Maintaining Your Tablet's Health: The Role of Battery Maintenance

Is it okay to not replace your tablet's battery after 3-5 years? This depends largely on the tablet and how you use it. For instance, I have an iPad Air 2 that is 9 years old with its original battery. Even though it is showing signs of battery degradation, it still functions well for general internet usage. In the same vein, an IconBIT NetTAB SPACE III from 10 years ago also runs on its original battery and is still used for reading. These experiences teach us that while batteries degrade over time, they might not need replacement until they reach a critical state.

Factors Affecting Battery Health

The primary reasons for mobile device failure, aside from accidental damage, are battery degradation, storage degradation, and thermal destruction. Let's delve into each of these factors in detail.

Battery Degradation

Mobile batteries degrade naturally over time, losing their capacity and efficiency. However, proper charging habits can mitigate this process.

Avoid charging the battery below 20% or above 80% as much as possible. These extreme levels can accelerate battery degradation. The manufacturer's specifications for full charge and discharge can vary widely. These specifications are often a point of contention between users and manufacturers. Regularly charge your tablet to maintain its battery health between 80% and 20%. If your battery starts to visibly expand or put pressure on the screen, replacement becomes necessary. This is often accompanied by visible signs like stains or areas with incorrect color.

Storage Degradation

Storage degrades as you write to it continuously. Therefore, it's crucial to manage your storage effectively.

Only store files on your tablet when absolutely necessary. Utilize SD cards, network storage, shared folders, or the cloud to minimize storage usage. Delete files that you no longer need to free up storage space. Regularly cleaning up unnecessary files can help maintain the overall health of your tablet.

Thermal Destruction

Both heat and cold can damage electronics. Extreme temperatures should be avoided when handling your tablet.

Avoid using your tablet below freezing temperatures. Do not charge your tablet when it's hot. Avoid leaving your tablet in a car under summer sunlight. Democratic use of the tablet, such as using it on a pillow or a blanket while connected to power and playing demanding games, can generate excessive heat and should be avoided.

Conclusion

While it's tempting to replace a tablet battery after 3-5 years, it's not always necessary. Proper maintenance of your tablet, including managing battery, storage, and thermal conditions, can significantly extend its lifespan. By following these tips, you can keep your tablet healthy and functional for many years to come.