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Your Wireless Headphones Keep Dying? Here’s How to Fix Battery Life Problems
You got a shiny new pair of wireless headphones and they worked great – for about 6 months. But now the battery doesn’t seem to last nearly as long between charges. What gives? If your wireless headphone battery life has gone downhill, you may be experiencing a pesky problem called “battery memory effect”. Don’t worry though – in this guide, we’ll explain what causes rechargeable batteries to lose their capacity over time and share proven solutions to restore your wireless headphones to their former glory.
Common Symptoms of Wireless Headphone Battery Degradation
The telltale signs of your wireless headphones suffering from battery memory effect include:
- Significantly reduced listening time on a full charge compared to when they were new
- Battery charge level drops very quickly, even when the headphones aren’t being used
- Headphones turn off unexpectedly during use due to low battery
- Charging the headphones to 100% takes much longer than it used to
- Battery won’t charge past a certain percentage (e.g. 60-70%) no matter how long you leave them plugged in
If you’re experiencing any of these battery life woes, the good news is that with a bit of troubleshooting and TLC, you can likely nurse your wireless headphones back to health.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Restore Wireless Headphone Battery Life
Before you toss those headphones in the trash, try these proven fixes for battery memory effect:
1. Perform a Full Discharge and Recharge Cycle
Over time, the battery “forgets” its full capacity if you consistently recharge after only partial discharges. To jog its memory:
- Use the headphones until they turn off automatically from a dead battery
- Leave them to sit for at least 6 more hours to fully deplete any residual charge
- Plug the headphones in and charge uninterrupted to 100%
- Repeat this full discharge-recharge process 2-3 times to recalibrate the battery
2. Adjust Charge Habits for Lithium-Ion Batteries
With older NiCad and NiMH rechargeable batteries, it was best to fully discharge before recharging. But newer lithium-ion batteries work differently:
- Charge lithium-ion batteries more frequently, topping up from 40-70% rather than 0-100%
- Avoid leaving lithium-ion batteries charging overnight once they reach 100%
- For long-term storage, charge lithium-ion to 50% rather than 100% to reduce stress
3. Reset Bluetooth Pairing
Connection issues between your wireless headphones and audio source can also cause battery drain. To reset the Bluetooth link:
- Delete the headphones from your phone/computer’s paired Bluetooth device list
- Turn the headphones off and on again to clear their pairing memory
- Re-pair the headphones to your device, making sure they are in close range
Note that some early Bluetooth headphones may require pressing a dedicated pairing button to make them discoverable again.
4. Ensure Clear Line-of-Sight for Infrared Wireless Headphones
Interference is a common culprit with infrared wireless headphones, which require an unobstructed line-of-sight between the headphones and the transmitter base. Make sure:
- There are no physical objects or obstacles between the headphones and transmitter
- You are using the headphones within the maximum transmission range (usually 15-30 feet)
- The infrared sensors on both the headphones and transmitter are clean and unscratched
5. Update Firmware or Replace Batteries
As a last resort, check if there are any firmware updates for your wireless headphones that may improve battery performance. Consult the manual or manufacturer’s website for instructions. If all else fails, some wireless headphones allow you to replace the rechargeable batteries, although this usually requires some disassembly.
Preventive Measures to Prolong Wireless Headphone Battery Life
To keep your wireless headphone batteries healthy from the get-go:
- Follow the initial charging instructions when you first get the headphones (usually a full, uninterrupted charge)
- Don’t leave the headphones unused for months with a dead battery – aim to charge them at least once every 1-2 months
- Avoid exposure to extreme cold, heat, or humidity which can stress the battery
- Turn the headphones off when not in use to minimize battery drain
- Use a protective case to prevent damage to battery compartment and connectors when traveling
Basic Troubleshooting Checklist for Wireless Headphone Battery Issues
- Is the battery fully drained? Charge to 100%.
- Still not working? Try a full discharge-recharge cycle.
- Experiencing connection problems? Reset Bluetooth pairing or check infrared line-of-sight.
- Battery draining too fast? Adjust charge habits for lithium-ion batteries.
- Tried everything? Look for firmware updates or consider replacing the battery.
Armed with these troubleshooting techniques, you should be able to breathe new life into your wireless headphones and keep that battery chugging along. If your headphones are still fairly new, you may also be able to get the manufacturer to replace them under warranty. Happy listening!