Tips to Optimize Your AAC Communication Device Battery

As an AAC communicator, your active lifestyle sometimes means that you’re charging your communication device on the go in a less-than-ideal environment. When possible, follow these tips to enhance your device’s battery.

Optimize Your Battery Charging Environment

Give your battery the optimal opportunity to charge. Here’s how:

• Charge your device at room temperature
• Place it on a hard surface
• Use the stand to prop your device in an upright position; if you cannot keep the battery upright, position it with display-side down

High temps can be uncomfortable for all of us and that includes your speech-generating device. Excessive heat can reduce battery performance over time. Keep your device well-ventilated and avoid the following while charging:

• direct sunlight
• inside carry cases or bags
• soft surfaces like blankets or upholstered furniture

Don’t Drain on Our Battery Parade

Device updates are exciting! While you want to take advantage of what’s new, updates take battery power. Wait until your device is plugged in to install any updates. Shut down any third-party apps and WiFi when they are not being used. These tips will help keep your battery going strong for communication throughout the day.

Extend Your Battery Charge

Your AAC communication device has features that will help extend your battery charge. Notice the battery difference when you set adaptive display brightness and auto-sleep features to five minutes or less.

Did you know that putting your device in sleep mode may consume up to 2% of your battery per hour? If you won’t be using your device for an extended time, power it down to save your battery. Plug it in too, if possible. Turning off your device gives you the fastest recharge. If your device will be stored for a prolonged period, charge your device beforehand to ensure a healthy battery.

Keep Your AAC Device Battery Like New for Longer

One final tip for maximum impact: Consider charging your device when battery charge is at 10% or more. This could sustain your battery capacity up to four times longer!

Boost your device performance and increase your battery longevity by following these tips. It’s all about your voice, your way, in all your spaces!

Here’s a recap for those who love a quick list.

10 Tips for a Healthy AAC Device Battery

1. Avoid high-temperature locations for device storage or charging
2. Charge your device with good airflow, preferably vertical on its stand at room temperature (not in the sun)
3. Confirm a charging signal/good connection when charging your device
4. Turn your device off to get the fastest charge
5. Power down during long durations of non-use; sleep uses up to 2% battery per hour
6. Install updates while your device is plugged in and confirm updates are complete before returning to battery only; updates rapidly deplete battery
7. Shut down third party apps and WiFi when not needed
8. Use adaptive display brightness
9. Set auto sleep as low as tolerable
10. Always charge your device before storing it; don’t store it with a low battery

Click here for additional ways to keep your device working well for your highest communication.