7 Signs of a Damaged Power Bank

7 Signs of a Damaged Power Bank | With the widespread use of smartphones, Power Banks have become a popular accessory for daily use, especially for those who enjoy traveling or being outdoors. Although most smartphones are equipped with Li-Po batteries that are claimed to have strong endurance, these batteries can still run out, especially during intensive activities.

That’s where Power Banks come in handy as a practical solution when you don’t have access to electrical outlets to recharge your phone, especially when you’re outdoors.

However, despite the assistance Power Banks provide, it’s important to remember that these devices have a lifespan and can malfunction. If a Power Bank is damaged, it can pose risks to your phone. Therefore, it’s crucial for you to be able to recognize the signs of a faulty Power Bank before the situation worsens. Let’s delve into the advantages, disadvantages, and signs of a faulty Power Bank!

7 Signs of a Damaged Power Bank

Power Bank Cannot Be Used

One of the easiest signs to recognize that your Power Bank is faulty is when it can no longer charge your phone’s battery. This could indicate that your Power Bank has been damaged. If all the LED indicator lights on the Power Bank are still functioning normally and there are no issues with your phone’s battery, try using a spare USB cable that you have.

Next, observe whether the Power Bank can still charge the battery after using the new cable. If, even after replacing the cable, the Power Bank still does not function as usual, then it’s highly likely that the Power Bank has been damaged.

Total LED Indicator Lights Off

A sign of a faulty Power Bank can be observed from the state of the LED indicator lights. If the LED indicator lights are not lit at all, it’s highly likely that your Power Bank is having issues. This can occur even after charging the Power Bank’s battery for hours using a good USB cable and following the correct charging procedure, such as using a wall outlet.

However, if one or all of the LED indicator lights turn on after charging for several hours, it means that your Power Bank might have simply run out of battery.

Quick Battery Drain

One sign of a faulty Power Bank is its battery rapidly losing its charge. For instance, when the Power Bank’s battery appears to be empty, and you recharge it as usual. However, in a short period, the Power Bank’s LED indicator lights suddenly show a full charge, indicating that the Power Bank’s battery is already fully charged. However, you’ve only charged it for a short time.

If you experience this, it’s highly likely that the battery in your Power Bank is deteriorating and will soon fail.

Power Bank Quickly Overheats

It’s normal for a Power Bank to feel warm or slightly hot during use. However, if its temperature is excessively high, caution is warranted. If the Power Bank heats up quickly or exceeds normal limits during use or charging, it could indicate a faulty Power Bank. If your Power Bank reaches this condition, it’s advisable to discontinue its use. Because serious issues may arise in the future, such as the risk of fire or unintended short circuits.

Smelling Burnt Odor

Another sign of a faulty Power Bank is detecting a burnt odor when using it. This odor usually occurs during Power Bank usage. The burnt smell is likely caused by a short circuit, where the cable being used cannot withstand the heat from the electric current.

If a component is malfunctioning, it’s highly likely that the Power Bank will suffer from comprehensive damage. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using a Power Bank emitting a burnt odor to prevent further unwanted issues.

Unable to Charge

Another sign of a faulty Power Bank is when you are unable to charge it. This may be due to damage to the port or even the charging cable of the Power Bank itself. If the cause is the charging cable, it’s advisable to use another compatible cable. If you notice that the cable is loose or exposed in some parts, it’s best not to use it anymore.

Bulging Power Bank

The final sign of a faulty Power Bank is if the Power Bank swells or expands beyond its normal size. This often occurs with lithium batteries commonly used in electronic devices such as smartphones and Power Banks.

Battery swelling is caused by the decomposition of electrolytes, which produces chemical gases that eventually accumulate inside the battery. This can happen due to various factors, including improper charging methods. Identifying these signs can help you detect a faulty Power Bank early and take appropriate action to prevent further damage or potential hazards.