keep these devices connected without damaging your battery much more than you already do by simply using them.