How Long Do Portable Power Banks Actually Last?

A good portable power bank is a lifesaver when traveling. Generally, these battery packs will last between 3 to 5 years. How long they survive depends entirely on how often you use them from 100% down to zero, and where you store them.

Why Do Portable Power Banks Break Down?

Tech doesn't last forever. Over time, these devices naturally wear down from daily life. Here is what usually kills them:

• Battery Ageing: Just like a phone, the internal battery naturally loses capacity after a few hundred full charges.
• Heat Damage: Leaving a power bank sitting on your dashboard in the sun or in a freezing car ruins the battery chemistry very quickly.
• Loose Ports: Yanking the charging cable out roughly over the years will eventually break the USB port inside the power bank.

Signs It's Time to Upgrade

Don't throw your portable power banks away prematurely! You'll know it is actually time to replace them when you start dealing with these frustrating issues:

• The outer plastic case starts to bulge or swell up (this is a serious fire hazard—stop using it immediately!).
• It takes an incredibly long time to charge the power bank itself at the wall.
• A power bank that used to charge your phone three times can suddenly only charge it once.

Pro Tips to Extend the Life of Your Portable Power Banks

The secret to making a power bank last is how you store it. If you keep one in an emergency drawer, do not charge it to 100%. Batteries hate sitting at 100% for months on end. Instead, charge it to about 50%, turn it off, and store it in a cool, dry place. Check on it every few months to top it back up to 50%. When you are using it, try not to let it drain completely dead to 0% if you can help it.

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