How To Reset Power Bank of Any Brand-2 Methods
By Robert Jones · 2022-01-04
Got a dead power bank? Don't chuck it just yet! I've seen countless power banks brought back to life with a simple reset. Here's how you do it, no matter the brand.
Right, let's be honest, who hasn't been there? You're out and about, phone's dying a death, and your trusty power bank, the very thing meant to save your digital bacon, just… gives up the ghost. No charging, no lights, just a dead weight in your bag. It’s frustrating, isn't it? Especially when you've paid good money for it. Now, you might think it’s completely knackered, destined for the recycling bin. But hold your horses. More often than not, a dodgy power bank isn't actually broken; it's just got its knickers in a twist. A simple reset can bring it back from the brink. I’ve seen it countless times, not just with my own gear, but with countless bits and bobs folks bring into the workshop. ### **Quick Verdict** **Most power bank woes are fixable with a simple reset – don't chuck it!** ### **Who it's for:** * Anyone with a power bank that's stopped charging or showing signs of life. * Folks who want to squeeze every last drop of life out of their electronics. * Those who appreciate a bit of DIY troubleshooting before splashing cash on new kit. * Environmentally conscious types who want to reduce e-waste. ### **Who should skip it:** * People whose power bank has clearly suffered physical damage (cracked case, bent ports). * If your power bank is genuinely old and barely holding a charge even when working. * Anyone who's got money burning a hole in their pocket and just wants a shiny new one. * If you're worried about voiding a warranty – though a reset is usually an accepted troubleshooting step.  ## **Why Do Power Banks Even Need Resetting? It's Not Just a Battery, Is It?** That's what most people think, eh? "It's just a battery, Robert! What's the fuss?" Well, it’s a bit more than that these days. Think of it like a miniature computer for your power. Inside, there's a circuit board, a "brain" if you like, that manages the charging and discharging. It handles things like overcharge protection, short-circuit prevention, and making sure the right voltage goes to your phone. It’s clever stuff, really. This brain, however, can sometimes get a bit confused. Just like your phone or your laptop occasionally needs a reboot, these power bank circuits can hit a snag. Maybe there was a sudden power surge when you plugged it in, or a weird discharge cycle. Perhaps you left it completely drained for ages, or constantly charged it to 100% and then immediately unplugged it. All sorts of little things can throw the internal logic off. When that happens, the power bank might refuse to charge your phone, or it might not charge itself. The indicator lights might go wonky, or just not light up at all. It’s not necessarily broken; it’s just forgotten how to do its job. A reset basically tells that little brain to clear its memory and start fresh. It’s like turning your computer off and on again, but a bit more deliberate. I’ve seen this happen with all sorts of kit, from cheap £15 units from the supermarket to rather pricey £70 Anker or RAVPower units. The brand doesn’t really matter; the underlying tech can still get itself into a muddle. So, before you despair and start eyeing up a replacement, give these methods a go. You’ve nothing to lose but a few minutes of your time. ## **Method 1: The "Soft" Reset – Power Cycling It Out** This is usually the first port of call, and honestly, it fixes a good chunk of the problems I see. It’s simple, doesn’t require any special tools, and works on most power banks, regardless of brand or model. I’ve used this trick on everything from my old Xiaomi power bank to the latest slimline ones my kids seem to collect. ### **Step 1: Drain It Completely (If Possible)** Now, this might sound counter-intuitive if your power bank is already "dead," but bear with me. If it's showing *any* signs of life, even a flickering light, try to drain it completely. Plug something low-power into it – maybe an old Bluetooth speaker, a small fan, or even just leave your phone connected until the power bank finally gives up the ghost. The idea is to make sure there’s no residual charge confusing the internal circuits. If it’s already completely dead, as in no lights, no response whatsoever, then you can skip this step. You’re already there. ### **Step 2: Leave It Alone for a Bit** Once it’s drained (or if it was dead to begin with), unplug everything from it. I mean *everything*. No charging cables going in, no devices plugged into its output ports. Just let it sit there. I usually recommend leaving it for a good 30 minutes, sometimes even an hour. This gives any lingering charge in the capacitors a chance to dissipate. It’s a bit like giving it a proper rest, letting its electronic brain fully power down. I remember one time a mate brought over his Anker PowerCore, swore it was kaput. Wouldn’t charge his phone, wouldn’t charge itself. I drained it with an old LED lamp, left it on the bench while we had a cuppa, and lo and behold, when I came back, it was ready for the next step. Simple as that. ### **Step 3: Charge It Back Up** After its little nap, plug your power bank into a reliable wall charger. Don't use your computer's USB port for this first charge if you can help it; a dedicated wall adapter is usually more consistent. Make sure the charging cable is in good nick too – a dodgy cable can cause all sorts of phantom issues. Watch for the indicator lights. Do they come on? Do they pulse or change as expected? If so, you’re likely on the right track. Let it charge all the way to full capacity. This full charge cycle is crucial as it helps recalibrate the internal battery management system. If it starts charging, you’ve probably fixed it. Give it a full charge, then test it out with your phone. More often than not, this "soft" reset is all it takes. It’s the equivalent of turning your telly off at the mains and back on again when it freezes. Works a treat, doesn’t it? ## **Method 2: The "Hard" Reset – For When Things Are Really Stubborn** Alright, so Method 1 didn’t cut the mustard? Don't fret. Sometimes, a more assertive approach is needed. This method involves forcing the internal circuitry to reset by creating a temporary short-circuit. Now, before anyone panics, we’re not talking about anything dangerous here, and it’s a recognised troubleshooting step for many power bank brands. It essentially mimics pressing a tiny reset button that isn't actually there. **A word of caution:** Only attempt this if Method 1 has failed. And be gentle! We’re trying to fix it, not break it further. ### **What You'll Need:** * Your stubborn power bank. * A USB cable (Type-A to Type-C, Micro-USB, or Lightning – whatever your power bank uses for *charging itself*). * Another USB cable (Type-A to Type-C, Micro-USB, or Lightning – whatever your power bank uses for *charging external devices*). Essentially, you need two cables that fit the input and output ports of your power bank. If your power bank only has one type of port that acts as both input and output (some newer ones do with USB-C PD), then this method might be trickier or not applicable. Most, however, have distinct input and output ports. ### **Step 1: Connect Output to Input** This is the clever bit. Take one USB cable and plug it into one of your power bank's *output* ports (where you'd normally charge your phone). Then, take the *other end of that same cable* and plug it into one of your power bank's *input* ports (where you'd normally charge the power bank itself from the wall). Wait, what? Yes, you're essentially looping the power bank back on itself. You're using its own output to try and charge its own input. This confuses the internal chip enough to force a reset. Think of it as giving its brain a bit of a shock to wake it up. ### **Step 2: Look for a Reaction** When you do this, keep an eye on the indicator lights. Some power banks will flash wildly, some will show a brief sequence of lights, and some might just do nothing. Don't expect a huge fireworks display. The goal isn't to see a specific light pattern, but to *force* the circuit to react to an unusual input/output situation. I had a chunky Aukey power bank doing nothing the other week. Plugged a USB-A to USB-C cable from its output to its input, and after about 10 seconds, all the lights flashed once, then went dark. Bingo. It had reset itself. ### **Step 3: Disconnect and Re-attempt Charging** After about 10-20 seconds of having the output looped to the input, disconnect the cable. Make sure everything is unplugged again, just like with the soft reset. Give it another moment to gather its thoughts. Then, try plugging your power bank into a reliable wall charger once more. Does it start charging now? Do the lights indicate a normal charging process? If so, you've likely succeeded! Let it charge fully before attempting to use it again. If this still doesn't work, it's time to face facts: your power bank might genuinely be beyond a simple reset. At that point, it’s probably something more serious, like a dead battery cell or a damaged component on the circuit board, which usually isn't economical to repair. ## **What If My Power Bank Only Has USB-C Ports?** Ah, a common question these days, especially with the move towards USB-C Power Delivery. Many modern power banks, particularly the higher capacity ones or those designed for laptops, might have one or two USB-C ports that handle *both* input and output. This makes the "hard reset" method of looping output to input a bit trickier, as you might only have one port, or the internal logic is too smart to fall for it. In these cases, the soft reset (Method 1) is usually your best bet. Thoroughly drain it if possible, leave it unplugged for a long while (an hour or two, maybe even overnight), then try charging it from a powerful USB-C PD wall charger. Sometimes, leaving it completely unplugged for an extended period is the best form of "reset" for these smarter units, as it ensures all residual charge is gone and the internal controller truly powers down. If it has two USB-C ports, you *might* be able to try the loop trick, but ensure you're not trying to force high-power delivery into a port that's designed for lower input. It's generally safer to stick to the soft reset for USB-C only power banks if the hard reset feels ambiguous. ## **Common Power Bank Problems (and When to Reset)** Over the years, I've seen a pattern with power banks. Here's a rundown of common complaints and how a reset often sorts them out: * **Won't Charge My Phone/Device:** This is the big one. You plug it in, and nothing. No charging icon, no buzz, just silence. Often, a reset clears the internal "fault" flag. * **Won't Charge Itself:** Equally frustrating. Plug it into the wall, and the lights either don't come on, or they just flash erratically without actually gaining charge. Reset can kickstart the charging circuit. * **Indicator Lights Are Wrong:** Shows full when empty, or empty when full. Or all lights flash, then go out. This usually points to a confused internal battery management system. Reset can recalibrate it. * **Charges Very Slowly:** It used to be fast, now it takes ages. Sometimes a reset can optimise the charging protocol again, assuming the battery itself isn't just knackered. * **Turns Off Randomly:** You plug something in, it starts charging, then suddenly cuts out. This can be a sign of the protection circuit tripping unnecessarily, which a reset can sometimes fix. **When to *not* bother with a reset:** * **Physical Damage:** If it's been dropped, run over by a car (yes, I've seen it!), or has a bent port, a reset isn't going to fix bent metal or cracked solder joints. * **Swollen Battery:** If the case is bulging, *do not use it*. This is a fire hazard. Dispose of it safely and responsibly. No reset will fix a swollen lithium-ion battery. * **Burning Smell/Smoke:** Again, obvious fire hazard. Unplug immediately and dispose of safely. Get a new one. * **Very Old, Low Capacity:** If it's years old and could barely charge your phone halfway even when new, the battery cells are probably just at the end of their life cycle. A reset won't magically give it more capacity. ## **Maintaining Your Power Bank for a Longer Life** Prevention is always better than cure, isn't it? Here are a few tips I always give folks to keep their power banks happy and reduce the need for resets: * **Don't leave it completely drained:** Lithium-ion batteries don't like being left at 0% for long periods. It stresses the cells. Try to keep some charge in it, even if you're not using it. * **Don't leave it at 100% for weeks:** Similarly, constant full charge isn't ideal either. If you're storing it, aim for around 50-80% charge. * **Use good quality cables and chargers:** Cheap, unbranded cables can cause inconsistent power delivery, which can confuse the power bank's internal chip. Stick to the cables that came with your devices or reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, etc. * **Avoid extreme temperatures:** Don't leave it in a boiling hot car or out in freezing conditions. Batteries perform best at room temperature. * **Cycle it occasionally:** Every few months, let it discharge completely (or nearly completely) and then fully recharge it. This helps the internal fuel gauge recalibrate. * **Clean the ports:** Dust and lint can build up in the USB ports, causing poor connections. A blast of compressed air or a careful poke with a non-conductive tool (like a toothpick) can clear it out. Following these simple steps can significantly extend the lifespan of your power bank and keep it working reliably, meaning fewer frustrating "dead" episodes and less need for resets. I’ve had some power banks last me five, six years doing this, whereas others that have been abused barely made it past a year. ## **When to Finally Throw in the Towel (and What to Buy Instead)** Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a power bank just gives up. And that’s alright. They're not designed to last forever. When it’s genuinely dead, or becomes unreliable, it’s time to safely dispose of it and think about a replacement. Don't just chuck it in the household bin; take it to an electronics recycling point. Most supermarkets or local council recycling centres have facilities for batteries and small electronics. If you're in the market for a new one, here’s a bit of advice from my workshop experience. Prices are rough estimates in quid, mind, and can change faster than a politician's promise: | Feature | Budget (£15-£30) | Mid-Range (£30-£60) | Premium (£60+) | | :---------------- | :------------------------------- | :------------------------------------ | :------------------------------------------- | | **Capacity** | 5,000-10,000mAh | 10,000-20,000mAh | 20,000mAh+ (often 25,000mAh+) | | **Ports** | 1-2 USB-A, maybe 1 Micro-USB input | 1-2 USB-A, 1 USB-C (input/output) | 2x USB-A, 1-2x USB-C (PD, fast charge) | | **Charging Speed**| Standard 5W/10W | 18W Quick Charge/Power Delivery | 30W+ Power Delivery (for laptops too) | | **Brands** | Duracell, GP, cheaper Amazon brands | Anker, RAVPower, Belkin, Xiaomi | Anker (PowerCore III), UGREEN, Zendure, Sharge | | **Who it's for** | Emergency top-ups, small phones | Daily use, tablets, multiple phone charges | Laptop charging, multiple devices, extended trips | | **My Take** | Fine for emergencies, but don't expect miracles. Cells can degrade quicker. | Best bang for your buck for most folks. Good balance of speed and capacity. | Worth it if you need the speed and capacity for bigger devices. Built to last. | My personal recommendation for most people who just need to keep their phone or tablet topped up throughout the day? Something in the 10,000-20,000mAh range from Anker or RAVPower. You’ll get reliable performance, decent charging speeds, and they’re generally well-built. I’ve had Anker units in constant use in my workshop for years, charging everything from multimeters to my phone, and they just keep going. ## **FAQ: Your Power Bank Quandaries Answered** ### **Q: Can resetting a power bank damage it?** **A:** Not at all, not with the methods I've described. These are generally accepted troubleshooting steps that just reset the internal control chip. You're not opening it up or doing anything destructive. Think of it like rebooting a frozen computer; it's designed to clear temporary glitches, not cause harm. ### **Q: How often should I reset my power bank?** **A:** Only when it's misbehaving! There's no need to do it as a routine maintenance task. If it's working fine, leave it alone. If it starts acting up – not charging, weird lights – then give it a go. ### **Q: My power bank has a tiny button. Is that a reset button?** **A:** Sometimes! Some older or specific models do have a tiny recessed button, usually requiring a paperclip to press. This is often an explicit reset button. If yours has one, try pressing and holding it for 5-10 seconds. If not, stick to my two methods. ### **Q: Why does my power bank sometimes just stop charging my phone without warning?** **A:** This can be a few things, but often it's the internal protection circuit tripping. It might detect an overload, a short, or just get confused by a fluctuating voltage. A reset can clear that particular "error state." Also, check your cable – a poor connection often causes this. ### **Q: Is it safe to leave my power bank plugged in charging overnight?** **A:** Modern power banks from reputable brands have overcharge protection, so they *should* stop charging once full. However, I personally don't recommend leaving any battery-powered device plugged in constantly once it's full, especially overnight. It can put unnecessary strain on the battery cells over the long term. Unplug it once it's done. ## **Final Word** So there you have it. Before you toss that "dead" power bank into the e-waste bin, give it a fighting chance with a simple reset. It’s amazing how often these bits of kit just need a bit of a kick up the backside to get going again. I've saved countless power banks from an early demise in my workshop, and hopefully, you can do the same with yours. It saves you a few quid, keeps a bit of electronic waste out of the landfill, and honestly, there's something satisfying about fixing something yourself, isn't there? Don't underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned reset. It might just be the simplest fix you ever make.