What Happens if a Laptop Battery is Not Used for a Long Time?

There are times when you might need to store your laptop for some time, maybe because you have a better spare. In this case, you wonder what happens if the laptop battery is not used for a long time.

In this guide, we will provide you with the detailed information you need and some tidbits on storing your battery. Read on!

Do batteries go bad if not used?

While a battery can hold a charge for a long time, you will be well-served and get value for your money by using it. But if this is not the case, you need to store it properly to prevent damage.

Also, it is natural for batteries to lose charge when you don’t use them. But you can still prevent issues and push their shelf-life with some precautionary steps that will be discussed later in this guide.

How long can a battery sit without being used?

The Shelf life of a laptop battery, which is the time it will sit without use before needing a charge or getting expired, depends on many factors. Some factors to be considered include size, chemistry, and manufacturer.

You need to check and recharge some batteries every two months to increase their shelf life. Sometimes, the battery might last 6 months before needing a charge.

So, there is no general time for all batteries. You need to determine the factors surrounding your battery and watch the shelf life accordingly.

What happens to a laptop battery if it is not used for a long time?

One of the myths surrounding laptop batteries is that they remain charged as much as they are not used. This could not have been farther from the truth, as batteries start losing charge after manufacturing.

So, whether you use the battery or not, don’t expect the charge to remain the same. However, the discharge rate depends on the battery type and the storage conditions, such as temperature.

According to some reports, a Lithium-ion laptop battery, which is the common type, will discharge about 5% in the first 24 hours it is left unused. After this, it will continue to discharge gradually at about 2% per month.

If this is left unchecked and the battery becomes dead, you might be unable to revive it. To prevent damage to a laptop battery if you won’t be using it for a long time, do the following:

• Don’t store it away completely drained or fully charged. The general consensus is to charge it up to about 40 to 60%.
• Detach it from your laptop before storage. If it is not detachable, disable it from the BIOS
• Store in a cool place, ideally at room temperature.
• Check the charge after every two months. If it is below 20%, recharge it to 40 or 60% and store it again.

With the above, you should be able to preserve your laptop battery for a long time without use. But there is only so much you can do before the battery starts depreciating or expires. So you will be better served using it.

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Can a completely dead battery be recharged?

For NiMH or NiCD laptop batteries, you might be able to recharge them if they are completely dead but not damaged. This can be done by placing the battery in a Ziploc bag and storing it in the freezer for 10 to 12 hours.

After removing the battery, you should now be able to charge it. However, you should never employ this method with Lithium-ion batteries.

In most cases, a completely dead Lithium-ion battery cannot be revived. So, never allow it to drain completely.

There you have everything you need to know on what happens to your laptop battery if it is not used for a long time. We have also discussed the best way to preserve your battery and extend its life span.

If your laptop battery drains when off, check our detailed guide to restore it.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or issues with your laptop battery.