How to Revive a Battery That Won’t Charge: A Comprehensive Guide

A non-charging battery can be a frustrating experience, especially when it disrupts your daily activities. Whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, or car battery, understanding how to diagnose and potentially revive a battery that won’t charge can save you time and money. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through several methods that can help restore your battery’s ability to hold a charge, addressing various scenarios and providing practical solutions.

Table of Contents

1. Assess the Charging System

Before jumping to conclusions about a faulty battery, it’s crucial to examine the charging system. This includes the charger, charging port, and any cables involved. A malfunctioning charger or damaged cable can often be the root cause of the problem.

Check the Charger: Ensure that your charger is functioning correctly. Test it with another device to verify its performance. If it’s not working, replacing it might solve your issue.
Inspect the Charging Cable: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as fraying or cuts. Damaged cables can prevent the battery from charging effectively.
Test the Charging Port: Examine the charging port for debris or dirt that might obstruct the connection. Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to clean it carefully.

If these components are functioning correctly, the issue might lie with the battery itself.

2. Check Voltage at the Battery Terminals

For batteries, particularly car batteries, measuring the voltage at the battery terminals is essential. This step helps determine whether the battery is receiving power from the charger or alternator.

Use a Multimeter: Set the multimeter to measure DC voltage and place the probes on the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
Analyze the Reading: A fully charged battery typically shows a voltage of around 12.6 to 12.8 volts for a car battery. If the voltage is significantly lower, it indicates that the battery is not holding a charge.

If the voltage is low, there are several methods you can try to revive the battery.

3. Clean the Battery Terminals

Corroded battery terminals can interfere with the charging process, leading to poor connectivity and an inability to charge the battery properly.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. This solution effectively neutralizes acid and removes corrosion.
Disconnect the Battery: Before cleaning, ensure the battery is disconnected to avoid any short circuits.
Clean the Terminals: Apply the paste to the terminals and use a toothbrush or wire brush to scrub off the corrosion. Wipe the terminals with a damp cloth and let them dry completely before reconnecting the battery.

Once the terminals are clean, reconnect the battery and attempt to charge it again.

4. Perform a Battery Reset

Sometimes, performing a battery reset can restore its ability to charge. This method is particularly effective for rechargeable batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices.

Drain the Battery Completely: Use the device until the battery is entirely drained, and it shuts off automatically.
Charge Fully Without Interruption: Once the battery is completely drained, charge it fully without using the device. This process recalibrates the battery management system, potentially restoring its charging capability.

If the reset doesn’t resolve the issue, consider trying a different method.

5. Use a Higher Voltage Output Charger

In some cases, especially with older or deeply discharged batteries, using a charger with a higher voltage output can jumpstart the charging process.

Select a Compatible Charger: Ensure that the charger’s voltage is compatible with your battery. For instance, if you’re dealing with a 12V battery, using a 16V charger for a brief period might help revive it.
Monitor the Charging Process: Charge the battery under supervision to avoid overcharging, which can cause overheating or damage to the battery.
Return to the Standard Charger: Once the battery shows signs of life, switch back to the standard charger to complete the charging process.

This method should be used cautiously to prevent any potential damage to the battery.

6. Ensure Proper Alignment on a Wireless Charger

If you’re using a wireless charger, misalignment between the device and the charger can prevent the battery from charging.

Reposition the Device: Adjust the position of the device on the wireless charger, ensuring that the charging coils are aligned correctly.
Remove Case or Cover: If the device has a thick case or cover, remove it, as it may interfere with the charging process.
Check for Interference: Ensure that there are no metal objects between the device and the charger, as they can disrupt the charging signal.

Correct alignment is key to effective wireless charging, so take the time to position the device properly.

7. Consider Battery Replacement

If the battery remains unresponsive after trying the above methods, it may be time to consider a battery replacement. This is often the case with batteries that have reached the end of their lifespan.

Evaluate the Age of the Battery: Most batteries have a limited number of charge cycles. If your battery is old, it may no longer be capable of holding a charge.
Consult a Professional: Before replacing the battery, it’s advisable to consult with a professional technician who can test the battery and confirm whether replacement is necessary.
Purchase a Genuine Replacement: Always opt for a genuine replacement battery from a reputable manufacturer to ensure compatibility and performance.

Replacing the battery can often restore the device’s functionality, especially if the original battery is beyond revival.

8. Reviving a Completely Dead Car Battery

For car batteries that are completely dead, you might need to take extra measures to revive the battery.

Jump-Start the Battery: Use jumper cables to connect the dead battery to a fully charged one. Start the car with the charged battery first, then attempt to start the car with the dead battery.
Use a Battery Charger: If jump-starting doesn’t work, connect the battery to a charger designed for car batteries. Set it to a slow charge mode to gradually bring the battery back to life.
Check for Electrical Drains: After reviving the battery, ensure there are no electrical components draining power when the car is off, as this could cause the battery to die again.

Reviving a dead car battery can be more challenging, but with patience and the right tools, it is often possible.

9. Safety Precautions

When attempting to revive a non-charging battery, it’s important to observe basic safety precautions to avoid injury or damage to the device.

Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with car batteries or any battery that could leak acid.
Avoid Overcharging: Never leave a battery charging unattended for extended periods, especially when using higher voltage chargers.
Dispose of Batteries Properly: If a battery cannot be revived, dispose of it at a designated recycling center to prevent environmental harm.

By following these safety measures, you can minimize risks while attempting to revive your battery.

Conclusion

Reviving a battery that won’t charge involves a systematic approach, from checking the charging system to considering a battery replacement. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially restore your battery’s charging capabilities. Whether dealing with a smartphone, laptop, or car battery, patience and precision are key. If all else fails, professional advice or a replacement might be your best option.