Best Practices for Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Use the Manufacturer’s Charger or a Compatible Charger
Always use the original charger provided by the device manufacturer or one that meets their specifications to ensure correct current and voltage. Cheap or incompatible chargers can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. - Avoid Full Charges and Deep Discharges
Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, so it is better to perform partial charges rather than full 0-100% cycles. Ideally, keep the battery charge level between about 20% and 80% to reduce stress and prolong battery life. Avoid allowing the battery to fully discharge deeply, as this can cause capacity loss and reduce long-term reliability. - Charge at Moderate, Room Temperatures
Charging should be done at moderate temperatures (around 20°C or 68°F). Charging in freezing or excessively hot conditions should be avoided as extreme temperatures accelerate battery degradation or reduce charging efficiency. - Disconnect or Turn Off Device While Charging
If possible, turn off the device or disconnect any load during charging to allow the current to drop unhindered during the final saturation stage. Parasitic loads can interfere with proper charging and can cause inaccuracies in charge level reporting. - Avoid Overcharging
Overcharging generates excess heat, which damages the battery’s electrodes and reduces capacity and lifespan. Many modern batteries have built-in battery management systems (BMS) that prevent overcharging. However, unplugging the device once fully charged is still a good practice. - Monitor Battery Temperature
If the battery or charger becomes excessively warm during charging, discontinue charging immediately to avoid damage or safety risks. - Do Not Leave Batteries Unattended During Charging
Never leave Li-ion batteries charging unattended to prevent fire hazards or damage in case of malfunction. - Storage Tips
When storing a Li-ion battery, apply some charge first (around 40-50% state of charge) and store it in a cool, dry place to minimize degradation. - Keep Device Firmware and Software Updated
Updates can improve charging management and safety features, so ensure the device’s firmware is current if applicable.
Summary Table of Best Practices
| Practice | Reason / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use manufacturer’s charger | Ensures correct voltage/current, protects battery |
| Avoid full charges (20-80%) | Reduces battery stress, prolongs lifespan |
| Avoid deep discharges | Prevents capacity loss and damage |
| Charge at moderate temperature | Prevents chemical degradation and inefficiency |
| Disconnect load during charge | Allows proper charge termination |
| Avoid overcharging | Prevents overheating and electrode damage |
| Monitor battery temperature | Prevents overheating-related damage and hazards |
| Never leave battery unattended | Safety precaution to monitor for malfunctions |
| Store at 40-50% charge | Reduces degradation during storage |
| Keep software/firmware updated | Optimizes battery charging and protection |
These practices collectively help maintain lithium-ion battery health, improve safety, and extend the usable lifespan of devices powered by Li-ion cells.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-best-practices-for-charging-lithium-ion-batteries/
