Storing cell-phone batteries.

[ChrisGreaves]

DSCN1056.JPG

Out with the old (2014) phone, in with the new (2015); but I am keeping the old phone as an emergency device.
The old phone - shown above - is a HUAWEI and the battery is “Li-ion”model HBU86

What should I do to preserve the utility of the old battery in for the old phone, which I was using until this week?

(1) Store the battery in the phone
(2) Store the battery separately from the phone

(3) Discharge the battery and leave it discharged
(4) Charge the battery and re-charge it every (?)two(?) months

(5) Store it all at room temperature
(6) Store them in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge?

(7) Don’t be silly; just donate the cell phone to a shelter or church or similar relief organization

[BobH]

Not certain about Li-ion batteries, but I have always practiced storing alkaline and lead batteries in the fridge.

[John Gray]

I thought the generally-accepted wisdom for laptop Li-Ion batteries was to charge to 80%, remove from the laptop and store in a cool, dry place. I know if I leave mine unusued in my Toshiba laptop it runs down to near zero within a month.

[viking33]

2, 4, 5, 7.

[Rudi]

2, 4, 5, 7.

Is that all of the above; or just pick one?

[Jay Freedman]

2, 4, 5, 7.

Is that all of the above; or just pick one?

I'd say it's (2,4,5) or (7).

[viking33]

2, 4, 5, 7.

Is that all of the above; or just pick one?

Jay seems to have picked it right up.

[BobH]

The correct answer is 42.

[Roderunner]

This is the info I have but can't remember the source.
-
The majority of batteries in modern camcorders, digital camera and mobile phones are Li-ion. Li-ion gives exceptional capacity for its size and weight, hence batteries have become smaller and lighter than early NiMh batteries without compromising their capacity. Li-ion does not suffer from "memory effect". This means that you can top up the charge whenever it is convenient. One disadvantage with Li-ion batteries which is particularly relevant to camera and camcorder batteries is that they self discharge in storage. By nature of the way in which they are used (i.e. Christmas and summer holidays) it is common to discover that a battery which has had relatively little use will not work after several months of storage. If the battery charge is low when it is stored it could quite feasibly discharge to a level from which it cannot then be re-charged and is therefore useless. The best way to overcome this problem is to fully charge the battery before storage, therefore allowing for the inevitable self discharge and preventing the battery from running completely flat.

[Rebel]

Battery University has a wealth of knowledge about any battery type. It is my recommended site for any questions or debates concerning batteries.

[RonH]

Good to see another using a Huawei phone
Their batteries are manufactured in Japan ... or is it China
Oh, and the answer is .... damn, I've forgotten the question!

[HansV]

The battery in Chris's photo was manufactured in Japan and "finished" in China...

[jstevens]

2, 4, 5, 7.

Is that all of the above; or just pick one?

The correct answer is:

Spoiler

3+4+2-7+1-6 = -3

[ChrisGreaves]

2, 4, 5, 7.

OK but if I 7 will they let me have it back to 2, 4 and 5?

[ChrisGreaves]

... If the battery charge is low when it is stored it could quite feasibly discharge to a level from which it cannot then be re-charged and is therefore useless.

Thanks Roderunner.
Interesting.
An even earlier phone (2012) has run flat and will not recharge, so this appears to bear out your (quoted?) statement.

[ChrisGreaves]

Good to see another using a Huawei phone ...

But Ron, I'm no longer using the Huawei.
Within a month of purchase the output volume dropped to a level such that I had to use SpeakerPhone to carry on a conversation. Then two months ago the volume dropped again so that ear buds were useless in listening to podcasts.
And yes, I tried various earbud sets that I own.
My new (but cheap and simple) T-Mobile gives me good volume, for now.
Of course, my first thought was that my hearing had suffered a sudden decline, but that possible cause was quickly eliminated.

[ChrisGreaves]

Battery University has a wealth

...
I gather from that page and comments on this page that the number of discharge cycles affects battery life.
That seems to suggest that I should plug the kit into a charger and just leave it there until my next overseas trip (or whatever).