Key points
- The Surface Go 3 is a fantastic device, but its smart charging feature can sometimes feel more like a nuisance than a help.
- If you’re tired of your battery being held back by smart charging and want to take full control of your device’s power usage, this guide will show you how to turn off smart charging on your Surface Go 3.
- If you’re planning a long trip or need to use your Surface Go 3 for extended periods without access to power, disabling smart charging allows you to fully charge the battery and maximize its life.
The Surface Go 3 is a fantastic device, but its smart charging feature can sometimes feel more like a nuisance than a help. If you’re tired of your battery being held back by smart charging and want to take full control of your device’s power usage, this guide will show you how to turn off smart charging on your Surface Go 3.
Understanding Smart Charging: The Good, the Bad, and the Frustrating
Smart charging is a feature designed to extend the lifespan of your Surface Go 3’s battery by preventing it from being fully charged all the time. While this sounds beneficial, it can lead to some frustrating situations:
- Slow Charging: If you’re in a hurry and need to quickly charge your device, smart charging can significantly slow down the process.
- Battery Life Anxiety: You might find yourself constantly checking your battery level, wondering if it’s truly charging at its full potential.
- Limited Control: You might not always want your battery to be held back, especially when you need maximum battery life for extended use.
How to Turn Off Smart Charging: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to take control of your Surface Go 3’s charging behavior:
1. Open Settings: Click the “Start” button on the taskbar, and then select “Settings.”
2. Navigate to System: In the Settings window, click on “System.”
3. Choose Power & Battery: From the System options, select “Power & battery.”
4. Access Battery Usage: On the left-hand side of the Power & Battery window, click on “Battery usage.”
5. Disable Smart Charging: Look for the “Battery usage” section and toggle the “Smart charging” option to “Off.”
6. Enjoy Full Charging: Your Surface Go 3 will now charge at its full capacity, allowing you to maximize your battery life and charge your device quickly when needed.
Why You Might Want to Consider Disabling Smart Charging
While smart charging is intended to be helpful, there are several reasons why you might want to disable it:
1. Maximizing Battery Life for Specific Tasks: If you’re planning a long trip or need to use your Surface Go 3 for extended periods without access to power, disabling smart charging allows you to fully charge the battery and maximize its life.
2. Accelerated Charging: For those moments when you need to quickly charge your device, disabling smart charging ensures the fastest possible charging speed.
3. Personal Preference: Some users simply prefer to have full control over their device’s battery usage and don’t want the limitations imposed by smart charging.
Potential Drawbacks of Turning Off Smart Charging
While disabling smart charging offers more control and faster charging, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks:
1. Potential Battery Degradation: Constantly charging your battery to 100% can theoretically lead to faster battery degradation over time. However, modern lithium-ion batteries are designed to handle full charges, and the impact on battery life is likely minimal.
2. Reduced Battery Lifespan: While not a significant concern in most cases, some experts argue that charging to 100% frequently might slightly reduce the overall lifespan of your battery.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Balancing Battery Life and Convenience
The decision to disable smart charging ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage patterns. If you prioritize convenience and need frequent quick charges, then disabling smart charging might be the best option for you. However, if you’re concerned about long-term battery life and prefer a more conservative approach, then leaving smart charging enabled might be the better choice.
Beyond Smart Charging: Other Battery Optimization Tips
While turning off smart charging can help, it’s just one aspect of maximizing your Surface Go 3’s battery life. Here are some additional tips:
- Adjust Brightness: Lowering the screen brightness can significantly extend battery life.
- Close Unnecessary Apps: Background apps can drain your battery. Close apps you’re not actively using.
- Disable Location Services: When not in use, turn off location services to conserve battery.
- Use Battery Saver Mode: Windows 10 offers a built-in Battery Saver mode that can extend battery life by limiting background activity and reducing screen brightness.
Power Up Your Surface Go 3: A Final Word on Battery Management
Taking control of your Surface Go 3’s smart charging is a simple yet powerful step towards maximizing its battery life and ensuring you always have the power you need. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of disabling smart charging and implementing other battery optimization tips, you can enjoy a more efficient and enjoyable user experience with your Surface Go 3.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Does turning off smart charging damage my battery?
While there’s a slight theoretical risk of faster battery degradation, modern batteries are designed to handle full charges, and the impact is likely minimal.
2. How often should I charge my Surface Go 3?
It’s best to charge your device whenever it reaches around 20% battery level. Avoid letting it completely drain.
3. Will disabling smart charging affect the warranty?
No, disabling smart charging is a user-configurable setting and won’t affect your device’s warranty.
4. Can I enable smart charging again if I change my mind?
Absolutely! You can easily re-enable smart charging by following the same steps outlined earlier and toggling the “Smart charging” option back to “On.