Questions
Frequently asked questions
This page covers what we're asked about most often: the reference itself and charging at home, from the habit of keeping a phone on the cable all day to the box of old batteries that has been waiting for years in the closet.
A box of old batteries in the closet isn't a collection; it's a reminder to visit a drop-off point.
About this reference
Is this the same website that used to be here?
No. A different website used to run on this domain, and later unrelated spam pages appeared here. Their content has not survived, we are not restoring it and we have nothing to do with it. All we share with that history is the name.
Why don't you recommend specific chargers?
We are an independent reference and don't want to turn into a storefront. Models change quickly, but the principles of choosing stay the same: suitable according to the instructions, certified and clearly marked.
Why are there no numbers in your articles?
Ratings vary between devices, and a general figure can easily mislead. The exact values for your device are given in its instructions and on its markings, and those are what you should trust.
What is your advice based on?
On the general provisions of manufacturers' instructions, household fire safety rules and editorial experience. We do not make up tests, measurements or stories.
Everyday charging
Is it bad to keep a laptop plugged in all the time?
Many laptops manage charging on their own, and some have a setting that limits the charge level when the laptop is constantly plugged in. Check the instructions and settings to see what's available for your model.
Can I charge my phone with a tablet adapter?
Often yes, if the manufacturer allows it and the adapter is in good working order and certified. The device will draw only as much as it needs. If in doubt, check the instructions.
Should I drain the battery completely before charging?
Modern batteries in phones and laptops don't need this. Charge whenever it's convenient, and don't leave the device fully discharged for long periods.
Why does my phone get warm while charging?
A little warmth is normal, especially with fast charging or if a game or video is running at the same time. If the case gets hot, stop charging, remove a thick case and let the device cool down.
Storage and recycling
How should I store devices I haven't used in a while?
In a cool, dry place, away from radiators and direct sunlight. Before long-term storage, partially charge the device and check on it from time to time as the instructions advise.
What do I do with an old swollen phone from a drawer?
Don't charge it, press on it or open it. Set it aside on a non-flammable surface and take it to a repair service or an electronics drop-off point that knows how to handle such devices.
Where can I find a battery drop-off point?
Battery collection bins are often found in large shopping centers, in electronics and home improvement stores and in some public buildings. Your local government's recycling information or online maps can usually point you to the nearest one.
Do I need to do anything to batteries before dropping them off?
Collecting them in a separate box is enough. It's a good idea to cover the terminals of larger cells and rechargeable batteries with electrical tape so they don't touch each other.
Read next
- Guides
Practical guides: how to charge devices safely at home, extend battery life and tame the tangle of cables. The article catalogue lives here too.
- Not charging?
What to do if a device charges slowly or not at all, the adapter gets very hot, or the cable only works when held at a certain angle.
- Safety
Home charging risks: a swollen battery, a damaged cable, soft surfaces, a fake adapter and an overloaded extension cord, and what to do about them.
- Comparisons
How a wall adapter, a computer port and a power bank differ, disposable versus rechargeable batteries, and an original versus a dubious adapter.
- Glossary
A glossary of device power terms: adapter, cable, connector, battery, capacity, voltage, current, fast charging and the charge controller.
Sources
- Manufacturers' instructions for devices and chargers
- General household fire safety guidelines
- Balsat Msk editorial materials
This advice is written in general terms and reflects our editorial understanding as of the preparation date. Devices, adapters and batteries are built differently, so your main reference remains the manufacturer's instructions for your device: if they differ from our text, follow the instructions.