Lithium Battery FAQ & Care Tips

Err0r

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding lithium batteries in general, which is why I have written this post in an attempt to clear some common misconceptions. The information is gathered, edited and taken from the Battery University, a trusted and knowledgeable source for battery information. Please do not repost my compilation and edits of the information, rather do it yourself or link to this post. Thank you and I hope that this information will provide value to you.


There is only one way to charge lithium-based batteries. Charge the battery often. The battery lasts longer with partial rather than full discharges.

Lithium-ion is a very clean system and does not need priming as nickel-based batteries do. The 1st charge is no different to the 5th or the 50th charge. Stickers instructing to charge the battery for 8 hours or more for the first time may be a leftover from the nickel battery days (ignorance).

Unlike nickel and lead-based batteries, a new lithium-ion pack does not need cycling through charging and discharging. Priming will make little difference because the maximum capacity of lithium-ion is available right from the beginning. Neither does a full discharge improve the capacity of a faded pack, avoid full cycle because of wear. 80% depth-of-discharge recommended. Recharge more often. However, a full discharge/charge will reset the digital circuit of a 'smart' battery to improve the state-of-charge estimation (make battery indicator more accurate).

How should I prepare my new battery?
Li-ion comes partially charged. You can use the battery right away and charge it when needed.

Can I damage my battery if incorrectly prepared?
No; Li-ion is forgiving to partial and full charge. No priming is needed when new. Loses capacity due to aging whether used or not.

How do I prepare a battery with charge indication?
Fully charge and discharge battery once every 30 charges or so. Repeat when readings get inaccurate.

Should I use up all battery energy before charging?
No, it is better to recharge more often; avoid frequent full discharges. On batteries with a fuel gauge, allow a full discharge once a month to enable reset

Should I charge my battery partially or fully?
Does not matter. Charging in stages is acceptable. Full charge termination occurs by reading the voltage level and charge current. Charging a full battery is safe and does not cause harm.

Should I remove the battery from the charger when full?
It does not matter. The charger automatically cuts the charge current when the battery is full. A laptop may be connected to the AC when not in use.

vee2plus20

Very imformative post. Thanks!

Mankind

Thanks you ! :-)

quatrecouleurs

I was afraid to harm my battery because I couldn't charge it fully when I received my miniplayer... I fully discharged it every time I could... I ever avoid to do little chargings...

... So was I wrong to do it !

Thank you for those useful precisions !

moogle301

thanks! useful

Nickle

useful informations every M6 fan should know!

llcoolsave

thanks mate

Err0r

I wonder why every electric appliance manufacturer who's product contains a Li-ion battery tells its clients to overcharge it in the beginning. It is something stated in every manual, will Meizu be the first one to break the trend? Certainly hope so!

glacier

lol. good thing i never really pay attention to these manuals. that is, until i encounter some sort of problem with the device.

zsombor

Ummmmm... sorry i dont really get it.
Is there any way to discharge the miniPlayer?