How to Store Batteries Long-Term – Keep Them Safe for Months or Years

You have an old phone in a drawer. A handheld console you haven’t touched in months. A spare battery for your drone. Maybe you’re stocking up before a trip or keeping backups for your devices.

But here’s the problem: storing batteries the wrong way can kill them permanently.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to store batteries long-term — whether it’s lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium-polymer (Li-Po), or nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH). Follow these tips and your batteries will be ready when you need them.

Why Storage Matters More Than You Think

Batteries are chemicals in a box. Even when you’re not using them, those chemicals slowly react and degrade. The way you store them dramatically affects how much capacity they retain over time.

A battery stored correctly can last 3-5 years with minimal capacity loss. A battery stored incorrectly might be dead in 6-12 months.

The 5 Golden Rules of Battery Storage

Rule #1: Store at the Right Charge Level (40-60%)

This is the most important rule — and the one most people get wrong.

❌ Don’t store at 100%: Keeping a lithium battery fully charged for weeks or months accelerates degradation. The high voltage stresses the cells.

❌ Don’t store at 0%: A completely discharged battery can fall into “deep discharge” and become unable to charge again. Some batteries will be permanently dead after sitting at 0% for months.

✅ Do store at 40-60%: This is the “sweet spot” for lithium batteries. At this charge level, chemical reactions slow down significantly, preserving capacity.

How to achieve 40-60%: Use your device until it hits around 50%, then turn it off. Or charge it to 100%, use it until it drops to 50%, then store it. Many modern devices also have “storage mode” or can be set to limit charging.

Rule #2: Keep Batteries Cool (But Not Frozen)

Heat is the enemy of all batteries. High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions and speed up degradation.

Ideal storage temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) — normal room temperature.

What to avoid:

• Hot cars (can reach 50-60°C/120-140°F)
• Direct sunlight
• Near radiators, ovens, or other heat sources
• Attics or garages that get hot in summer

What about freezing batteries? Freezing is not recommended for consumer batteries. While very cold temperatures slow chemical reactions, condensation can damage the battery when it warms up. Plus, most household freezers are too cold and can cause physical damage.

If you must store batteries in a cool place (like a basement), keep them in a sealed bag to prevent moisture damage.

Rule #3: Keep Them Dry

Moisture is the enemy of battery contacts and internal circuits. Humidity can cause corrosion on the terminals, leading to poor connections or complete failure.

Tips:

• Avoid storing batteries in bathrooms, basements, or other humid areas
• Use silica gel packets in your storage container to absorb moisture
• Keep batteries in sealed plastic bags or containers

Rule #4: Store in Original Packaging or Protective Cases

Loose batteries can short circuit if their terminals touch metal objects (keys, coins, other batteries).

What to do:

• Keep batteries in their original packaging
• Use plastic battery cases (available for AA/AAA and larger sizes)
• If nothing else, put a piece of tape over the terminals to prevent contact

For device batteries (like phone or laptop batteries), store them in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. If possible, keep them in anti-static bags.

Rule #5: Check on Them Every Few Months

Even perfectly stored batteries slowly self-discharge. Check your stored batteries every 3-6 months.

What to do:

• Measure the voltage or check the charge level
• If the charge has dropped below 30%, recharge it back to 40-60%
• Inspect for any signs of swelling, leakage, or corrosion

This is especially important for Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries, which self-discharge faster than lithium batteries.

Storage Guidelines by Battery Type

Battery Type	Best Storage Charge	Self-Discharge Rate	Special Notes
Li-ion / Li-Po	40-60%	~2-5% per month	Most common in phones, laptops, drones
Ni-MH	Store fully charged	~15-30% per month	Self-discharge faster; check more often
Ni-Cd	Store fully charged	~10-20% per month	Older technology; less common now
Alkaline (non-rechargeable)	N/A — store as is	~1-2% per year	Can be stored for years at room temp

What NOT to Do When Storing Batteries

Avoid these common mistakes:

• ❌ Storing in the fridge or freezer – Condensation can damage batteries, and extreme cold isn’t necessary for most consumer batteries.
• ❌ Storing loose batteries in a drawer with metal objects – Coins, keys, and paperclips can short-circuit terminals.
• ❌ Storing damaged or swollen batteries – Dispose of them properly first. Never store a damaged battery.
• ❌ Storing batteries fully charged for years – This permanently reduces capacity.
• ❌ Storing batteries in hot, humid places – Heat and moisture accelerate degradation.

How to “Wake Up” a Stored Battery

If you’ve stored a battery correctly, it should work fine. But if a battery has been sitting for a long time, follow these steps:

1. Check for physical damage – If swollen, leaking, or corroded, do not use it. Dispose of it properly.
2. Let the battery warm up – If stored in a cold place, let it sit at room temperature for several hours before charging.
3. Charge it fully – Use the correct charger for your battery type.
4. Test it under normal use – If it holds a charge and works as expected, it’s good to go.

If the battery won’t charge or dies very quickly, it may have degraded past the point of use. In that case, it’s time for a replacement battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to store batteries fully charged or empty?

For lithium batteries (Li-ion/Li-Po), store at 40-60%. For Ni-MH, store fully charged. Never store lithium batteries completely empty — they may become unable to recharge.

Can I store batteries in the fridge?

Not recommended. Condensation can damage batteries, and the cold temperature isn’t necessary for most consumer batteries. Room temperature is fine.

How long can I store lithium batteries?

Properly stored at 40-60% in cool, dry conditions, lithium batteries can last 3-5 years with minimal capacity loss. Check them every 6-12 months.

Do batteries expire if not used?

Yes. Even unused batteries degrade over time due to chemical reactions. This is normal. Proper storage slows down this process.

What should I do with old batteries I no longer need?

Don’t throw them in the trash. Recycle them at electronics stores, battery recycling centers, or local hazardous waste facilities. Many retailers (Best Buy, Staples, Home Depot) accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.

The Bottom Line

Storing batteries correctly isn’t difficult, but most people never learn how. Now you know:

• Store lithium batteries at 40-60% charge
• Keep them cool and dry (room temperature)
• Use protective cases or original packaging
• Check on them every few months
• Never store damaged or swollen batteries

If you have old batteries that have been stored incorrectly and won’t hold a charge anymore, don’t toss the whole device. Replace the battery instead. A fresh battery can give your device years of new life.

👇 Need a replacement battery for your phone, laptop, handheld console, or drone? Browse our catalog or use our free battery lookup service.

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👉 Related reading: 7 bad habits that kill your phone battery — plus 10 tips to make your battery last longer.