Battery Q&A
Get information with the Battery Q&A
Get information with the Battery Q&A
Lenovo Battery Technology - Best Practices Guide
This document includes best practices for use and care of the battery in your Mobile Personal Computer device. Refer to the User Guide for detailed battery instructions and recommendations.
Maximizing Battery Run Time
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion/Lithium-Polymer batteries have a limited life and will gradually lose their ability to hold as much charge, compared to the original design capacity. This aging, or loss of capacity, is irreversible. As the battery loses capacity, the length of time it will power the product (i.e. run time) decreases. Battery run time will change depending upon how and where the system is used. Here are some tips to maximize the run time from your battery:
- Ensure you are using the latest drivers and BIOS for your system by running Windows Update, or System Update within Vantage.
- The biggest impact on battery run time is how a system is being used at that particular time.
- Screen Brightness is the largest power draw on most Mobile PC systems. Be sure to turn down the brightness to the lowest comfortable level for the environment you are in.
- External devices such as mice, keyboards, headsets, and speakers all consume power. Power them down or unplug them when you are not using them.
- Having many applications open at one time increases the load on your system and therefore reduces battery run time.
- Web pages with active content (animations, auto-play video, frequently updating ads, or other content) may cause high CPU utilization and significantly increase power consumption. Close any such pages when no longer viewing them.
- Malware can also cause high CPU utilization and increase power consumption. Always keep security patches up to date and use Anti-virus software.
- Network connectivity also consumes battery power. If you are not using the cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities of your notebook, be sure to disconnect them from networks. For additional savings, you can also turn off the networks through the Windows Quick Action buttons.
- Both Microsoft Windows and Lenovo Vantage application provide ways to optimize battery run time.
- Lenovo batteries are designed to run best within the normal operating temperature range of your specific device, typically 5⁰C to 35⁰C (41⁰F to 95⁰F).
- Optimal charging occurs between 10⁰C and 35⁰C (50⁰F and 95⁰F).
- Charging the battery when the system is below 10⁰C (50°F) will result in slower than normal charge time.
- Charging the battery when the system temperature is above 35°C (95⁰F) will result in permanent capacity loss.
- Reference the Operating environment section of your product’s User Guide for more information on operating and storage temperature ranges.
Battery Life Cycle
Cycle life is the number of battery charge/discharge cycles before capacity falls below a specific level. The combination of cycles and capacity derives the overall “health” of the battery. The Lenovo Vantage application can be used to check the health of your battery. If your battery is losing capacity faster than expected, the health display will change from Good (green) to Poor (red). When this happens, our recommendation is first to re-calibrate the battery gauge using the Battery Gauge Reset function within the Lenovo Vantage application to fully discharge and then recharge the battery (Device, My Device Settings, Battery Gauge Reset). This will allow the battery management system to re-learn the Full Charge Capacity.
The Battery Gauge Reset function should also be used if, after many cycles of use, you find your system suddenly runs out of battery when the gauge indicates there is charge left. A battery gauge reset can be accomplished manually by charging the system to 100%, waiting for at least an hour with AC attached, then discharging the system to 5% or lower.
Unlike some earlier portable battery chemistries, like NiCad, you do not need to fully discharge a lithium-ion battery to maintain optimal run time or performance. Battery Gauge Reset will not change the amount of runtime you get from the battery, but will improve the accuracy of the gauge which shows remaining battery run time.
Keeping your battery plugged in for extended periods of time will not cause it to be over-charged. However, if your battery remains charged at or near 100%, Lenovo recommends setting the Battery Charge Threshold feature within the Vantage application to limit the battery charge. This will minimize unnecessary degradation and reduce the potential for abnormal swelling. For systems which are always connected to an AC power source, Lenovo recommends setting the upper charge limit to 80% or less.
In order to protect your battery when it is fully charged, it will not start re-charging until it discharges below 95%.
Lenovo provides separate warranties on batteries since batteries are a consumable item. For more information, refer to the Lenovo warranty web page or Lenovo Vantage Warranty Details.
Rechargeable batteries wear out with time and usage. For the typical user, noticeable reduction in run time generally will occur after 12 to 18 months of consistent usage, although the battery will retain significant capacity for many years. Refer to your specific system specifications and warranty for information as it applies to your system. Lenovo recommends purchasing a new Lenovo battery when the run time does not meet your needs, or the Battery Health in Vantage reports the battery is in poor condition.
Lenovo batteries are validated to ensure proper function, performance, and safety. Some non-Lenovo batteries are available in the market with claims of compatibility with Lenovo systems. Lenovo cannot verify these claims, nor the safety of using them in a Lenovo system. Lenovo strongly encourages our customers to use only Lenovo notebook batteries compatible with their notebook model. Only Lenovo notebook batteries are supported by Lenovo technical support for the length of the warranty period.
In some notebooks, the battery can be installed or removed easily. However, many newer notebooks have non-removable batteries. Refer to your User Guide to determine if your specific system battery is a Customer Replaceable Unit (CRU). Non-CRU batteries should be serviced by Lenovo authorized technicians only.
Long Term Battery Storage Considerations
If a system is not going to be used for at least 3 months, the battery should be charged/discharged to 40% prior to storage. Due to natural discharge even while not in use, stored batteries must be recharged every 4 months back to 40% to avoid permanent damage or disabling of the battery. Systems which are in storage should never remain connected to a power source, and care should be taken to maintain the temperature within storage temperature indicated in the User Guide.
Abnormal Battery Swelling
All lithium-polymer batteries exhibit a small amount of swelling during charge and discharge cycles. Swelling which leads to noticeable bulging of the battery pack or your system is abnormal. Abnormal swelling can occur for a number of reasons including: exposure to high temperature, extended time at full charge, extended cycling, over-discharge while in storage, or damage due to being dropped or deformed.
In most cases, a swollen battery which has resulted in mechanical damage to your system does not present a safety risk , as the swelling is primarily from harmless carbon dioxide (CO2) gas generation. However, in some rare instances, excessive swelling may lead to hazardous conditions. Therefore, Lenovo recommends treating all excessively swollen batteries carefully to avoid puncture or further damage. You should promptly contact the Support Center or an Authorized Service representative to arrange for replacement. Swollen batteries are subject to the terms of your battery warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1. How long does a Lenovo Mobile PC battery last?
Rechargeable batteries wear out with time and usage. For the typical user, noticeable reduction in run time generally will occur after 12 to 18 months. The actual length of time varies based on battery size, charge/discharge cycles, and operating environment. Lenovo recommends buying a new Lenovo battery when the run time no longer meets your needs or as indicated by Lenovo Vantage.
Question 2. What is a Watt-hour?
A Watt-hour (Wh) is a measure of the energy of a battery. A 50 Wh battery can provide 1W of power for 50 hours, or, more reasonably in a PC environment, 10W of power for 5 hours, or 5W of power for 10 hours.
Question 3. Can a Lenovo Mobile PC battery be "overcharged"?
No, the battery is designed to stop using the charger when full charge is reached.
Question 4. Is power used from the battery when docked, or when the AC adapter is plugged into a wall outlet?
When used with the power adapter which was shipped with your system or dock, your battery is not powering the system while plugged in or docked. If you use a power adapter with a lower wattage than was shipped with your system, it is possible that the battery may provide supplemental power to keep the system running or during peak CPU load.
Question 5. Can I replace my own battery?
In some Mobile PC devices, the battery can be installed or removed easily; however, many newer Mobile PCs have non-removable batteries. Refer to your User’s Guide to determine if your specific system battery is a Customer Replaceable Unit (CRU). Non-CRU batteries should be serviced by Lenovo authorized technicians only.
Following battery replacement, Lenovo recommends updating your system BIOS/EC Firmware and Lenovo Power Management Driver to the latest released version for your product. This will ensure you are taking advantage of the most recent power improvements and fixes.
Question 6. Will Lenovo Mobile PCs accept non-Lenovo batteries?
Lenovo batteries are validated to ensure proper function, performance, and safety. Some non-Lenovo batteries are available in the market with claims of compatibility with Lenovo systems. Lenovo cannot verify these claims, nor the safety of using them in a Lenovo system. Lenovo strongly encourages our customers to use only Lenovo batteries as appropriate for their model. Only Lenovo batteries are supported by Lenovo technical support for the length of the warranty period.
Question 7. What does Lenovo recommend for battery storage for a long period of time?
When storing for more than four months, these guidelines can better preserve the life of the battery:
- Do not store batteries for long periods while plugged into or attached to any power source. This includes AC adapters and charging carts plugged into an outlet.
- Mobile PC batteries, including those stored in systems, should maintain a storage temperature range as indicated in the Operating environment section of your User Guide.
- Batteries may be stored inside or outside the Mobile PC enclosure.
- Batteries should be stored while charged to no more than 40%. Due to natural discharge, even while not in use, stored batteries must be re-charged every 4 months back to 40%.
Question 8. What can I do to make my battery last longer?
There are several things that will help the battery last longer:
- Use the product's power saving controls to reduce battery use in a normal day. For example, turn Bluetooth off if not needed and reduce the screen brightness if possible.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. If the system is exposed to extreme cold or hot temperatures, allow the system to warm up or cool down before use and before charging.
- All batteries wear with use and time. When the runtime is no longer sufficient for your needs, consider purchasing a new Lenovo battery from shop.lenovo.com.
- The Lenovo Vantage application provides several advanced battery management features. See the Power settings section under My Device Settings.
- Additionally, Microsoft Windows Battery Saver Settings provides multiple ways to optimize your battery performance, including Battery Saver mode and lists of applications draining battery life.
Question 9. Should I completely discharge my battery before I charge it?
No, with current lithium-ion batteries this practice does not improve the runtime of the battery.
Question 10. Why does my system suddenly run out of battery when the gauge says I have some left? What should I do if the battery gauge seems inaccurate?
Your battery gauge may need to be re-calibrated. You can do this manually by fully charging the battery to 100%, waiting an hour with AC power connected, and then discharging the battery to less than 5% before attaching the AC adapter. You can do this automatically using the Battery Gauge Reset function within the Lenovo Vantage application. This will not change the amount of runtime you get from the battery, but will improve the accuracy of the gauge showing remaining battery life.
Question 11. Do I need to charge my battery fully when I get a new system or a new battery?
While not required, it is recommended to fully charge the battery.
Question 12. I generally do not unplug/undock my Mobile PC. Does this hurt the battery?
Keeping your battery plugged in for extended periods of time will not cause it to be over-charged. If your battery remains at or near 100% most of the time, Lenovo recommends setting the Battery Charge Threshold to limit the battery charge. This will minimize unnecessary degradation and the potential for swelling. For users who are always connected to AC, Lenovo recommends setting the upper charge limit to 80% or less. This limit can be set by using the Battery settings in Lenovo Vantage.
Question 13. How do I check the health of my battery?
Lenovo advises you to check the health of the battery regularly. Use My Device Settings in Lenovo Vantage to check the current status of the systems battery health.
Question 14. How do I check the battery warranty status?
Lenovo provides separate warranties on batteries since batteries are a consumable item. The standard battery warranty is for one year, although warranty upgrades and replacement plans are available for purchase. For more information, refer to the Lenovo warranty support page (https://support.lenovo.com/solutions/ht505088) or Lenovo Vantage Warranty Details.
Question 15. Why does battery charge level sometimes get stuck between 96% and 99% charge?
After the battery charges fully to 100%, the battery may not start recharging until the battery charge level drops below 95%. Users who use their battery for a very short period of time may notice the charge level holding between 96% and 99% when they return to AC power. This is working as designed, and is intended to extend the physical life of the battery by preventing short recharge scenarios.
Some systems have different settings (80%, 95%, and so on). Check the Battery Charge Threshold setting in Lenovo Vantage to see if this is set.
Note: The percentage may be different depending on settings or the Battery Threshold option in Lenovo Vantage.
Question 16. Is it normal for my battery to feel warm during charging?
Yes, all lithium-ion batteries give off heat during charging and discharging.
Question 17. Is there a way to decrease the charging time?
External devices that are attached to the system can make it take longer for the battery to charge. Disconnect external devices such as smartphones, mice, printers, external USB drives, and so on, to decrease the charge time.
Question 18. How to find battery information?
Detailed information about your battery is available in the Lenovo Vantage application, by clicking See Battery Details.
Additionally, from the Windows 10 PowerShell or Command Prompt, users can use the powercfg /batteryreport command to generate a battery report. Follow the output path to find battery-report.html, which can be viewed in a web browser.
The following image displays a sample battery file:
You can also check to see which applications are using your battery the most:
- Search for See which apps are affecting your battery life.
- View the list to see the applications.
You can also get an energy report.
- Right-click Windows Powershell and select Run as Administrator.
Windows 11 uses Windows Terminal.
- Type the command powercfg -ENERGY. This provides a report and lists problems that prevent the laptop from going to sleep. The file can be viewed in a web browser.
Battery information can also be found in a Lenovo application. Open Lenovo Vantage.
The Lenovo Diagnostic app is available at: Lenovo Diagnostic Solutions: Downloads.
Related Articles
- [Video] How to adjust battery and power settings on your ThinkPad using Lenovo Vantage
- [Video] Lenovo Vantage Overview
- Popular Topics: Tips for PC's
- Popular Topics: Battery, Power/Boot
- Lenovo Vantage: Using your PC just got easier
- Battery stops charging at 95% - Windows - ThinkPad
- Parts Lookup (Find Lenovo parts by Serial Number or Machine Type, Lookup by Part Number)
Your feedback helps to improve the overall experience