Owning a laptop comes with certain responsibilities. You have to take good care of the device so that it lasts a long time. Most users make sure to take care of the basic requirements necessary like cleaning, keeping it cool, avoiding physical damage, updating software regularly, etc. However, there is one aspect many are unaware of that can have a significant impact on the laptop’s lifespan. And that is following the right laptop charging habits. Unfortunately, many of us keep our laptops plugged in even when it is not required.
While it may sound weird, how you charge your laptop can reduce its lifespan. This is because laptops use batteries. And, all batteries behave the same way, whether it is your phone’s battery, smartwatch’s battery, or laptop’s battery. If you overcharge them, they will start deteriorating slowly.
Although the battery can be replaced easily if you face any issue, always remember that it is only one of the issues you can face due to overcharging. Overcharging can also overheat your laptop, which can cause various major issues, like lags, damage sensitive parts, and even complete hardware failure. Repairing it can be quite expensive.
In short, there are many issues you can face if you do not follow the right laptop charging habits. This is why we have shared a few simple charging tips to extend the lifespan of your laptop.
INDEX
6 Laptop Charging Habits You Should Follow
1. Avoid Constant Overcharging
2. Don’t Let It Drain Completely
3. Ensure that the Laptop Stays Cool While Charging
4. Short Charging Bursts Can Help
5. Use Battery Saver Modes
6. Update Your Software
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions About Charging Your Laptop
1. Is it harmful to leave my laptop plugged in all the time?
2. How can I monitor my laptop's battery health?
3. Does using my laptop while it's charging affect the battery?
6 Laptop Charging Habits You Should Follow
1. Avoid Constant Overcharging
The first thing on our list is the most common mistake people make when charging their laptops — overcharging. As we have already mentioned, many people have the habit of keeping their laptops plugged in even when it is not required. Such practices take a huge toll on the laptop’s battery. Continuing it will certainly damage the battery completely, and your laptop will require a battery replacement.
Since lithium-ion batteries do not have to be 100% charged at all times, keep the percentage below 80% to avoid the risk of overcharging. It will ensure the battery stays in good health.
2. Don’t Let It Drain Completely
3. Ensure that the Laptop Stays Cool While Charging
It is normal for your laptop to heat up when charging. However, if the laptop gets too hot every time you charge it, it can get damaged. So, it is best that you take the necessary precautions to prevent your laptop from overheating.
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If you work on your bed or sofa with your laptop, never keep it on the surface or on your lap. Soft surfaces can restrict the airflow in your laptop and cause it to overheat. So, it is best that you keep the laptop on a stand or table while working on soft surfaces.
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If the surrounding environment is hot, charging your laptop increases the chances of overheating. In such cases, use a cooling pad to keep the temperature under control. Or, if possible, turn on the AC to bring down the room temperature.
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Too much dust accumulation on the laptop fans restricts the smooth flow of air and increases the chances of overheating. So, when you put the device on charge, its temperature rises even faster. Timely cleaning of the laptop can reduce the risk of overheating when charging.
4. Short Charging Bursts Can Help
In most cases, when people put their laptops on charging, they wait until the laptop is fully charged. While the behaviour is understandable, some experts suggest against it. Fully charging the battery every time can stress your battery over time. As a result, it can get damaged faster. If you want to avoid it, charge your battery to 80% or 90% and then unplug the device. It is a healthier practice and can ensure the longevity of your laptop.
5. Use Battery Saver Modes
Reducing your charge cycles is easy, just make sure that you always use the laptop in battery-saving mode. As the name suggests, using battery-saving mode will reduce the battery consumption of the laptop by restricting various unnecessary processes. Therefore, your laptop will run longer than usual on a single charge and reduce your charge cycles.
6. Update Your Software
Software updates do not always have new features. Some software updates are designed to make your device more efficient. Therefore, the apps or features you are using on the device will function more efficiently and draw less power. This will ensure that the battery backup lasts longer on a single charge. As a result, less strain will be put on the battery when running them. Also, you will have to charge your laptop less frequently. This can increase the lifespan of your laptop and its parts.
Unfortunately, many people do not pay attention to updates and use outdated software. Even if it may not impact your user experience immediately, you will notice its effects over time. For instance, the software might stop running completely if you delay too much.
Conclusion
Maintaining your laptop’s battery is not as daunting as it might seem. By simply being mindful of how and when you charge your device, you can extend its life significantly. However, if your laptop is already damaged due to poor charging habits, carefully assess if repairing is the right thing to do. In case your laptop is old, it is best that you buy a new one.
But, we understand that you may not always have the budget to buy a new device. In such situations, you can consider opting for a refurbished laptop instead of a new one. Mobilegoo sells many refurbished laptops at very low prices. From high-end Dell and HP refurbished laptops to refurbished Macbooks, our inventory has a huge collection. Also, we thoroughly check each and every device during the refurbishment process to ensure they function just like new ones. You will get up to a 1 year warranty and can even opt for an EMI.
While you are at it, you can also consider selling your old or used laptop online. Since you are already buying one, the old device will just stay tucked away in a drawer or cabinet for years. So, instead of letting the perfectly good device go to waste, you can just sell it to Mobilegoo and get the best value. This can help to gather some extra funds for the purchase as well. All you have to do is share the model name, the condition of the laptop, and your address. Our agent will pick it up from your doorstep and provide instant payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charging Your Laptop
1. Is it harmful to leave my laptop plugged in all the time?
Modern laptops are designed to handle being plugged in continuously. They come with built-in features to prevent overcharging, so leaving your laptop plugged in will not damage the battery. However, this is not the case with all laptops. Most laptops will be damaged if you leave them plugged in all the time. So, always avoid this practice. Make sure you follow good charging habits to ensure the laptop battery stays in good condition.
2. How can I monitor my laptop's battery health?
For Windows users, you can generate a battery report by opening Command Prompt and typing powercfg /batteryreport. This report provides detailed information about your battery's health and usage.
Mac users can access battery health information through the System Preferences under the Battery section.
3. Does using my laptop while it's charging affect the battery?
It is generally considered safe to use your laptop while charging the battery. However, there is one important consideration. Does your laptop start to overheat when you do it? If your laptop is overheating, make sure you follow the tips to prevent your laptop from overheating. Otherwise, you may experience various other laptop issues.
