12.7.3 Battery Recalibration

Learn how to recalibrate the battery, resolving issues regarding the battery meter incorrectly report the amount of charge remaining.

Calibrate the Battery

Calibration synchronizes the power meter to the charge capacity of the battery. Many laptops come with a tool that does just that, while some others include that as a function in the system BIOS.

If a laptop doesn't have an automatic calibration tool and you'd like to calibrate the battery:

• Charge the battery to 100%
• Change the Power Scheme settings to the system is not shut down automatically when the battery reaches a low level
• Unplug the laptop, leaving it running on battery power
• When the battery level drops below 3%, power it down
• Connect the laptop to a power source and fully charge the battery again
• Restart the computer and restore the previous Power Scheme settings

Calibration Tips (Raw Lesson Content)

Be aware of the following when working with laptop batteries.

• Some manufacturers recommend calibrating the battery when you first use it and every 3 months thereafter.
• Extreme high or low temperatures shorten the battery life.
• To provide more working time when running on battery power, turn down the display brightness, avoid watching DVDs, avoid playing CDs, turn off wireless networking when not in use, use Power Scheme settings to power off unused devices, and adjust processor power settings (if available).
• If the battery will go unused for longer than 2 weeks (for example, if you are not using the laptop or are running it only on AC power) remove the battery and store it separately.
• Storing a battery longer than 3 months without use might affect its ability to hold a charge.
• Depending on how you use them, most batteries will last between 1-3 years. Under normal conditions, the battery will gradually lose capacity over time. If the battery life is still low after calibration, the only solution is to replace the battery.

#XII

#Aplus