how to charge anker battery first time

How to Charge Anker Battery First Time: 2021 FAQs

So you got yourself an Anker power bank, and now you’re wondering how you can start using it. While you can simply charge it for a while before plugging your mobile devices into it, this is not recommended. 

You need to fully charge the battery before using it. This will give you the quickest charging experience and optimize the device’s battery. 

In this article, we provide answers on how to charge an Anker battery for the first time, how long it will take to charge, and other frequently asked questions that first-time Anker users might have. 

How to Charge an Anker Battery the First Time?

Plug your Anker charger right out of the box and make sure it’s fully charged before you start using it. Whether it’s a 20100 mAh or a 10000 mAh power bank, fully charging it before you plug other devices into it will give you a better experience. You will know that it’s fully charged once all the lights go off on the power bank. 

Most new power banks are charged to some extent. The amount of battery charge depends on the battery’s decay rate and how much it was charged before being packaged. 

This is the same with Anker products, and you can expect some battery life right out of the box. However, you should not use it right away to charge your phone. 

Your Anker charger will not come with an adapter. You will have to use a phone adapter with the proper ratings to charge it first. 

Why Do I Need to Fully Charge My Anker Power Bank Before Using It?

There are multiple reasons why you should fully charge a power bank before using it for the first time. This is also true for power banks that are semi-charged right out of the box. 

  1. Battery optimization: You don’t know how long the box has been packaged for, and it might not have a lot of battery charge. You have a good chance of completely draining the battery if your phone needs a lot of charging and the power bank is low on power. This is not healthy for long-term battery life. 
  2. Checking capacity: If you purchase a 20100 mAh power bank and your phone has a 4000 mAh battery, you should be able to fully charge it on the power bank five times. However, if you receive a faulty power bank, the capacity will be greatly reduced. You need to check for yourself within the first few days that the capacity of your Anker charger is as advertised. 
  3. Manufacturer recommendation: Anker recommends that you completely charge your power bank before you start using it. Even though the internal circuits will cut out any excess charge you put into it, you should know exactly how much battery it has before you use it for the first time. 

How Do I Know My Anker Charger Is Fully Charged?

When the power bank is fully charged, all the lights will go out. When this happens, you will be able to plug other devices into it and start using it. 

Most power banks include LED light indicators that give you an idea of how much charge is left. For example, the Anker PowerCore 26800 comes with four blue LED lights that let you know when your battery is charged. 

Each LED light stands for 25% of the battery. Therefore, if one light is on and the second one is blinking, it means the battery is between 25% and 50%. Similarly, if three lights are on and the fourth one is blinking, the battery is between 75% and 100%. 

How Should I Charge My Anker Power Bank?

Anker suggests that you use a 5V/2A or higher adapter for the quickest possible charging times. A 20100 mAh battery will be fully charged in about 10 hours with a 2 amp adapter, but might take twice as long if charged with a 1 amp adapter. 

Anker power banks will not come with an adapter. You will receive the power bank, USB cables, a travel pouch, a welcome guide, and a warranty card, but you will have to use your own adapter to charge it. 

The type of adapter you use will also define how long it takes to charge your device completely. Some Anker chargers, like the PowerCore 26800, come with dual inputs for the battery’s high capacity. 

How Should I Use My Power Bank Once I’ve Fully Charged It?

Power banks are a great portable way to charge your phone and other devices when you’re on the go and far from a power outlet. However, there are some factors you need to consider when using power banks. Taking proper care of your Anker charger will ensure that your investment has appropriate returns.

Surrounding conditions

Always make sure that your Anker charger is at or around room temperature. Even though this might not be possible at all times, the technology that goes into your charger’s battery works best when the temperature is not too extreme. 

While it can be easy to keep your power bank from becoming too cold (as most homes in colder environments have central heating), you may forget about your power bank in hotter places. For example, if you leave your power bank in a car in the sun, it might not be safe for the lithium-ion battery. 

Charging when not in use

This factor is not about when your power bank is being regularly charged and discharged for your devices. If, for some reason, you do not need to use your power bank for an extended period of time, make sure that you don’t leave it forgotten in a drawer. 

The power bank’s battery should be charged periodically to help maintain its capacity. Leaving it discharged for long periods of time will reduce the battery capacity and long-term health. 

If you’re not going to have access to your power bank for a long time (for example, if you’re going away for a few months and cannot carry your power bank with you), keep it charged to about 50% and leave it in a dark, dry place. 

Moisture

While phones, headphones, and other accessories are quickly receiving their IP certifications and ratings, power banks do not come with the same technology. Splashes of water or submerging a power bank might render it useless, and even the slightest bit of moisture can damage your device. 

Keep your power bank dry at all times by ensuring that you dry your hands before handling them. When it’s raining, avoid taking it outside or make sure it is properly stored in a waterproof bag.

General care

Do not drop your power bank. They must be handled with care, as dropping them might cause damage to the battery or its casing, rendering it useless. 

You should also take special care when storing your Anker charger in a bag. If you’re used to carrying around many items in your bag, make sure that the power bank is in a separate pouch and does not come in contact with any metal items. 

This is to ensure that you do not short circuit your power bank. Although the casing of new-age power banks is quite protective, and most come with a button to turn it on or off, having metal articles might short the output and damage your device. 

Output power

While many power banks have USB C outlets that allow you to charge your phone, you might also be able to charge your laptop with it. However, only charge devices that are intended for your power bank. 

For example, if your power bank was designed to charge only phones and headphones, do not charge your laptop with it, even if the outlets are compatible. The voltage difference might cause damage to the power bank. It will also discharge quicker due to the high amount of energy required by larger devices. 

The Bottom Line

Anker chargers and power banks are life savers if you do not have access to power outlets. With more than 25000 mAh of battery capacity available with a fully charged power bank, you can rest assured that your devices will have enough juice to get you through the day.

However, there are certain steps you need to keep in mind when you’re using a power bank, like how to charge the Anker battery for the first time and how to store your device for long-term battery health. Please check out our other informative articles and comparisons on WattzUpPower as well!