Lithium Battery Not Charging and How to Solve it?

By Gerald, Updated on March 25, 2024

Explore why lithium batteries may fail to charge, learn effective troubleshooting methods, discover how to revive a lithium-ion battery, and understand the charging process. Plus, find answers to commonly asked questions.

Part 1. Why is the lithium battery not charging?

Faulty Charger

The most common reason is a faulty or incompatible charger. Ensure you’re using the correct charger specified by the manufacturer for your lithium battery. A charger with the wrong voltage or current output can prevent the battery from charging correctly.

Battery Protection Mode

Many lithium batteries have built-in protection circuits to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits. If the battery detects abnormalities, it may enter protection mode and refuse to charge. This situation often occurs if the battery has become too hot or cold or if it has been over-discharged.

Physical Damage

Physical damage to the battery or its connectors can also prevent it from charging. Inspect the battery and connectors for any signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or corrosion. Even minor damage can disrupt the charging process.

Software Issues

Sometimes, software glitches or bugs in the device can cause charging problems. Try restarting your device or performing a software update to see if that resolves the issue.

Battery Age

Lithium batteries degrade over time, losing their ability to hold a charge. If your battery is old or you’ve used it extensively, it may be reaching the end of its lifespan.

Part 2. How do you fix a lithium-ion battery that won’t charge?

If you’re grappling with a lithium-ion battery that refuses to charge, here are some detailed steps to potentially fix the issue:

Cleaning and Maintenance

To start, let’s address potential hindrances like debris, dust, or corrosion:

Cleaning Charging Ports: Utilize a soft, dry brush or compressed air to gently remove any dirt or debris lodged in your device’s charging port. Be careful not to damage the port while cleaning.

Inspect Cables: Examine charging cables for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage. Replace any damaged cables promptly to ensure a secure connection and optimal charging performance.

Check Battery Contacts: Inspect the battery contacts on both the device and the battery itself for any signs of corrosion or buildup. Use a clean, dry cloth or cotton swab lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts carefully.

In addition to cleaning, adopting proper maintenance practices can help prevent future charging issues and maintain battery health:

Regular Charging: Avoid letting the battery fully discharge frequently, as this can strain the battery and impact its lifespan. Aim to charge your device before the battery level drops too low.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Lithium-ion batteries perform best within a moderate temperature range. Avoid exposing your device to extreme heat or cold, affecting battery performance.

Battery Replacement or Repair

Suppose cleaning and maintenance efforts fail to resolve the charging problem. In that case, it may be time to consider battery replacement or professional repair:

Evaluate Battery Condition: Assess the overall condition of the battery, considering factors such as age, usage patterns, and any visible signs of damage. If the battery is significantly degraded or damaged, replacement may be necessary.

Select Compatible Replacement Batteries: If opting for battery replacement, ensure that you choose a compatible battery that meets the specifications of your device. Consult the device manual or manufacturer’s website for compatible replacement options.

Seek Professional Assistance: In cases where DIY solutions prove ineffective or need clarification on performing repairs yourself, it’s advisable to seek assistance from authorized service centers or qualified technicians.

Part 3. Lithium battery not charging troubleshooting

1. Check the Charger and Power Source

Ensure you correctly plug the charger into your device’s power source.
Try using a different power outlet or USB port to rule out issues with the power source.
Test the charger with another device to determine if it’s functioning correctly.

2. Inspect the Charging Cable

Examine the charging cable for any signs of damage, such as fraying or exposed wires.
If the cable is damaged, replace it with a new one to ensure a secure connection.

3. Clean the Charging Port

Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to remove any debris or dust from your device’s charging port.
Avoid using sharp objects that could damage the port.

4. Restart Your Device

A simple restart can resolve software glitches that may prevent the battery from charging.
Power off your device completely, wait a few seconds and then power it back on.

5. Check for Software Updates

Ensure that your device’s operating system and firmware are up to date.
Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address charging issues.

6. Perform a Battery Calibration

Fully discharge your device’s battery until it shuts down on its own.
Charge the battery to total capacity without interruption.
This process can help recalibrate the battery’s charging mechanism and resolve charging problems.

7. Monitor Battery Temperature

Lithium batteries may refuse to charge if they are too hot or cold.
Allow the device to cool down or warm up to room temperature before attempting to charge the battery again.

Part 5. FAQs

How do you bring a dead lithium battery back to life?

To bring a dead lithium battery back to life, try charging it using the manufacturer-recommended charger for an extended period. You can jump-start it with a compatible power source if that doesn’t work.
Can an utterly dead lithium battery be recharged?

Yes. Sometimes, someone can recharge a completely dead lithium battery. However, reviving it may require specialized equipment or techniques such as trickle charging or reconditioning.
How to revive lithium-ion batteries?

To revive a lithium-ion battery, start by completely discharging it. Then, use a compatible charger to initiate the charging process. If it still doesn’t charge, you may need to employ deep cycling or battery conditioning methods.
Can a lithium battery be repaired?

In general, people cannot repair lithium batteries in the traditional sense. However, issues like damaged connectors or faulty circuitry might be fixable with professional help. In most cases, though, it’s more practical to replace the battery.
How do I know if my lithium battery is bad?

You can identify a lousy lithium battery by several signs, including significantly reduced runtime, frequent overheating during charging or discharging, swelling or bulging of the battery casing, or visible leakage of electrolytes.