Will keeping my laptop plugged in hurt battery?

I've heard that keeping my laptop plugged in while using at home will drastically shorten battery life. Is this true? Should I only plug my laptop in when the battery is about to run out? Thanks in advance.

 

Take a look at the Battery Guide.

 

Hurt it? no.
Slowly kill it? yes.

 

From the time a battery is made it is already degrading. How you handle the battery during the time you have it determines how quickly it degrades. When you keep it plugged in it generally does two things to the battery that damage it.

1. It keeps it fully charged. This might seem a bit odd, but the cells in the battery will last the longest when stored with 40% charge.
2. It causes it to become significantly hotter. Any time you turn electricity through pretty much anything you generate heat, and once a battery is full charged it is provided a 'trickle' charge which is suppose to supply any charge that the computer pulls or leaks, but this charge isn't very precise so much of it automatically becomes heat. The optimum temperature for the batteries is surprising cold, that’s why storing it in a fridge or freezer is often recommended, while a hot car can severally damage it.

Even if you don’t store your battery in the laptop while on AC, you will probably still have your battery at >95% charge. This means that only the temperature is changed, which can still be significant. If your laptop is next to a strong flow of AC it’s not going to be as effected as if its stuffed in a corner with all the heat forced to stay on the laptop. It’s really a personal choice and unless you follow it religiously you probably won’t get a huge amount of gain.

 

I read the guide, but it seems like it's more hassle than it's worth...
Compared to just leaving the battery plugged in all the time, how many hours/days/months/years does the whole "removing it while being plugged" thing last?

If you use your laptop where there are power sockets 95% of the time, I just don't see the point... am I missing something here?

 

There are some solutions, like my Extended Warranty with Bestbuy gives me the right to change my battery and power brick once for every year of the warranty.

So 3-year warranty for me = 3 battery changes.

A battery change a year, can basically justify me keeping the poor thing in my laptop during adapter-use.

 

Long and Short...I personally believe from my experience that having ur laptop plugged in all the time will degrade ur batts. life faster...I suggest when it's charged fully to unplug it. Try and make this a habit..I must be honest w/ u...I guess i'm a hypocrite because the laptop i'm using now i'm guilty for always having it plugged in. If I plug it out, or if the current goes..the thing wouldn't last a good 30 mins. Same for another laptop's batt. i've spoiled this way. So...at the end of the day..it's up to u if u want to keep it plugged in all the time or not...I suggest no.

 

I think the problem with leaving them plugged in 24/7 is being at 100%

 

Don't worry about it. If you life in an area where you lose power frequently, it is a very good idea to keep the battery in your laptop to act as a UPS.

I've put my Z96J 6-cell battery through a lot. It's been discharged almost every day for the last two years(monday-friday for class). I also leave my laptop on 24/7 when I am not in class, plugged into the wall and running folding@home. Even with this rough treatment, my battery still holds 85% of what it was designed to, which I think is amazing.

 

within the span of one year, by the 10 month mark you probably will notice a huge decline in performance. Many of my friends have notebooks for schools and never take the battery out, and by the time summer rolled around, all could not hold a charge for over an hour. I hope they invent a new awesome battery!

 

That's probably because your friends drained the battery down to the point where it could no longer power the laptop very often, if not every day. Each time you do this, you hurt the capacity of the battery. Anyway, my point is that your friends' poor battery conditions are likely the result of something else and not that they never removed the battery. It could be anything from how they discharged and charged the battery to the battery itself- not all laptop batteries are alike.

As I previously posted, I leave my laptop turned on with the battery in it 24/7, and have for the last two years(since June 2006, my Z96J is from the very first shipment). It has been discharged hundreds of times, and still holds near designed capacity. I can barely manage 3 hours from the battery now, which is a very impressive number for the Z96J. Of course, I make a point not to drain my Z96J battery below about 10-15% unless I absolutely need to. I could count on my fingers the number of times I have discharged the battery below 5%.

 

I used to have a Dell Inspiron 9300 that I would keep plugged in all the time. I actually decided to try my own little experiment of slowly working the computer into boosting it's life by wearing down the battery a lot more and not keeping it plugged in. I did see a slight improvement in my battery which was very nice. It definitely was a good result. I cannot say that will work for every laptop though.

 

some company forgot which name are trying to get nano wire lithium batteries patented. they are suppose to last 10x longer i believe.

 

the new EEPC is getting a battery upgrade the end of this year thats a "all day battery".. i think it uses new tech..

 

But can the new tech be used interchangeably with devices that ran the old tech?

Going back to the discussion, would keeping the batteries in still make a difference even if you use the laptop around 3-5 hours max for around 4 times a week?

I also found it a hassle removing it each time (and the paranoia that the latch would weaken from constant use also was there).

The AC disconnecting thing is a good idea as well. One question though, the jack is always tightly connected to the laptop's AC pin. It always takes considerable force to remove. Is there a way to make this process easier or will it loosen up in time (like a new shoe)? I'm also afraid that one day the cord might yank the pin as well.

 

Technology isn't interchangeable, unless the charging system has intelligence that can be upgraded. For example, Nickel-Cadmiun(NiCD) and Nickel Metal-hydrive (NiMH) cells are 1.2v nominal, LithiumIon (LiIon) is 3.6v, Lithium Polymer (LiPo) is 3.7v. The new-school Lithium Nano-Phosphate (LiFe) by A123 systems is 3.3v, but hasn't been used in a laptop-sized application yet.

As to a "new awesome battery," no amount of technology can make up for negligence. That's like a person who never changes the oil in their car, waiting for an engine that doesn't need oil changes.

If a battery does not get used, capacity goes away. I had a posting in another thread pointing to batteryuniversity.com, which is a good site if you want to learn about battery technologies, and strategies to make them last longer. If you want to keep a battery for more than 8-12mos, I suggest actually USING the battery at least 2-3 times per week. Use it to about 5-7%, and then recharge it. If your battery is already screwed up, and only giving about 30-60 minutes, then use it until Windows complains, then LET IT COOL DOWN, and THEN charge it. Try to not put too much thermal stress on it while cycling it. Lithium-based batteries are hard to bring back from the dead, so chances are slim, but if it's early in the damage cycle, it may be possible to stop it, and maybe even reverse SOME damage.

T

 

i'm interested with your article. can you explain futher about using the battery to 5-7%. thanks

 

Wow the talk of the negative effect of keeping plugged in are way overstated. Also over drawing and over charging are not issues unless there is a defect in battery circuit. The talk of using it periodically is correct I believe but more like once a month. Not twice a week.

It all depends on how you use. I use batt every day A/C most the time. For me not worth it to pull out. If you don't use batt every day maybe every couple of weeks then yea store at 40% in fridge when not needed.

 

Actually, it's pretty much a known fact.
We go through hundreds of batteries at work for latitudes for that VERY reason:

They sit in docks, and the batteries rarely get used.

Most people at work go through a battery every 6-9 months, and I have the same one my D610 shipped with around 5/2006, and I get about 90% of the capacity from the battery, that I had when it was new.

Being into RC cars, I mess with batteries, and all sorts of chemistries, from NiCD, to NiMH, to LiIon/LiPo, and LiFe. One thing that we RC'ers are VERY familiar with, is batteries.

And no - it's not because we're electrical and chemistry engineers.
It's because if we screw up our batteries, they are VERY expensive to replace.

You think buying a new laptop battery for $80-120 is expensive?

Search around on the net, and see how much an 11.1V 6000mah name-brand LiPo pack is (names like Kokam, etc..). You'll see prices of $250+.
And with the current that we run, the batteries are life-limited, to begine with! Higher voltage and capacity will only raise prices. We have to learn how to treat the batteries, so as not to spend a ton, and that carries over, whether it's cell phone batteries, or laptop batteries - the technology is the same.

T

 

Sharkonwheels nice post but as I said before guys you way overstate the problem. 6 to 9 months batt is fried? Pay attention document and stop using impression as clearly you overstate. I have never removed batt in a little less than 2 years lost 20%. I do use batt 5 days a week so that could help vs never using.

If I had an RC that had a polymer batt yea it would be in the fridge tell the weekend. Gets back to usage.

 

My HP nx9420 still delivers 75-80% of the battery power it did 2.5 years ago.
I don`t know about you guys, but all my laptops` batteries have worked flawlessly for me.

 

Hi All,

Okay I've read all this thread and I remain confused. Let me preface by saying this is my first laptop (as in one day of ownership) so I'm not too *with it* on the whole deal so please bear with me if you would.

If I've read prior messages correctly, best practice is to remove batteries from NB (underneath/on bottom right?) and store in Refrig until one needs to use them? This storage would be in a fully charged state - yes?

Running on AC would mean using the adapter and plugs/cords that go in and out of same but without any batteries. Yes?

If I, for instance, wanted to take the NB to bed and surf the web, then I should put in the batteries (for convenience - no cord tripping yada) but is it okay to put them in cold from the refrig?
Is there a given length of time they can/cannot be left in the fridge? Do they lose batt life/charge being left there over X amount of time?

Our situation is that DH will use this NB the majority of the time for 2-3 hours max on most days. However I don't want it unuseable / battery dead should I decide to take it to bed and surf or whatever.

I'm just feeling confused whether it is best to run on AC with batts stored in fridge or to run on batts unless charge needed.

Appreciate the help and apologies if I'm simply not understanding prior posts like some dumb NOOBY. )

TY
Holly

 

The location of your battery depends on your laptop. Putting the battery in the refrigerator should only be done if you are planning to store the battery for a long period of time. The battery should be discharged down to somewhere around 33% and stored in a cool, dry place(not below 32F). When you are ready to use the battery again, you should let it warm to room temperature before using. As I said, this is really only something you should consider if you are planning to store the battery for a long time- a few weeks or longer.

Yes. Personally I think it's a bad idea- I would recommend leaving the battery in.

Not the greatest idea. Chances are, your laptop was made to be used on a hard, flat surface. It probably takes in air from the bottom, and using it in bed will block the intake(s). Not only will it get warmer than usual, but it will draw in all kinds of dust and lint and fibers from your bed, which will quickly clog the heatsink.

If you reall want to use your laptop in bed, I would recommend putting a hard flat surface between your laptop and the bed. You can use something like a book or a piece of cardboard or whatever you have at hand.

All batteries will do this no matter what. When a battery loses charge on its own, that is called "self discharge". There is nothing you can do to stop self discharge. However, cooling the battery will slow down self discharge which is why some people store batteries in the fridge if they know they won't use the battery for a month or two.

Well, I surely wouldn't keep the battery in in the fridge and take it out for a few hours every night. That kind of thermal cycling would probably do more harm than good.

In my opinion, most of you are worrying too much about this. I think you should just use your laptop the way it was meant to be used, keeping the battery in at all times(unless you want to store the battery in the fridge for a couple weeks). These are the two most important things you can do for your battery:

1. Use it. Your battery needs to be discharged every once in a while.
2. Don't abuse it. Turn off your laptop when it gets to around 15% charge left. Try to avoid going under 10%, and never go under 5%. Every time you discharge a battery below roughly 5%, it loses a significant amount of storage capacity.

 

Well Thanks you so much JPZ. What a clear and concise answer.


From what I observe, the fan is on the left side, not the bottom but regardless I certainly understand your concerns/info. We have both a long-haired cat and a Golden Retriever who is also pretty much a fluff boy so combined with bed stuff fluff, its surely a concern. I'll look into some type of support/tray for the occasional uses in bed.

Really appreciate all your info which I will print out.

Cheers,
Holly

 

No problem.

Are you sure the intake for your fan is on the side? I wouldn't be surprised if that was the exhaust on the left and there was an intake on the bottom- I haven't seen a laptop with a side intake in years! Often now laptops have little slots in the bottom of the case to let air in rather than one specific intake by the fan, so it may not look like you have an intake on the bottom.

No matter what you do, your laptop will eventually be filled with everything imaginable. If you've never seen the inside of a used laptop, you wouldn't believe how much stuff can get stuck inside- it's really nasty. A number of laptops I've opened have been so clogged that it was physically impossible for any air to get through. The way I see it, why not try to keep the dust and dirt to a minimum so you won't have to clean as often? If you're really good about it, you may never have to clean your laptop at all.

 

Is it okay to use the notebook while its recharging the battery? I know heat has a lot to do with lithium batteries, and I know notebooks get really hot.

 

That's absolutely fine.

Heat is bad for all chemical-based batteries.

It all depends on the machine. In any well designed notebook, the battery should never get warm unless it is charging or discharging.

 

Once again JPZ, thanks so much. I guess it's the exhaust and not the fan that is on the side. :-(( Lack of familiarity with NB's clearly showing. )

I'm well aware of the 'dust & grime' issue as I surely see it in my desktop. And -- Oh Gawd -- I smoke! Now I have one more clean up procedure to familiarize myself with. )

Thanks so much for your always so clear info.

Warm regards

 

It's significantly worse with laptops. You'll probably have more build-up in your laptop after a month than will build up in your desktop after a year.

Oh Gawd is right... I feel sorry for your computers, lol.

If you want to know how to clean your laptop, there's plenty of information on the internet, including this forum. Otherwise, feel free to ask me if you have any other questions.

 

I will vouch that leaving your laptop plugged in for extended periods of time will destroy your battery life.

I used to get about three to three and a half hours out of the battery on my Dell E1505, which is barely a year old. During the summer, I just kept it on my desk, plugged in. It spent from May to late August constantly plugged in, and now I'm VERY lucky to squeeze an hour out of it.

So now it's either a new $300 battery, or a new $300 eeePC. Gee, I wonder...

 

i would like to know if anyone no how to take mic off cam i have a hp laptop and it dosent have xp could some one plz help me i need it to work with headset and mic i have vista and dont no nothing about it

 

and i all so keep my laptop plugged in will it hurt it

 

i have never removed my batteries for 2.5 years...
It is plugged in 99% of the time
on rare occasions that it's not plugged, it has enough to last a couple of hours...... everyone i know uses their laptop batteries as a ups basically...

putting your battery in the ref just sounds crazy to me, no offense...

 

Hello guys. I'm new here. Just got myself a Dell Studio 15. I'd like to ask a question. Is it okay to insert or remove the battery when the laptop is on and plugged in? Sometimes I need to move my laptop around and I do that so I do not have to shut down my laptop. Most of the time I use my laptop without the battery. Will it harm my laptop? Thanks.

 

The term is hot swappable? And yes it is. So yes you can do.

 

Okay. Thanks for the information.

 

It does not hurt you battery, it kills the your battery by heat.

 

Leaving the battery plugged in will definitely slowly kill that battery.

 

that is incorrect, the service plan entitles you to one replacement battery over the term of the plan.

 

I hold the same thing true for all batteries.. If it isn't in need of charging, take the charger out.. It won't immediatly hurt the battery but in the end it will slowly decrease the amount it can hold and will cost you the cost of a new battery eventually.



_______________________________________________________________
What you CAN'T live without

 

I've read the entire thread, so forgive me if my question has been answered. I just received my XPS M1530 in late September. If my battery is full I use the laptop without the notebook plugged in for recharge. When the battery gets to about 10-15% capacity, I plug in, but continue to use notebook while its recharging. Then the cycle begins...I unplug and use until 10-15% capacity then...You get the picture.

I read in this thread that one should shut down computer when battery life is around 10-15%...does this mean that it's not ok to use notebook while recharging and continue with my "cycle" of use?

Thanks. Answers to my simple and probably already answered is appreciated.

 

eadrian75, i've done that kind of battery charge/discharge cycle with my hp notebook and got bad result. Luckyly my battery is still under warranty. Now i'm using my with the battery inside and the power supply plugged in most of the time. But the maximum time that my notebook is plugged in is 8 hours ( i'm using a timer so that I don't have to worry that my notebook is charged in for more than 8 hours ). I've read somewhere in hp website or forum not to keep the power supply plugged in for more than 8 hours. Until now my battery is working fine. But it's too soon to make a conclusion.
My girlfriend also have an hp pavillion notebook. She bought this a few month ahead of my notebook. She keeps the charger in most of the time. I guess she keep it plugged in about 5 hours max. And until now her battery is in tip top condition.

 

I never imagined that so much thought has to go into the maintainence of a battery. So if I understand correctly it is best to plug in when it is an option. Considering that a laptop is built for portability the option to plug in may not always be available. Is there a certain battery life percentage that one should try to stay above? My XPS M1530 loves to drink it up. It seems like I should be plugged in most of the time.

 

Doesn't matter...each time you use the battery and recharge it back it's considered a "cycle"


after a number of those cycles it starts to loose it's charge permanently



OK edit: what I meant was that doesn't matter if you leave it to discharge until 10% or 50% it's still a cycle

 

ok wait up, so for me if i want to just keep my m1530 turned on all night on my desk beside me, can i do that? can i just keep the charger adapter plugged into the m1530 (obviously battery will be kept in the m1530 as i am in a dorm room, and not one for all the grunt work) all night, and just wake up in the morning, open the lid, login and do whatever i have to do?
or should i turn the m1530 off at night and remove the adapter OR leave it plugged in but turned off all night?

 

you can keep you m1530 turned on all night with the power adaptor and battery in. Will not harm your battery. Then in the morning you can unplugg your power supply.

 

can I leave it plugged and turnned OFF all night too?

 

and do i HAVE to unplug it in the morning or can i leave it on throughout the day while i go to my classes

 

Doesn't the laptop have a chip the prevents it from overcharging? I really don't see how keeping it plugged it would effect the battery at all.

Batteries do degrade and loses it capacity overtime and every time you recharge it.

 

cool. so no battery problem. will keeping it on with the screen opened (not closed position) but monitor off (due to inactivity) harm anything else? like strain on resources such as CPU, RAM, GPU, HD, etc.? Or will it be OK because I do plan on shutting it off every few days (2-3).