Can I Use My Power Bank While Charging It? A Complete Guide

Are you constantly on the go and need a reliable power source for your devices? Power banks have become a lifesaver for many of us, but have you ever wondered if you can use your power bank while it’s charging?

The answer might be a little lengthy, but if you want to read only one guide that answers all of your questions; here it is!

What I'll Learn?

Can I Use My Power Bank While Charging It?

Yes, you can use a power bank while charging. Most power banks have a built-in charging feature, which allows you to plug them into a power source and charge the battery while still charging other devices.

It means you can use your power bank to charge your device while the power bank is being charged.

For example, if you are traveling, you can use your power bank to charge your phone while on the go. Even if your power bank’s battery is low, you can plug it into the charger and continue using it. At the same time, the power bank charges other devices.

While it is possible to use a power bank as it charges itself, keep in mind that this can affect the charging speed and performance of the power bank in the long run.

When a power bank is used, it draws power from the battery and charges another device. At the same time, it also receives power from a charging source to recharge its battery.

This withdrawal from the power bank can strain its components and cause it to charge more slowly than if it were not in use.

However, it’s worth noting that charging a power bank and another device simultaneously can cause the power bank to charge slower (here’s how long you can expect power bank to take for complete charge).

Also, some power banks have limited output and cannot simultaneously charge the device and itself.

Some power banks may not support pass-through charging. It’s good to check the specifications of the power bank before using it to charge another device while it is charging.

You can use some power banks while charging; this feature is called pass-through charging. This feature allows simultaneous use and charging, but it is present in only some power banks.

What is Pass-Through Charging Feature?

Pass-through charging, also known as input-output charging, is a feature in some power banks that allows the device to charge other devices while also being charged.

In other words, the power bank can accept power from a wall charger or other power source and simultaneously transfer that power to another connected device. This feature allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously without waiting for the power bank to fully charge before you can use it to charge other devices.

For example, if you have a power bank with a pass-through charging feature, you can plug it into a wall charger overnight and use it to charge your phone during the day without waiting for the power bank to charge first fully.

This feature is not common, and not all power banks have it. It is a more advanced feature generally found in high-end power banks. The pass-through charging feature is unnecessary for most basic power bank usage, so not all manufacturers include this feature in their power banks.

Some brands which add this feature to their power bank are: Anker, Aukey, RavPower, Belkin, and Mi.

When a power bank is connected to a power source, it begins charging its internal battery. When a device is connected to a power bank and power is drawn out, the power comes from the power bank’s internal battery.

But in the case of pass-through charging, the circuit bypasses the internal battery. It transfers the power directly from the power source to the connected device while charging the internal battery.

This feature is particularly useful for people who are frequently on the go and need to keep their devices charged while also recharging their power banks.

With pass-through charging, they can continue to use their device while the power bank is charging without having to stop and wait for the power bank to fully charge before using it again.

How to Determine if Your Power Bank Has Pass-Through Charging?

Here are a few ways to determine if your power bank has pass-through charging:

Check the product specifications: Look for the specifications on the packaging or the manufacturer’s website. Pass-through charging is usually listed as a feature or a technical specification.
Check the user manual: The user manual will usually have information on the capabilities of the power bank, including whether or not it has pass-through charging.
Check the charging ports: Power banks that have pass-through charging will typically have multiple charging ports, one for input (to charge the power bank) and one or more for output (to charge other devices).
Contact the manufacturer: If you need clarification on whether your power bank has pass-through charging, you can contact the manufacturer to ask. They will be able to provide you with information on the features of the power bank.

Some power banks may only support pass-through charging when the battery is above a certain level. Some power banks may also have limited output and cannot charge both a device and itself simultaneously.

Should I Use Power Bank While It Is Being Charged?

In general, it is recommended not to use a power bank while it is being charged to prolong the life of the device. Using a power bank while charging can strain the device’s components and may cause it to charge more slowly than if it were not in use.

This strain can also cause the battery to degrade faster, leading to a shorter lifespan for the power bank.

Additionally, not all power banks can charge another device while charging itself. Using it in such a way may cause damage to the power bank and not be supported by the manufacturer’s warranty.

It’s important to note that the heat generated during charging and usage can also affect the life of the power bank. If the power bank is used while charging, it can create more heat, affecting the battery’s performance and reducing the life of the power bank.

To prolong the life of your power bank, we recommend you use it when it is almost fully charged and avoid using it while it is charging. This precaution will help to ensure that the battery stays in good condition and continues to function properly for a longer period.

How To Use Power Bank While Charging?

Let’s say your device’s battery is low, and you’re short on time; your only choice is to charge the device with the power bank while the power bank itself is still being charged.

You can follow the following steps to make sure you’re doing it right:

Check the Power Bank’s Specifications

Before using a power bank while it is charging, it’s important to check that your power bank can charge another device while it is charging itself. This feature is known as “pass-through charging” or “input-output charging,” and not all power banks have this feature.

Charge the Power Bank

Plug your power bank into a charging source, such as a wall adapter or a USB port on a computer.

Connect Your Device to the Power Bank

Once the power bank is connected to a charging source, you can connect your device to the power bank using the appropriate cable. Make sure that the power bank is turned on before connecting your device.

Monitor the Charging Status

The power bank’s LED indicator lights will display the charging status of the power bank and the connected device.

Unplug Devices When They Are Charged

Once your device is fully charged, unplug it from the power bank and disconnect the power bank from the charging source.

Keep an Eye on the Power Bank’s Temperature

It’s important to monitor the power bank’s temperature while charging; if it gets too hot, unplug it and let it cool down before using it again.

Tips and Tricks on How to Maximize Efficiency While Charging & Using Your Power Bank Simultaneously

Maximize the efficiency of your power bank and get the most out of its charging capacity with these easy-to-follow tips and tricks:

Keep Your Power Bank Charged

Ensure your power bank is charged and ready to go when needed. Try to charge it up to at least 50-70% before going on a trip or before you know you’ll need it.

Use Your Power Bank Regularly

Use your power bank regularly instead of letting it sit around for long periods without use. This step will help keep the battery in good condition and ensure it continues functioning properly.

Avoid Overcharging Your Power Bank

Overcharging can cause damage to the battery and reduce the life of the power bank. Avoid leaving your power bank plugged in when it is fully charged.

Keep the Power Bank Cool

Heat can be hard on batteries, so keep your power bank in a cool, dry place when it’s not in use. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot car.

Use the Right Cable For Charging

Use the appropriate cable to charge your device from the power bank. Using the wrong cable can cause damage to the power bank or your device.

Use the Right Charging Adapter For Charging

Some power banks have a high charging rate; if you have a power bank with a high charging rate, make sure to use the right adapter that can support the charging rate of the power bank; otherwise, it will charge slower.

Learn About Your Device Charging Rate

Some devices have a higher charging rate than others; learn about your device’s charging rate and match it with the power bank charging rate to make the most of its charging capacity.

Keep Your Power Bank Clean

Make sure to keep your power bank clean; dust and debris can cause damage to the charging ports and prevent a proper connection.

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Charging Power Bank and Other Devices From It Simultaneously

When charging a power bank and other devices from it simultaneously, it’s important to avoid certain common mistakes to ensure that the process is safe and that your appliances and power bank remain in good working condition.

Using a power bank not designed for pass-through charging: Not all power banks can charge another device while charging itself. Using a power bank not designed for pass-through charging can cause damage to the device or power bank.
Not monitoring the power bank’s battery level: Keep an eye on its battery level and only use it once it has reached a level where the battery isn’t too low to be completely drained while charging. Using it when the battery level is fairly low can cause damage to the power bank.
Charging devices with a high input charging rate using a power bank with a low output charging rate: Some devices may have a higher charging rate than others. Make sure to match the device charging rate with the power bank charging rate to make the most of the power bank’s charging capacity.
Not using the right charging adapter: Some power banks have a high charging rate; if you have a power bank with a high charging rate, make sure to use the right adapter that can support the charging rate of the power bank. Otherwise, it will charge slower.
Not unplugging devices and power bank when not in use: When you are not using your devices or power bank, make sure to remove them from charging to prevent overheating or overcharging.

Draw Backs of Using a Power Bank While it is Charging

Now that you have read how to use a power bank while charging it simultaneously, you should also be aware of the drawbacks of this method.

Power Bank May Provide Limited Output

Some power banks have limited output and may not be able to charge both a device and itself simultaneously. If you use it while it is charging, you may not fill your device’s battery to its full capacity.

Heat Generation May Threaten Battery Life

Using a power bank while it is charging can generate more heat, affecting the battery’s performance and reducing the life of the power bank.

There’s a Possibility of Damaging Your Power Bank

Not all power banks can charge another device while it is charging itself, and using it in such a way may cause damage to the power bank and may not be supported by the manufacturer’s warranty.

It Almost Surely Reduces the Battery Life of the Power Bank

Using a power bank while it is charging can cause the battery to degrade faster, leading to a shorter lifespan for the power bank.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, using a power bank while being charged can be a convenient option in certain situations, but it’s important to consider the drawbacks and safety measures.

Not all power banks can charge another device while it is charging itself, and using it in such a way may cause damage to the power bank and may not be supported by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Using a power bank while it is charging can also affect the charging speed and performance of the power bank, generate more heat, and reduce its life of the power bank. It’s recommended to check the specifications of the power bank before using it in this way and ensure it has the pass-through charging feature.

To improve your power bank’s life, we recommend you use it when it is fully charged or almost fully charged and avoid using it while it is still charging.

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FAQ

Q: Is it safe to use a power bank while it is charging?

A: It is generally safe to use a power bank while it is charging, as long as it has the capability to do so and you are using the appropriate cables and adapters.

However, it’s important to monitor the temperature of the power bank, as using it while it is charging can generate more heat which can affect the performance of the battery and reduce the life of the power bank.

Also, it’s important to check the specifications of the power bank before using it in this way, as not all power banks have the capability to charge another device.

Q: Can using a power bank while it is charging damage my device?

A: If the power bank has the capability of pass-through charging and you are using the appropriate cables and adapters, using it while it is charging should not damage your device.

However, it’s important to check the specifications of the power bank and ensure that it can charge your device and itself simultaneously before using it in this way.

Q: How does pass-through charging affect the charging speed of my power bank?

A: Pass-through charging can affect the charging speed of your power bank, as it is drawing power from the battery and converting it to charge another device while it is also being charged itself. This can put a strain on the power bank’s components and may cause it to charge more slowly than if it were not in use.