Many tablet users unknowingly engage in habits that can significantly shorten their device’s battery lifespan. A recent article from ZDNET highlights three common mistakes that can harm a tablet’s battery, alongside best practices for maintaining optimal battery health.
The typical tablet offers between six to eight hours of use on a single charge, but as devices age, their battery performance can decline. Understanding how to properly charge and care for a tablet can help mitigate this decline.
Key Charging Mistakes to Avoid
One of the primary mistakes users make is leaving their tablet plugged in overnight. Although newer models have safeguards against overcharging, many tablets continue to trickle-charge once they reach 100%. This prolonged charging can create unnecessary stress on the battery, ultimately reducing its lifespan. The ideal practice is to unplug the device once it reaches full capacity. Additionally, it is advisable to keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% to maximize longevity.
Another common error is allowing the battery to drain to 0%. While it might be tempting to use a tablet until it shuts down, consistently letting the battery reach this level can lead to irreversible damage. Most tablets do not actually hit 0% before shutting down; they retain a small charge to protect the battery. However, if a tablet is left with a drained battery for an extended period, the internal chemistry can degrade, leading to diminished charging capacity. To prevent this, users should aim to charge their tablets to 50% before storing them for long periods.
Using the correct charger is equally important for battery health. Many consumers may be tempted to purchase cheap, non-certified chargers, but these can cause inconsistent power delivery, overheating, and potentially permanent battery damage. Certified chargers, such as those from Apple or those adhering to USB-PD standards, are recommended as they include built-in safety features to prevent surges and overheating. Selecting the right charger not only improves efficiency but also helps protect the tablet’s battery and internal components.
Understanding Battery Care
To further enhance understanding, it is essential to grasp the concept of trickle charging. This occurs when a device remains plugged in after reaching full charge, resulting in small amounts of electricity being supplied to keep the battery at 100%. This practice can lead to accelerated wear, particularly if the device generates heat during charging. In response, many manufacturers have implemented features that slow the charging process overnight, allowing the battery to reach 100% closer to the time of intended use.
Another critical factor influencing battery lifespan is chemical aging. This term refers to the natural deterioration that occurs within lithium-ion batteries over time, primarily due to repeated charging and discharging cycles. Although chemical aging cannot be completely avoided, it can be slowed down by adhering to proper charging practices. Avoiding frequent deep discharges, using quality chargers, and maintaining moderate charge levels can significantly extend a battery’s effective life.
In summary, by avoiding common pitfalls such as overnight charging, allowing batteries to drain completely, and using inferior chargers, tablet users can ensure their devices operate efficiently for longer. Implementing these best practices will not only enhance performance but also improve the overall user experience.