Long-Term Storage: What Happens to Your Battery (Phones, Tablets, Laptops)
Lithium-ion ages even when unused.
Store wrong and you get deep discharge, swelling, or a device that won’t wake.
Here’s the storage setup that works — and the recovery steps after months in a drawer.
1️⃣ Set Charge to ~50% (Safe 40–60%)
Charge or discharge until about 50%.
High charge speeds ageing; empty risks deep discharge and BMS lockout.
Tip: if it sits above 80%, stream video with screen on until ~55%, then unplug.
2️⃣ Power Off Fully (Don’t Leave in Sleep)
Phones/tablets: hold power → Slide to power off.
Laptops: Shut Down (not sleep/hibernate).
Cases that trap heat? Remove them.
3️⃣ Store Cool and Dry
Use an indoor drawer or shelf. Avoid sunlight, cars, attics, and humid garages.
Label the storage date. Keep chargers nearby so you can top up on schedule.
4️⃣ Top Up Every 2–3 Months
Plug in and bring it back to 50–60%, then power off again.
This prevents voltage drift below the cutoff threshold.
- Reminder: calendar repeat every 8–10 weeks works well.
5️⃣ Wake Safely After Long Storage
Let the device warm to room temperature. Use a known-good cable/charger and charge for 30–60 minutes before powering on.
No response? Try another charger/port. MacBooks: SMC/NVRAM reset. Windows laptops: use the battery reset pinhole if present.
- Red flags: case gap, lifted screen/trackpad, or a spongy back — that’s swelling. Stop and replace.
- Health check: iOS → Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Android varies by brand; Samsung Members → Diagnostics.
✅ Quick Summary
| Action | Where / How | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Set to ~50% charge | Charge/discharge until 45–60% | Free |
| Power off fully | Shut Down / Slide to power off | Free |
| Cool, dry storage | Indoor drawer; avoid heat/humidity | Free |
| Top up every 2–3 months | Back to 50–60% then power off | Free |
| Battery health / replacement | Settings diagnostics or visit EziRepair | Varies by model |