Routers were created to provide access to internet networks and also prolong your battery life. But most people don’t know how long these router batteries last.
In this article, we look at the lifespan and longevity of router batteries and provide tips on how to prolong them. Let’s begin.
Here is the short answer to how long router batteries last:
A wireless router can last up to 10 hours (it takes up to 4 hours to fully charge a router). However, this depends on its functionality. In general, the average lifespan of router batteries is between 20,000 to 40,000 hours.
Routers with the Best Battery Life
According to our market research, these are the routers with the best battery life:
- Inseego 5G MiFi M100 (4,400 mAh)
- HTC 5G Hub (7660 mAh)
- Netgear Nighthawk M2 Mobile Router (5040 mAh)
- TP-Link M7350 V4 4G LTE mobile Hotspot (2000 mAh)
- EE 4GEE Wi-Fi Mini Mobile Hotspot (1500 mAh)
- Netgear AC810-100EUS Aircard mobile Hotspot (2930 mAh)
- Huawei E5770 mobile hotspot (5,200 mAh)
- Netgear Nighthawk R7100LG mobile Hotspot (5,040 mAh)
Why Is My Router Battery Draining Fast?
Below are some reasons your router battery may not last long:
1. Poor Connection Speed
Aside from smartphones, slow connection speed also affects routers. If there’s a decrease in data transfer or bandwidth, your router tries to make the best out of the situation.
It looks for the strongest signals to meet up with your demands. However, your battery may be expended during this process.
2. Non-Responsive Router
You must notice when your router is faulty. Sometimes, your router may appear to work, but its internal connections may be very faulty.
This may lead to overheating and often, lower battery levels.
3. Damaged Router Battery
One major problem with lithium-ion batteries is aging. They expire after a certain number of charge cycles.
When your router battery gets damaged, it shortens the lifespan of your battery.
In time, you’ll start noticing how your battery easily drains after hours of charging.
4. Excessive Heat
As you know, electronics are prone to get hot every time. For routers, the case is not different.
When your battery gets overheated because of overuse, overcharging, or exposure to high temperatures, it might shut down unexpectedly.
5. Effects of a Recent Power Surge
Power surges can be dangerous for your router and its battery. This may affect your battery, and it may not respond when you turn on your router.
READ NEXT: How Long Does a Verizon Backup Battery Last?
How Do I Improve My Router Battery Life?
Below, we provide some tips that would help you enhance the lifespan of your router battery.
1. Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
Browsing at a slow speed could be a killjoy in a world where having internet access is important. The poor connection would lead to a strain on your battery levels.
If you notice poor connection, there are a few things you could do to solve this issue.
With all internet conditions met, you could update your firmware. Manufacturers are trying their best to improve their software to improve speed.
Most of these update procedures have already been embedded in some routers. For these models, you only need to hit the update button and you’re good to go.
For older Routers, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest update.
2. Monitor Battery Usage
Compared to standby (home and industrial), mobile routers are easy to carry around.
On most mobile routers, you’ll notice how much power is remaining while you surf online. That way, you know when it’s time to charge the battery to prevent it from reaching dangerously low levels.
3. Avoid Overheating Router Battery
There are certain temperature thresholds your Router cannot adapt to (below 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you don’t want your battery to burn out, keep them at the right temp.
You could store it in a cool dry place, away from sunlight, or any source of heat. Ventilation is very essential in prolonging your router’s battery life.
If possible, give it some time to rest by switching it off when you’re not using it.
4. Use a Surge Protector
In unexpected conditions (like lightning storms, for example) a surge protector will prevent overvoltage.
You’ll find lots of these protectors in the mall or online. To get the best deal, purchase from trusted brands.
5. Ensure Battery Isn’t Damaged
Router batteries are mostly inbuilt, so if they’re damaged, you may not be able to use the product.
If you notice a damaged battery, get a new one, or replace your old router with a new one.
6. Use Recommended Chargers Only
Router chargers differ from one another. Not knowing the right charger to use would affect your battery. Chargers are designed to prevent excessive charging.
You should go for chargers made or recommended by router manufacturers.
Should I Replace My Router Battery?
Under the right conditions, you could consider replacing your battery in the next 4-5 years. Although, this may be shortened due to overuse or other factors.
Router batteries start their decline after 300 cycles. After 2,500 charging cycles, these batteries become less useful.
But don’t worry, it will take up to 4 years before it completes 2000 cycles.
READ NEXT: How Long Does iPhone Batteries Last?
When Should I Replace My Router Battery?
Here are signs you need a replacement router battery:
1. Router doesn’t turn on quickly
This is one of the quickest ways to know if your battery has reached its limits. Your router will refuse to turn on.
Sometimes you will still notice the notifications coming up. Then the problem is likely not the battery. Rather, you might have some problems with the display.
2. It shows some sign of life when it’s connected to a charger
Say, your router’s battery has been completely exhausted. Just connect your router to a charger.
If your router turns on when it’s been plugged, it’s okay. However, if it cuts off when you remove the charger, your battery is losing its power.
This shows that your battery will only function when it’s connected to a charger.
3. It still dies after a few hours (after it was fully charged)
Averagely, your router’s battery is supposed to last for 9-10 hours (after 4 hours of charging). It may vary because of certain factors, but it’s within that time frame.
If you use your router frequently, then this might bring its output down to 3 to 4 hours. Your battery is already at the end of its life when it dies within 2 hours (or less).
4. It’s overheating
60 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard temperature for all router batteries. Once it’s above that baseline, battery life will suffer.
5. The battery is bulging
If your battery’s cover is gradually unseating from its normal position, it’s a sign that it’s dying. It’s the battery that’s pushing the cover backward.
This bulging normally happens because of overcharging. Just like overheating, this can also be dangerous. It’s best if you replace your battery at this point.
Router Battery Charging Tips
Here are tips for charging router batteries:
1. Avoid charging your router overnight
To prevent overloading, you shouldn’t do this. Leaving your router to charge overnight can shorten the battery’s lifespan.
2. Stop using your router while charging
Most of us do this normally. However, it messes up battery life. It doesn’t matter what people are saying about the subject, don’t do it.
Aside from the battery issues, you’re at the risk of electrocution when you operate your device while charging. Sometimes it might explode or even damage the battery.
3. Only use original chargers
Using an original charger comes with many benefits. That way the charging voltage is stable.
Plus, you don’t need to be scared about your router exploding because of high voltage.
4. Keep your router away from heated areas
Keep your router in a well-ventilated area. This will help your battery to cool down and also optimize its performance.
5. Keep the battery at a level between 30-80%
With this method, you can keep your battery from discharging to dangerous levels.
