How to Charge a Portable Charger
Are you constantly on the go and feel like your devices are always running out of battery at inopportune times? Portable chargers were designed for people like you and are great investments for those in your position.
Portable chargers are relatively simple devices, though they require specific care to ensure they’re fully functioning. If you’ve recently purchased one of these charging units and are unsurehow to properly care for it, we’re here to help.
Read on to learn about the basic charging and maintenance instructions you should follow to keep your new charging devices in the best shape. Let’s get started.
The Most Important Rules for Charging a Portable Charger
Caring for your portable charger will help ensure that it has a long and useful life. Like other electronics, portable chargers require a certain level of maintenance to work properly, so it is vital that you follow these important rules when charging your device.
1. Use a Reliable Charger
When charging your device, it’s important to use the charging cable provided. Other cords you may have lying around may fit into the charging port, but that doesn’t mean they should be used.
Using the wrong cord can be detrimental to the health of the charger. A reliable charger made for your device, on the other hand, will charge the unit efficiently and maintain the battery’s overall health.
2. Don’t Charge Overnight
While charging your device overnight may seem smart, we encourage you to reconsider. Charging a battery overnight can greatly reduce its lifespan and impact its overall ability to charge your devices on the go.
Overcharging your portable charger will reduce the quality of the charge and damage the battery, so try to keep the charging periods to the daytime when you are there to monitor and unplug it after a safe amount of time.
How Do You Charge a Power Bank Portable Charger
Power bank portable chargers are convenient devices that can keep your phone and other important devices charged on the go. However, the power bank itself needs to be charged.
Here are the steps you should take to ensure you are correctly charging your power bank portable charger.
1. Read through the User Manual
First and foremost, take the time to read the user manual carefully and ensure you are using the correct charging cable. This step is crucial, as using the wrong cord or power source can negatively impact the lifespan and performance of your portable charger. Prioritizing the right charging setup is essential for maintaining a healthy battery and ensuring long-term reliability.
2. Plug the Cable Into Your Portable Power Source
Now that you’ve secured the correct cord, you’re ready to plug it into your device, following the instructions outlined in the user manual. Carefully insert the cable into the designated port on your portable charger, ensuring it fits securely.
Next, connect the other end of the cable to a power source. Most charging cables feature a USB connector, so you’ll either need a wall adapter or consider upgrading your home with wall outlets that include built-in USB ports.
Charging via a wall outlet is typically faster than using a computer, which is worth considering if you’re short on time.
For reliable and long-lasting power, units like the EcoFlow Portable Power Stations and the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations are excellent choices, keeping your devices charged for hours on end.
3. Give it Time
Your portable charger will require some time to reach full charging capacity. Typically, these units achieve a full charge within 2 to 8 hours, depending on the battery capacity and the size of the device. Smaller units may charge faster, while larger power stations with higher capacities naturally take longer. To optimize charging efficiency, always use the recommended cable and power source as specified in the user manual. Keeping your device properly charged not only ensures consistent performance but also helps extend the overall lifespan of your portable charger.
4. Unplug Your Unit and Store the Chord
Once the device has been fully charged, it’s time to remove it from the charging cable and put it to use. To keep all of the equipment in great condition, we highly recommend storing the charging cables in a dry, temperature-controlled area.
Cables that are left in the car or that get wet may be damaged internally and could even impact the health of the portable charger if used after the fact. Taking a few extra moments to store these charging cables properly will elongate the life of your charger and ensure there are no surprises the next time you need them.
How Do I Know If My Portable Charger Is Charging?
So, you’ve just followed the steps above and plugged in your portable charger to start the charging process. To double-check your work, you can review some indicators to ensure that the unit is actually charging.
Here are some of the items you can look for:
LED indicators: If your unit does not have a screen, look around to see if there are blinking LED dots or lights somewhere on the device. These lights can help to signify how charged the device is or even how much time is remaining until it is fully charged.
LED Battery Display: Some more advanced products will have an LED screen that lights up when charging. This screen should supply some clear information on the status of charging so you will know just how long the process will take.
Sound Notifications: Some portable chargers on the market use sound or vibrations to indicate when charging is complete. Read the user manual to see if your unit has this unique feature.
Not all devices will supply an indicator of the charging level, which can certainly cause some confusion if you are a new owner of a portable charger. With the EcoFlow RIVER 2 and EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max, you won’t ever be left guessing with the easy-to-read screen display. You can learn more about the benefits of investing in either of these portable power stations here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Charge My Power Bank for the First Time?
Charging your portable charger correctly is very important and can impact its overall lifespan if done incorrectly. Make sure you are using the correct charging cord and plug the device into a wall outlet. Typically, charging to 80% or higher is a safe bet when charging your device for the first time.
Final Thoughts
Portable chargers are excellent devices that can help to keep your devices connected and powered up at all times. Learning how to properly care for your charger is the best way to ensure it lasts a long time, and the steps spelled out in this guide should help you on your way.
Still a little intimidated by the necessary steps to care for one of these devices? Check out the EcoFlow Portable Power Stations today for a beginner-friendly option that’s perfect for you.