Is It Bad to Leave a Laptop Charger Plugged In?

You may have heard that it's bad to leave your laptop charger plugged in when you're not using your laptop. But is there any truth to this belief? And, if so, what can you do to make sure your laptop battery stays healthy and lasts as long as possible?

In this post, we'll discuss the 5 factors that can affect the lifespan of the battery in your laptop. We'll also provide 5 ways you can care for your laptop battery, so it keeps its charge longer and lasts longer overall. 

Is It Bad to Leave a Laptop Charger Plugged In

The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. It depends largely on the battery of your laptop, as well as how you use and care for it. lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries generally can't be “overcharged”. Once your laptop reaches a full battery, the charger will power off automatically.

There is no need to worry about overcharging and damaging your device's battery in short term! After the battery loses some of its charges, the charger will resume and fully recharge your battery.

However, even when fully charged, the computer is still drawing power when keeping laptops plugged in, which may cause components to overheat and lead to a fire, especially in confined environments. And keeping laptops plugged in for the long term may reduce your battery capacity and speed up the discharging cycle. So it is best to unplug them when unattended.

Factors That Could Affect the Lifespan of the Battery in Your Laptop

Any battery including lithium-ion batteries has a lifespan, which will gradually begin to shorten after charging time and time again. However, a number of contributing factors can speed up this process. These include:

1. Temperature

Excessive heat or cold can degrade the battery health of your laptop. According to the study, keeping your laptop in an environment with temperatures above 95°F (35°C) may cause the battery to degrade more quickly than normal. As a result, you should always keep your device in an environment that is neither too hot nor too cold.

2. Usage Patterns

How often you use and charge your laptop will also influence how long its battery lasts. Frequent charging cycles (charge/discharge) puts stress on the cells inside the battery which can reduce its life span.

3.Voltage level

The voltage of the charger connected to the laptop battery should be stable. Using a laptop and its charger with an unstable voltage can damage your battery. Sudden increases in voltage can damage your electronics, and destroy irreplaceable data.

4. Age

As time goes on, the laptop charge battery naturally begins losing its capacity to hold a charge—even if you're using them properly. You can expect most lithium-ion batteries to last up to 3 years before needing replacement.

5. Quality

The quality of the battery you purchase can also affect its lifespan. Be sure to buy your laptop batteries from a reputable source and always pay attention to the product's specifications. Low-quality batteries are more prone to failure and may not last as long as higher-quality ones. 

How to Care for Your Laptop Battery

Try the following 5 proven strategies for extending the lifespan of your laptop battery:

1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures. Don't leave your laptop in a hot car or in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. This will help avoid any potential damage from excessive heat exposure. Try to store your laptop at room temperature helps keep the battery from being drained or damaged due to drastic temperature changes.

2. Monitor Your Battery Usage. If possible, try to limit yourself to charging computers only when the battery is at 10-20%. This will reduce the number of charge cycles (charge/discharge) which should increase its life span.

3. Balanced Power Settings or Low Power Mode. This can help conserve battery power and keep it from draining too quickly.

4. Invest in Power Strip. If you're using a power strip to charge your laptop, make sure it's one with surge protection. This will help protect against potential damage caused by sudden increases in voltage. For example, Anker 623 power strip features 7 point safety system, like over-voltage protection, over-current protection, fire resistance, over-temperature protection, overload protection, grounded protection, and short-circuit protection, helping you and your devices completely safe.

5. Buy Quality Batteries and Chargers. If you're looking to purchase a new battery or charger for your laptop, be sure to do some research beforehand to find the best quality option available. Quality components are key when it comes to prolonging battery life!

Conclusion

Get the Most Out of Your Laptop Battery's Lifespan. Leaving your laptop charger plugged into an outlet is not inherently bad, but there are certain factors that can cause damage or reduce its lifespan if left unattended. These include prolonged exposure to high temperatures and excessive usage at full charge or near empty capacity. Additionally, improper storage and lack of maintenance can lead to decreased battery performance. Following the tips outlined above will help ensure that you get the most out of your laptop battery and keep it running smoothly for years to come!

You might also be interested: 

Guide to Choosing the Best Laptop Power Bank>>

In our exploration of the impacts of leaving a laptop charger plugged in, we spotlight the Anker 737 Charger (GaNPrime 120W) as an exemplary model tailored for modern charging needs. This innovative charger stands out with its capability to power up three devices simultaneously across 2 USB-C and one USB-A ports, promising convenience and efficiency.

Notably, it can boost a single device with up to 100W, cutting down charging time by up to 26 minutes thanks to its PowerIQ 4.0 with Dynamic Power Distribution. Furthermore, its ActiveShield 2.0 technology offers an advanced level of safety by monitoring temperature fluctuations meticulously, ensuring your laptop and other devices are not only charged quickly but also protected.

FAQ about Is It Bad to Leave a Laptop Charger Plugged in

Is Leaving a Laptop Charger Plugged in a Fire Hazard?

No, leaving a laptop charger plugged in is not a fire hazard. However, if you experience any frayed cords or exposed wiring on your charger, immediately replace it and ensure it is unplugged when not in use. Additionally, charging laptops all the time is also not recommended, as it may let your battery overheat.

Should I Unplug My Laptop Charger When Not in Use?

Yes, it is best to unplug your laptop charger when not in use. This will help reduce the risk of any damage that can occur from overcharging or excessive heat exposure. Additionally, you should avoid keeping the laptop plugged into an outlet while unattended.

What Makes a Laptop Catch Fire?

Depending on the computer configuration, there are several reasons that can cause a laptop to fire.

1.Frayed cords or exposed wires. If the charger or laptop cord is frayed or exposed, it can create a risk of an electrical fire.

2.Overheating. If the laptop is used for long periods of time without proper ventilation, it can cause components to overheat and lead to a fire.

3.Power surges. Power surges caused by weather, power fluctuations, or faulty wiring can damage computer components and lead to overheating and potentially a fire.

4.Faulty batteries. Low-quality batteries are more prone to failure and may not last as long as higher-quality ones, increasing the risk of a malfunction that could result in a fire.