I have a VTech cordless phone that dies really fast how do I save the battery to last longer?

Question

I have a VTech cordless phone that dies really fast how do I save the battery to last longer?

Answer 1

Only the older 'NiCad' type batteries have a 'memory' effect. The newer NIckel Metal Hydride and Lithium Ion batteries do not have any memory worries.!! V-Tech phones are known for poor battery life among other issues. If you talk a lot on the phone, it will drain the battery fast, including the display, which if in color, takes quite a bit of life from the battery quicker!! Make sure it is actually charging, and consider returning it for one with better ratings, like Panasonic.

Answer 2

This can be a common problem when batteries are not taken care of properly throughout their life.

If you are trying to revive a battery that does not hold a charge well, then do this.  Make sure the phone is fully charged.  Then take it off the charger and turn it on (you may want to disconnect the phone line).  You want to keep it on untill the battery runs dead.  Then make sure it is turned off and replace it back on the charger.  Do this over and over and over.  This is the only way to revive a dead rechargeable battery.

Of course you can buy a replacement battery as well.  They are generally inexpensive and will then provide years of great service.

The main reason that cordless phones go dead like that is because they are being set back on the charger after every phone call.  This is bad practice.  In the future, once you remove the phone from the charger and use it, keep it off the charger until the battery is dead, or nearly dead, before putting it back on to charge.  

Rechargeable batteries have a memory effect.  If you use your phone, and then put it back on the charger, it basically cannot use all that battery any more.  You need to drain the battery fully before putting it back on charge.  This is a good rule of thumb to follow for all rechargable things.

All in all, sounds like you would be better off buying a new battery and replacing it.  Then follow the good rule of practice with your new battery.  That includes charging it a full 24 hours, or whatever the recommended time that the manual states, before using it at all.  This may have also been part of the reason your phone won't hold a charge.  This is very important to make sure that battery stays charging for a day before every using it.  The battery charge indicator will display that it is fully charged, but you must keep it charging for the full 24 hours.

Go to the website of the manufacturer and plug in your model number.  Search for and buy the replacement battery online.  Or try taking the battery, or the whole handset, to your local Radio Shack and a salesperson will help you locate a new battery.

Hope this helps.