Battery life if uncharged ?

Question

Battery life if uncharged ?

Any info. on how long an iPhone/iPod can remain unused/uncharged, stored away, and not suffer permanent damage to the battery. Or must one charge it every (say) 3 months ?

Dan

Mac Mini, iPhone 3G, iPhone 2G, iPod Touch., Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Aug 13, 2009 12:01 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 13, 2009 4:41 PM in response to Dan Mitchell1

Lithium ion batteries charging circuits have a safety feature that prevents them from charging if the charge level drops below a safe threshold. Without the safety feature, a severly discharged battery could draw excessive current and overheat.

Therefore, you should never store an iPod or iPhone (or any lithium ion powered device) when the battery is discharged.

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Answer 2

Aug 13, 2009 4:17 PM in response to iphone3ger

It is truly depressing to realise from the notes at the above link, that our phone's and pod's batteries will only last a couple of years - especially since it is extremely difficult to open the equipment without cosmetic damage to the case.

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Answer 3

Aug 13, 2009 12:03 PM in response to Dan Mitchell1

Like all lithium-based batteries, it must be used to maintain health. If you're going to store it, discharge it to ~50% first. But, better to use it and charge it a few times per month.

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Answer 4

Aug 13, 2009 12:26 PM in response to Dan Mitchell1

best bet is 40% storage charge... see http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm

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Answer 5

Aug 14, 2009 5:49 AM in response to MIke_C@PTD

Ok then - if I store a fully charged iPhone, how long before it's charge sinks to a level where it should be re-charged ?

Dan

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