Trickle charging mode is a low-current charging setting for small electronics (earbuds, wearables) or maintaining battery health by supplying just enough power to offset self-discharge, preventing battery damage from constant fast charging and overcoming auto-shutoff in power banks for tiny devices, often activated by a double-tap on a power bank's button, indicated by a green light. It keeps a battery topped up at a very slow rate, ideal for long-term storage or tiny gadgets, rather than quick charging.
 

This video oon YouTube explains what trickle charging mode is and how to use it on Anker power banks 👇

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrjZ3hPGrpY
 

Key Functions & Benefits

  • Maintains Battery Health: For larger devices, it compensates for natural self-discharge, keeping batteries full without overcharging and extending their lifespan.
  • Prevents Overcharging: For phones and tablets, smart circuitry switches to a trickle charge (or equivalent) after 100%, letting the battery drop slightly (to ~95%) before topping up, avoiding battery stress
  • For Low-Power Devices: Prevents power banks from shutting off prematurely when charging tiny items like Bluetooth headphones or fitness trackers.

 

This video explains the concept of a trickle charger in a simple, visual way 👇
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JJmOqNHFfE&t=117
 

How It Works (e.g., on Power Banks)

  1. Activation: You often double-tap the power button on your power bank to switch to this mode (indicated by a green light, says Reddit user and this YouTube video on Anker devices).
  2. Low Current: Delivers very low current (e.g., <0.5A or ~10-40mA).
  3. Auto-Deactivation: Usually turns off after a few hours or when unplugged to save power.

This video shows you how to enable trickle charging mode on an Anker Nano power bank 👇
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxgL9seDeGo
 

When to Use It

  • Charging earbuds, smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other small gadgets.
  • Storing a car or other vehicle for long periods to keep the battery ready.
  • Leaving your phone plugged in overnight (modern phones manage this well).

About the Author
_ Sana Allah Kheiri is the founder of Paratopic Technologies LLC and leads Paratopic’s research and development in AI, cybersecurity, and digital freedom initiatives. Through his blog and technology campaigns, he advocates for the decentralization of digital rights in authoritarian-leaning environments.