To keep our smartphone or tablet fully charged, we first need to ensure our power banks are in perfect working order. It may seem simple—just remembering to charge it—but have you ever thought about the best way to do it for optimal results? Today, we’ll explain how to properly charge a power bank so you can rely on it without worrying about running out of power at the worst possible moment.
Power banks, or external batteries, have become essential gadgets in recent years. Most mobile phones and tablets struggle to last a full 24 hours on a single charge—unless they are brand new—and when we’re out and about, we want to be able to use our devices whenever needed.
Understanding Battery Capacity
One key factor to consider when charging is the battery capacity, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). This figure indicates how many gadgets you can charge and/or how many times. For example, mobile phone batteries are also measured in mAh, with modern devices typically having around 3,000 mAh and older models about 1,000 mAh. A power bank with a 7,200 mAh capacity, therefore, allows you to charge two phones or a single phone twice before needing to be recharged.
Most power banks have an indicator to show the battery level, usually four LED lights, each representing 25% of the total capacity. The first step when using a new power bank is to read the manual—it’s worth doing. The manual will tell you whether you should charge the device before first use or if it’s better to use the factory charge first.
Charging Your Power Bank
If your model lacks indicator lights or has fewer, the most reliable way to estimate charge levels is by calculating based on the mAh of both your power bank and the device you’re charging. Keep in mind that older power banks may have lost some of their original capacity, but you can still get a rough idea.
When charging, you don’t need to keep your power bank plugged in until it’s completely full. Charging it to around 80% of its capacity is enough to ensure a longer lifespan. Similarly, avoid letting the charge drop below 25% before plugging it back in. These are general guidelines—if it happens once or twice, it won’t cause significant damage.
How Often Should You Charge Your Power Bank?
How often you charge your power bank depends on how much you use it. However, if you don’t use it frequently, a good practice is to recharge it every two to three months. Even when not in use, it will gradually lose charge over time. Before charging, check the battery level so you know how much power it needs.
Charging Time
Whether you use your power bank regularly or occasionally, be aware that charging it takes longer than charging other everyday devices like smartphones or smartwatches. The exact duration depends on the model, but most power banks take between two and ten hours to fully charge. The time required depends not only on the total mAh capacity but also on the charging capacity, measured in amperes (usually between 1.0 and 3.0 A).
Many power banks have multiple USB ports for charging. The fastest one is usually the port with the highest amperage. However, be cautious when using a charger other than the one supplied by the manufacturer, as low-quality alternatives can damage your power bank.
Another essential tip is to charge your power bank using a mains socket rather than via a USB cable connected to a computer, as charging via a PC takes significantly longer.
Maximising Your Power Bank’s Lifespan
If used frequently, a power bank typically lasts between 18 months and three and a half years, or between 300 and 1,000 charge cycles. By following these tips, you can help extend its lifespan towards the higher end of this range.
These guidelines can also be valuable in a promotional campaign if you plan to give power banks as gifts. Recipients will appreciate knowing how to use the gadget correctly to extend its lifespan. This information can be included as a PDF within the device itself or distributed as a physical leaflet.
Of course, these are general recommendations, and it’s always essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
As you can see, learning how to properly charge a power bank makes it an even more useful gadget. We hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. You can also leave a comment below to share your thoughts. And if you’re looking to buy a power bank, check out our range of branded power banks!