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Wireless charging has become a popular and convenient way to recharge smartphones and other electronic devices. However, people are often concerned about how it impacts battery lifespan and safety.
This article will explain how it works, whether it affects your battery’s lifespan, and how to avoid potential risks like overheating. We’ll also offer general tips on extending your battery’s lifespan.
Let’s dive in.
How Does Wireless Charging Work?
Wireless chargers use tightly coupled electromagnetic induction to transfer electricity from the pad to the device’s receiver. Electricity is generated when a magnetic field interacts with copper coils in the receiving device, charging the lithium-ion battery.
With these tightly coupled forms, the transmitting and receiving copper coils must be aligned and within close proximity. If they’re not aligned or near enough, the charge will slow, if it occurs at all.
Newer products, like the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank, use a built-in stand and strong magnetic connection to ensure a good connection and fast charging for your phone or tablet, from 0 to 70% in 33 minutes, using their patented X-Stream technology.
It’s the perfect travel hub for a wide range of compatible devices, and its smart digital display and integration with the EcoFlow app make it very convenient to use.
Is Wireless Charging Bad for Your Phone’s Battery?
There is a common misconception that wireless charging is bad for your phone’s battery because electromagnetic induction produces more heat than wired methods. However, if used incorrectly, any charger can wear out your battery, like always charging it to 100% and leaving it on the charger for too long.
Furthermore, the heat issue is easy to mitigate. For instance, most newer wireless models regulate charge speed, automatically slowing it down if excessive heat is detected. Another important factor is that thermal insulation usually separates smartphone batteries from the copper charging coils, keeping them within safe temperature limits under normal circumstances.
Theoretically, using it in hot weather and leaving it on after it is charged could damage the battery. So, be sure to remove it when it is complete.
Another option is to use a wired charger plugged into an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Station. You can also use it with your wireless model and move it to the coolest area of your home.
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 + 110W Solar Panel is also a perfect option for travellers since you can always top it up with your solar panel. You can also use it for other things; you might be surprised at what the EcoFlow RIVER 2 can do.
Does Wireless Charging Impact Battery Charge Cycles?
Charge cycle refers to how often rechargeable batteries can be completely discharged and recharged before they lose their ability to hold a charge. Since the charge cycle is determined by the number of times it is charged, not by how it is charged, how it is charged will not impact it.
Are There Any Dangers With Wireless Charging?
In some ways, wireless methods are safer than wired ones since there are no cords to trip over, and the chance of electric shock is reduced. However, anything electrical does have some inherent dangers.
Let’s take a look.
Overheating
While rare, overheating can occur at any time. Remove your device immediately if you detect a heat issue. Overheating worsens when left on too long and in scorching weather. Point a fan at the charger in hot weather or use a wired method instead if necessary.
You can also use either method with an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Solar Generator. These generators are portable and can be used indoors or outdoors, are great for travel, and come in a range of battery capacities to suit your needs.
The other thing to keep in mind is that battery chemistry also plays a significant role in how dangerous overheating is. Traditional lithium-ion batteries, used in most phones and electronic devices, are more prone to thermal runaway. That can damage your device and property, especially when left on the charger. This is why most modern devices have built-in battery management systems to try to prevent overcharging.
Newer LiFePO4 batteries have a unique chemistry that is no longer prone to thermal runaway. These are used in most of EcoFlow’s batteries and will possibly one day replace traditional lithium-ion in phones and other devices.
Fire
If overheating does occur, there is a risk of fire and damage to the phone and surrounding property. Do your best to prevent overheating, don’t overcharge your devices, and never use them in poorly ventilated areas like under a pillow or blanket.
Keep Objects Away From Your Wireless Charger
Dangerous situations can also occur when foreign objects like coins, credit cards, or metal objects get between the transmitter and receiver. They receive power from the magnetic field in the form of heat, increasing the likelihood of overheating and fire.
Electric Shock
Anything electrical presents the risk of electrical shock, but in this case, the risk is typically lower for wireless than wired chargers. Nonetheless, keep them away from children and water sources to minimise risks.
Tips for Prolonging Smartphone Battery Life
Avoid Overcharging
Don’t leave your devices on the chargers continuously, regardless of which method you use. Many people leave their phones on the charger overnight, which reduces the battery’s lifespan.
Fortunately, most smartphones contain battery management systems that block current once fully charged, even when still connected. However, older phones may present more issues.
Don’t Always Use Super Fast Charging
Sometimes, super-fast chargers are helpful to get you going again. However, don’t always rely on them. According to US DOE research, running batteries at higher voltages can cause ion irregularities and corrosion that reduce their lifespan.
Lithium-ion batteries tend to last the longest when charged and discharged at slower speeds.
Use a Compatible Charger
Wired or wireless, choose a charger that is compatible with your device. Otherwise, it could charge slowly or not at all or be more prone to overheating.
Avoid Draining the Battery
Draining batteries completely also reduces their lifespan, just like overcharging does. To prolong their lifespan, it’s recommended to keep batteries between 20% and 80% capacity as much as possible.
At 50%, the lithium ions are in equilibrium and place the least strain on batteries, so any overcharging or draining them adds additional strain and reduces their lifespan.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
If you are worried about the heat, avoid charging wirelessly in excessively hot weather or direct a tabletop fan at it while it charges to dissipate the heat. Also, keeping devices in extremely hot or cold temperatures will drain the batteries faster, necessitating more frequent charging and reducing lifespan.
Avoid Using Energy-Intensive Apps While Charging
Don’t play games or watch videos while your phone is on any type of charger. This increases the battery’s heat and acts as a ‘parasitic load,’ which causes it to cycle faster and wear out faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, under normal circumstances, it will not ruin your battery. Like any charger, try to avoid overcharging and be mindful of the temperature. If it starts to get too hot, wireless or wired, you should remove it from the charger.
No, using it all the time will not hurt your battery. However, just like any charger, do not leave it on the charger once fully charged to avoid overcharging and heat dissipation issues.
Which is better for you depends on your needs. Wireless is convenient and avoids cord safety issues, but it is prone to heat issues if left on too long. Wired is faster and, in some ways, easier to carry around, and you have to worry a bit less about overheating.
Final Thoughts
When used correctly, wireless chargers offer convenience without harming your device’s battery. To prolong your battery life, simply follow best practices—like avoiding overcharging, using compatible chargers, and keeping devices at safe temperatures—regardless of which method you use.
Also, use quality devices made by reputable brands to help charge your devices, like the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank or an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station, to connect your wired or wireless chargers when camping, travelling, or on a road trip.
