Testing a lithium-ion battery is a sure way to tell if it’s bad. You can test these metrics if you don’t notice any visible signs but suspect the lithium-ion battery has reduced capacity, a high self-discharge rate, or constantly low voltage. It involves measuring the battery’s performance and comparing it with the manufacturer’s specifications.
A lithium-ion battery, or any other battery for that matter, may be bad if you notice any one or more of the following signs and symptoms: Overheating and swelling are visible or obvious signs, whereas the others are intrinsic symptoms. Visible signs are high-level warning signs that should not be ignored. Doing so could pose a threat.
Do not attempt to charge or use a damaged battery as it can be dangerous. If your battery is not holding a charge for as long as it used to, it could be a sign of a bad lithium-ion battery. Over time, lithium-ion batteries lose their capacity to hold a charge.
The charge reduces automatically. Generally, lithium-ion batteries don’t discharge as quickly as, e.g., NiMH and NiCd batteries. All batteries lose their voltage level over time, but when the voltage is too low, the battery will fail to power the connected device.
Lithium-ion batteries should not be thrown in the trash or recycling bin. Instead, they should be disposed of at a designated battery recycling center. Many electronics retailers or battery manufacturers have programs in place to collect and recycle used or damaged batteries. Some local governments also offer battery recycling services.
A healthy lithium-ion battery should read within the expected voltage range. If the voltage reading is lower than expected, it may say a failing battery that requires attention. Understanding the expected voltage range for your specific battery is vital for interpreting the results.