What is the lifespan of the rechargeable battery in my Polar watch?
Rechargeable batteries have a limited lifespan, which depends on several factors, including battery technology, operating conditions, charging habits, and how the watch is used and cared for. Over time, rechargeable batteries gradually wear out, and their capacity decreases. The average lifespan of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in phones and sports watches, including Polar watches, is about 2-3 years. The battery will have approximately 80% of its original capacity left at this stage, and the percentage continues to decrease with time and use. The actual battery lifespan varies depending on use and operating conditions.
Follow the instructions below to keep the battery in optimal condition and maximize its life:
- Keep the charging contacts of your watch clean to effectively protect your watch from oxidation and other possible damage caused by dirt and salt water (e.g. sweat or sea water). The best way to keep the charging contacts clean is to rinse the watch after each training session with lukewarm tap water. The watch is water resistant and you can rinse it under running water without damaging the electronic components.
- Before charging, make sure there’s no moisture, dust or dirt on the charging contacts of your watch and cable. Gently wipe off any dirt or moisture.
- Do not charge the watch in temperatures under 0 °C/ +32 °F or over +40 °C/ +104 °F.
- Do not charge the watch near flammable materials or on flammable surfaces.
- Do not charge the watch when it’s wet.
- Do not leave the watch in extreme cold (below –10 °C/14 °F) and heat (above 50 °C/120 °F) or under direct sunlight.
- Avoid discharging the battery completely before recharging and charging the battery full every time. Keeping the battery charge between 10-90% puts less strain on the battery, helps the battery maintain optimal performance, and extends the battery's life.
- Do not leave the battery fully discharged for a long period of time or keep it fully charged all the time.
- Store the watch partially charged in a cool and dry place. If you won't be using your watch for a while, charge it to around 50 percent before storing it. Also, turn off the watch (Grit X, Grit X Pro, Ignite 2, Ignite 3, Pacer, Pacer Pro, Vantage M2 or Vantage V2) from Settings > General settings > About your watch. The battery slowly loses its charge when it is stored. If you are going to store the watch for several months, it is recommended to recharge it after a few months.
At the end of the working life of the product Polar encourages you to minimize possible effects of waste on the environment and human health by following local waste disposal regulations and, where possible, utilizing separate collection of electronic devices. Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste.