How to care for your laptop battery and hopefully make it last longer
Laptop batteries have a funny way of reminding us they exist—usually by dying at the worst possible moment. Whether you’re mid-Netflix binge or working on something important, watching your battery percentage plummet is never fun.
The good news? With the right care, you can keep your laptop battery healthy for longer. Here are some simple (but effective) tips to extend your battery life and avoid the dreaded “plug me in now!” warnings.
1. Don’t Keep It Plugged In All the Time
Leaving your laptop plugged in constantly seems harmless, but it’s actually not great for your battery’s long-term health. Batteries are happiest when they hover between 20% and 80%. Keeping it at 100% all day adds unnecessary strain.
👉 Pro Tip: Unplug it once it hits 80-90% and let it drain a little before recharging.
2. Avoid Letting It Die Completely
We’ve all seen that “0%” warning and kept pushing until the laptop shuts itself off. Doing this occasionally won’t kill your battery, but making it a habit can shorten its lifespan.
👉 Pro Tip: Charge it when it drops to around 20-30%. Letting it hit rock bottom often forces the battery to work harder when recharging.
3. Keep It Cool (Literally)
Heat is the enemy of laptop batteries. If your laptop gets too hot, it can cause the battery to degrade faster. This happens when fans are blocked, or you’re using the laptop on a blanket or couch.
👉 Pro Tip: Use your laptop on a hard, flat surface. Laptop cooling pads are also a great investment for heavy users.
4. Lower Your Brightness and Close Unused Apps
The brighter your screen, the more battery it uses. Similarly, having 47 tabs open (we see you) drains resources.
👉 Pro Tip: Reduce screen brightness, close unused apps, and turn on battery-saving modes when possible.
5. Update Your Software
Outdated software can drain battery life faster than it should. Manufacturers often release updates to optimize performance and improve energy efficiency.
👉 Pro Tip: Regularly check for system updates and install them. They might save more battery than you think.
Bonus Tip – Watch Out for Battery Health
Over time, your battery’s capacity will naturally decrease. If you notice it holding less charge, check its health in your laptop’s settings. On Windows, search “Battery Report” in the command prompt. On Mac, hold the Option key and click the battery icon.
Need a New Battery or Repair?
Even with the best care, batteries don’t last forever. If your laptop battery isn’t holding a charge like it used to, Wiz Kid Tech Repair can help with replacements or tune-ups.
📍 Visit us in Muncie, IN, or call (317) 296-7564 for a free diagnostic!