Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? Choose a category and get answers to the most common questions.

Duracell

Rechargeable

Show / hide

Why choosing Duracell Rechargeable batteries?

Duracell Rechargeable batteries combine high capacity with the unique Duralock technology, keeping your batteries charged for longer, charge after charge. They are ideal for mid to high-drain devices.
Show / hide

How many times can I charge my Duracell rechargeable batteries?

Duracell Rechargeable batteries can be re-charged hundreds of times, they’re great value.
Show / hide

Should Duracell Rechargeable batteries be fully discharged before re-charging?

Duracell Rechargeable batteries do not suffer from the so-called memory effect so there is no issue in charging them even when they are not fully discharged.
Show / hide

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING UK HAS BEEN QUOTED AS SAYING THAT YOU SHOULDN’T USE RECHARGABLES IN SMOKE ALARMS. IS THIS CORRECT?

Good Housekeeping rationale: “when rechargeable batteries run out of power, they do so very quickly, whereas disposable alkaline batteries tend to ‘die’ slowly. This means you won’t get the warning beeps that tell you when the battery in your smoke alarm needs changing if you use rechargeables.” Due to its safety nature, the smoke alarm is not an ideal device for standard rechargeable batteries. Indeed standard rechargeable batteries discharge with time, and this means that for essential safety devices such as a smoke alarm, it is not recommended. We also need to remember that even if disposable batteries are used in smoke alarms, it is highly recommended to change the battery a minimum of once a year. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us.
Show / hide

IS IT OK TO USE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES IN ANY DEVICE?

You can use round cell rechargeable in absolutely any device where you would normally use an alkaline battery, unless stated otherwise by the device manufacturer. There are no interference implications using rechargeable battery brands that are different to the device brand. (Please note that this is referring to round cell rechargeables, the lithium different shaped batteries are often developed by the manufacturer specifically to fit a certain cavity size, and therefore only the brand battery might work).
Show / hide

IS THERE A SAFETY CONCERN ABOUT USING RECHARGEABLES IN SOME TOYS?

There are no safety issues with rechargeable batteries in toys.
Show / hide

WHAT ABOUT GADGETS YOU DON’T OFTEN USE? WILL THE BATTERY DRAIN ITSELF IF THE GADGETS ARE UNUSED FOR A WHILE?

Standard rechargeable batteries do discharge overtime and are therefore not ideal for devices not used often or low-drain equipment.
Show / hide

WHICH DEVICES SHOULDN’T YOU USE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES IN?

You can use rechargeable batteries in absolutely any device where you would normally use an alkaline battery, unless stated otherwise by the device manufacturer. There are no interference implications using rechargeable battery brands that are different to the device brand.
Show / hide

IS IT SAFE TO LEAVE THE CELLS IN THE CHARGER OVERNIGHT?

Yes, due to Duracell’s built-in safety features, it is safe to leave the cells in the charger overnight. Duracell does recommend that you un-plug the charger after use.
Show / hide

DO DURACELL CHARGERS SHUT OFF WHEN CHARGING IS COMPLETE?

Duracell chargers will switch to a trickle charge when the normal charge is complete. Duracell recommends you unplug your charger when it is not in use.
Show / hide

Can I charge base NIMH cells in my Duracell charger?

Yes. All NiMH batteries can be charged in Duracell chargers. Recognize that higher mAh capacity cells require longer charge times to reach full capacity.
Show / hide

WILL I NEED A VOLTAGE CONVERTER FOR MY DURACELL CHARGER WHEN TRAVELLING OVERSEAS?

A plug adaptor will be required, but not a voltage converter. (The voltage range on Duracell chargers is 100 – 240 volts, 50/60Hz).
Show / hide

WHY DO CHARGERS LIST A “RANGE” OF TIME WHEN EXPLAINING THEIR CHARGE TIME?

When a charger lists a range of charge time, it refers to the time it takes to charge a lower mAh cell. For example, a AAA cell will typically have a lower mAh capacity rating than a AA cell and will therefore require less time to charge.
Show / hide

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DURACELL CHARGER DOES NOT SEEM TO BE CHARGING?

We suggest trying the following: Unplug the charger from the wall between each use b. Check that the batteries are positioned correctly in the correct slots c. Ensure you are attempting to charge Duracell NiMH rechargeable batteries
Show / hide

HOW MANY TIMES CAN I CHARGE MY DURACELL NIMH BATTERIES?

Duracell NiMH batteries can be re-charged hundreds of times they’re great value!
Show / hide

SHOULD I CHARGE DURACELL STAYCHARGED NIMH CELLS BEFORE I USE THEM?

It is not necessary to charge Duracell Staycharged NiMH cells before use because they retain up to 75% of their capacity after one year in storage. However, it is necessary to charge Duracell Base NiMH cells before their initial use as they lose 1% to 2% of their capacity per day while in storage.
Show / hide

SHOULD DURACELL NIMH CELLS BE FULLY DISCHARGED BEFORE RE-CHARGING?

Duracell NiMH cells do not suffer from the so-called memory effect and it is OK to charge them even when they are not fully discharged. It is NiCad formulated cells that are subject to a memory effect and Duracell does not offer NiCad cells.
Show / hide

Can Duracell NIMH rechargeable cells be used in my device?

Yes. As long as it is the right size, you can use Duracell NiMH cells in any device, however Duracell recommends consulting your device user manual for compatibility. NiMH cells are best suited to high-drain devices – in other words, devices such as digital cameras, which usually drain alkaline batteries very quickly.
Show / hide

Can I charge NON-NIMH cells (alkaline, zinc, heavy duty, nicad, etc.) in my Duracell charger?

No. You can only charge NiMH batteries in a Duracell charger.
Show / hide

HOW LONG WILL DURACELL STAYCHARGED BATTERIES STAY CHARGED?

They will retain up to 75% of their capacity after one year in storage.
Show / hide

CAN NEW DURACELL CHARGERS CHARGE OTHER NIMH CELLS?

Yes, they can charge any NiMH cells.
Show / hide

Can Duracell staycharged NIMH cells be charged in any NIMH battery charger?

Yes, in any NiMH charger, but Duracell chargers are recommended because they are among the safest in the industry.
Show / hide

Can Duracell Rechargeable batteries be charged in any battery charger?

Yes, in any charger, but Duracell chargers are recommended because they are among the safest in the industry.
Show / hide

Which devices shouldn’t you use rechargeable batteries in?

You can use rechargeable batteries in absolutely any device where you would normally use an alkaline battery, unless stated otherwise by the device manufacturer. There are no interference implications using rechargeable battery brands that are different to the device brand.
Show / hide

Can Duracell Rechargeable batteries be charged in any battery charger?

Yes, in any charger, but Duracell chargers are recommended because they are among the safest in the industry.
Show / hide

Can Duracell Rechargeable batteries be used in my device?

Yes. As long as it is the right size, you can use Duracell rechargeables cells in any device, however Duracell recommends consulting your device user manual for compatibility. Rechargeable cells are best suited for mid to high-drain devices – in other words, devices such as digital camera or wireless game controller, which usually drain alkaline batteries quickly.
Show / hide

Can new Duracell chargers charge other NiMH cells?

Yes, they can charge any NiMH cells.
Duracell Duracell

Contact us

Can't find an answer here? Write us a message and get an answer within 48 hours.

Contact us

Consumer care line:


United Kingdom - 0800 716 434
Ireland - 1 800 509 176
South Africa - 0800 980782
Israel – 1 800 225510
Portugal - Envia-nos um email. Por favor, clique aqui.
Send us an email by clicking the `Contact Us` button above.

Unfortunately, online scams are becoming more and more frequent. They impersonate Duracell and other well-known people & brands. Please be aware that Duracell will never ask for you to share your personal details for any reason. As an example, we are aware of ‘job adverts’ that are listed on Duracell Spain’s Facebook account. This is a fake job advert, and we are working with Meta on taking it down. Please do not engage with it. If you encounter any other scam, please inform our consumer centre.