If it is your first time using a power bank, we have prepared some important guides for you to help you enjoy using your power bank!
You know that anxious feeling when the “low battery” notification pops up on your screen? It has a quality that can make your mind wander. Even worse, there are times when you’re far from an outlet and don’t have your charger! A power bank is a useful tool that can help you stay fully charged.
Despite the fact that power banks are frequently used and their use is simple, there are some pitfalls. By adhering to a few rules when using and maintaining the power bank, its life can be increased and its performance can be at its peak.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking to learn the fundamentals of power banks. Immediately let’s begin!
How to Use a Power Bank?
This one is pretty easy, but let’s start with opening a brand-new power bank. Charge it before using it for the first time to make sure all of the parts are functional.
Simply connect your device to the power bank after that, and if your power bank has a button, press it. Await while you check to see if your device is charging. Unplug your device and store your power bank once it has finished charging.
How to Use Your Power Bank for the First Time?
It’s fairly simple to use a power bank for the first time. Sometimes all you need to do to get started is take the item out of the box. But generally, you should charge the power bank first before using it.
Let’s go over some fundamental things you need to know before using a new power bank for the first time.
Read the User Manual First
Read the user manual completely before using your new power bank. Although the use of a power bank is simple and straightforward, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The user manuals are tailored specifically to the gadget you’re using. You should adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions even if some of the information you may find in the manual does not overlap with what you are about to read here.
Do Power Banks Come Pre-charged?
Yes, the majority of power banks are pre-charged. Most of the time, though, it won’t be a full charge, only about 75% or less. It’s almost never the case when purchasing a new power bank that it comes fully charged.
Of course, it’s also possible for you to get a power bank with no power at all. This is especially true for gadgets that were sold after spending a long time on the shelf. After a while power banks, just like any other battery, will start losing power until they completely deplete their charge.
How to Charge Your Portable Charger for the First Time?
As a best practice, you should fully charge the power bank before using it for the first time, even if it has some charge out of the box. Almost all power banks come with a charging cable that can be used with other power sources, like the USB port on a laptop, or with a wall outlet.
Please note that the majority of power banks do not come with a wall charger. Many people are not aware of this when they place the order and then get disappointed when they see that the package does not contain one. Furthermore, you should be aware that not all chargers have the same power capacity.
Some of them provide more power and can therefore charge a power bank more quickly, while others are slower and can prolong the amount of time it takes for your device to charge by several hours.
You can simply charge the power bank using the USB port on your laptop if you don’t already have one when you get it. Just keep in mind that because USB ports from laptops have very low current outputs in this situation, charging the power bank will take a very long time.
Recharging your power bank too much can be dangerous. In the long run, this could harm the battery. This is why after plugging it in, you should check the charge indicators from time to time. You needn’t worry, though, because some power banks have overcharging protection. To find out if your portable charger has this feature or not, consult the user manual.
Here is how to charge power banks of different brands:
Using the Power Bank for the Very First Time
You can tell your power bank is fully charged when all four of its lights start to blink. Unplug it immediately after that, of course. Afterward, you can use the power bank to recharge your phone.
Most devices have at least one USB port, but some also have multiple outlets for electrical discharge. You can get various output values such as 1A, 2A, 2.5A, etc. Your devices will charge more quickly as the amps increase. So if you want a fast charge use the port with the highest output.
Different fast-charging technologies are also available in some power banks. These are great for delivering really fast charging times, but you should be aware that the device you’re trying to charge should also be compatible with the type of fast charge your power bank can provide. In such a case, regular charging will take place rather than fast charging.
Laptops can be charged using power banks as well. But in this case, the power output should be big enough in order to meet the laptop’s power needs. Most manufacturers advise utilizing the USB cable (and wall charger) that originally came with your power bank.
However, cables and wall chargers have extremely broad compatibilities, so you should be able to use essentially any type of cable or charger, provided they are well-built. Using inexpensive and/or subpar chargers and cables will result in slow charging times and may even harm your power bank.
How to Extend Your Power Bank’s Life?
Do’s
- DO consider temperatures: Temperatures below 5 degrees should not be used to charge the Power Bank, and temperatures above 40 degrees should not be used to discharge it.
- DO disconnect the charger of your Power Bank as soon as it’s fully charged: This is helpful when charging your device.
- DO charge your Power Bank even if you don’t use it: It is recommended that you charge the Power Bank at least once every three months to keep it in good working order.
- DO avoid fully charging your Power Bank: Charge and discharge your power bank only up to 80% and 20%, respectively, for optimum performance and longer lifespan. The majority of Power Banks show the current charging status.
Don’ts
- DO NOT drop the Power Bank: The Power Bank contains a circuit board and other fragile components inside. Always make sure to handle it carefully. Never throw it or drop it.
- DO NOT expose the Power Bank to extreme temperatures: 5 to 25 degrees is the ideal range for batteries. The more you deviate from that comfort zone, the bigger the irretrievable capacity losses that might result. Also prohibited is covering the Power Bank with a blanket or other items of clothing.
- DO NOT keep your Power Bank in a pocket or bag with metal objects: It is best to exercise caution and make sure they are never positioned where metal objects may short the output.
- DO NOT charge your Power Bank and your device at the same time: Due to the excessive heat produced during both types of charging, has an impact on the Power Banks’ batteries.
Why Do Some Power Banks Take Longer to Charge?
Larger batteries have a greater capacity to store energy, so some power banks require more time to charge. For example, a high-capacity power bank with 20,000 mAh can take up to 40 hours to charge fully. Smaller 4,000 mAh power banks might charge in just a few hours.
As opposed to a tall drinking glass, think of it as a shot glass. It’s going to take a lot longer for a drinking glass to fill with water than it will for a shot glass!
How Long Should You Charge a Power Bank?
Your power bank should only be charged for the time necessary for it to reach full battery. You need to unplug the device from the power source after it has finished charging fully. You can check the user manual to find out how your power bank indicates it has been fully charged, but most of them have some sort of light that shows the amount of power left in the battery.
Depending on the type, a power bank takes a different amount of time to charge all the way up. A larger power bank will require more time to charge than a smaller one. Typically, a power bank needs between one and two hours to fully charge.
Can I Charge My Power Bank Overnight?
You should avoid charging your power bank overnight whenever possible. Although it is unlikely to harm your battery seriously, there is still a chance that it could eventually shorten its lifespan.
When a power bank is of lower quality, leaving it plugged in after it has finished charging can result in overheating, especially if it is done so in the presence of direct sunlight. Always unplug your power bank once it is fully charged for the best level of security!
Conclusion: Use a Power Bank
Rechargeable batteries for power banks are very simple to use. They are incredibly accommodating and give you extra charge when you are out and about without access to mains power with a few common sense precautions.
Your brief introduction to power banks is now complete. Check your power bank’s instructions or come back to this page if you’re ever unsure.
FAQs
How Do I Know When My Power Bank is Fully Charged?
Check the LED lights. Most power banks come with lights that represent a percentage of battery life. They can be attached to the power bank’s side or button.
How Often Should You Charge Your Power Bank?
According to a general rule of thumb, a power bank’s lifespan gets shorter the more it is charged. Only recharge your power bank when absolutely necessary. The battery should be charged at least once every three months if your power bank is only occasionally used.
Do You Have to Charge a Power Bank before Using It?
Charge before first use: Manufacturers always recommend giving a new power bank a full charge before use. The internal circuits will cut out the excess charge, but it is always wise to get it into a known state before starting to use it.
How Do I Turn on My Charge Power Bank?
Start by charging your myCharge up until one or more of the LEDs are solid. Then connect your myCharge to your phone or tablet. Next, press (shake for the Razor & Energy Shot) the power button to initiate charging.
How Long Does a Power Bank Stay Charged?
A good Power Bank can hold a charge for 3 to 6 months with minimal loss. A useful charge may be difficult to hold onto for longer than 4 to 6 weeks in Power Banks of lower quality.
