Why Aren't TV Remotes Rechargeable? (Read This First) 2024

You’ve undoubtedly pondered why rechargeable remote controllers don’t exist at some point in your life. Why do the batteries need to be changed every time?

Except for the TV remote, modern equipment typically comes with rechargeable batteries.

Why don’t most TV remote controls use rechargeable batteries like phones or game controllers instead of alkaline batteries?

TV remote controls are not rechargeable due to their long battery life. However, TV remote controls use so little energy that a set of complementary batteries lasts for many years. Therefore, NiMh batteries will likely function with the majority of remote controls. Still, they will need to be recharged numerous times, which is quite inconvenient.

In this article, you’ll understand why TV remote controls aren’t rechargeable and the factors regarding alkaline and rechargeable batteries.

By the end, you will be able to fix the problem.

Contents

Why Are TV Remotes Not Rechargeable?

Since the non-rechargeable batteries used in remote controls have a relatively long lifespan, frequently exceeding one year, television remote controls are only sometimes rechargeable.

It is more convenient to use non-rechargeable batteries for remote controllers because rechargeable batteries progressively lose their charge.

They necessitate weekly charging, which is quite inconvenient. Therefore, non-rechargeable batteries would require replacement regularly.

Since TV remote controllers use very little power, they typically do not need to be rechargeable.

Batteries, both rechargeable and non-rechargeable, are used in a variety of circumstances. Non-rechargeable batteries work well in remote controls and other low-drain devices.

Because charged batteries are not appropriate for low-drain devices, which are little used, the current that the device drains is less than the self-discharge rate.

You will need suitable disposable batteries, such as non-rechargeable batteries, for your electronic gadgets, such as the TV remote control, which you use infrequently.

Additionally, purchasing a rechargeable battery for a device like a remote control can be challenging because you would ultimately require a reliable charger to charge it.

As a result of their usage of pulse position modulation, a short duty cycle, sure remote control batteries last up to four to five years.

The particular reason for this feature, if the batteries are underused, it will destroy the remote control.

Can You Put Rechargeable Batteries in a TV Remote?

Yes, you can put rechargeable batteries in your TV remote control. Rechargeable batteries are secure and cost-effective for TV remotes.

Purchase an AA or AAA rechargeable battery that works with your TV remote to complete the task. To charge the battery, you will receive a charger device.

Purchase a friendly rechargeable battery with a reputable brand and a TV remote charger.

You can use all TV remote controls with rechargeable batteries, whether the original remote for the TV, a substitute remote, or a customary TV remote control.

When purchasing rechargeable batteries for your TVs, there are a few things to remember.

These factors consist of the following;

#1. Using Low Charging Time Batteries

Numerous chargers and rechargeable batteries are available, and their charging times can vary.

Some batteries and chargers can fully charge in less than four hours, while others require five hours. Both times are appropriate. But it should stay under five hours.

You can purchase alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable batteries for your TV remotes. The majority of rechargeable batteries are lithium-ion.

#2. Using a Rechargeable Remote Charger with Overcharging Protection

Ensure that you can put the charger to charge remote batteries with overcharge protection.

The remote being in overcharge protection will enable you to use the rechargeable TV remote control’s optimal charger.

In today’s market, practically all rechargers have a charging indication.

#3. Knowing Types of Remote Batteries

In modern times, most TV remote controls have AAA batteries. However, some older models have AA batteries.

You should be aware of the battery size your TV remote can accommodate. Compared to AA, which is more extensive, AAA isn’t.

The market offers both types of rechargeable batteries. Therefore, before purchasing, ensure the battery size of the remote control supports it.

How do I know the differences between these two batteries?

The table below distinguishes them.

AA Batteries	AAA Batteries
The larger capacity of 2000-3000 milliampere-hour	Lower capacity of 350-1200 milliampere-hour
AAA batteries consume more energy	AA batteries consume less energy
They are costlier	They are a lot cheaper
You can use them in large radios and toys	You can use them in TV remotes and clocks
They are larger	They are usually slender and more minor in size

#4. Minimal Use of Rechargeable Batteries With a Time Duration

Nowadays, rechargeable battery manufacturers claim that users can charge the batteries up to 1000 times, compared to the typical 800 times for rechargeable batteries.

Therefore, avoid using rechargeable batteries charged more than a thousand times. Unfortunately, your TV remotes might not benefit from that.

How Long Do AA Batteries Last in a TV Remote?

A remote control’s batteries should last for three to six months with regular or moderate use.

When used in devices that need a moderately high current consumption but are not always in use, AA batteries, which measure 1.5V, perform well.

To prevent potential harm from battery leakage, remove the batteries from the remote control if you won’t use them for an extended time.

Everyone typically pictures standard replacement batteries as double A batteries.

Are Rechargeable Batteries Usually Better Than Alkaline?

Yes. Rechargeable batteries are unquestionably far superior to alkaline batteries. Since the 1980s, rechargeable AA batteries have been widely accessible.

Since the mid-2000s, they have been of outstanding quality, so there is now very little need for purchasing alkalines. Are there any benefits? It could be less expensive.

Since AA batteries are wireless, you may swap them immediately without waiting to charge.

The wonderful thing is that, unlike proprietary non-replaceable batteries, manufacturers dispute the claim of creating AA batteries that can be replaced (NRBs).

With all the numerous sizes and how difficult and expensive it is to purchase, alkaline batteries have lost all of their usefulness.

Although rechargeables are nearly always preferable, alkalines do have their purpose.

Regarding “various sizes,” as AA batteries are almost universally compatible, you can try out adapters to make them function with other devices if you decide to stick with them.

Nowadays, almost every appliance charges with a USB cord for the following reasons, among others:

While the USB comes wired, the AA batteries are wireless.
When you merely need fresh batteries for an AA battery-powered device, you don’t have to throw them away.
While USB charging is slow, changing AA batteries is quick.
The differences in AA batteries require different chargers; if you charge them incorrectly, bad things can happen (fire outbreaks from explosions, etc.).

The first and second bullet points are crucial as many people are unaware of how absurd it is to be bound by proprietary non-replaceable batteries (NRBs).

The NRBs require you to purchase a new item when they malfunction according to a predefined schedule.

Either play or pay is an option. Which one would you rather pay for? Either being wireless with or without wires is possible. Which one would you rather pay for?

Additionally, high-quality gadgets made for it have USB ports for charging AA batteries. Anyone can do it for no fundamental reason.

Simple sensors that can identify when a cell isn’t charging correctly, such as if alkalis are in and the use of the USB charger to charge them.

These sensors could even alleviate safety issues if someone makes a mistake.

Checking the temperature is simple because they typically overheat before something terrible occurs.

The few devices that support AA battery chargers via USB have temperature sensors built into them already.

The internal built temperature sensors are because proper NiMh AA battery charging requires a thermal sensor regardless.

However, only more expensive, high-quality gadgets will likely support charging AA batteries via USB because accidents are much less likely to happen.

The low probability of accidents is because of better owner maintenance, and it’s less likely that they’ll be within reach of underaged or other unreliable people.