Using Battery Health Charging extension, some laptop models are supported out of the box, while others model that are not supported by native linux kernel need to install dependencies, either 3rd party kernel module or packages.
The below link for readme of extension Github pages, contains a list of laptop make/model and dependencies, if required. It also contains command-line to change threshold which can be helpful for other desktop environments such as KDE,XCFE. Please check it out for more information
I have seem lots of users in different forums asking for a GUI way to change battery charging limit/threshold and in most case the post gets locked in 3-4 days without the correct solution and I am unable to answer them, so I am creating this post. Most of user are even unaware that enthusiast have developed kernel modules and packages to change charging threshold.
Hope whoever needs this, finds this post.
We are trying to push the life of batteries inside the laptops to the maximum.
Depending on the brand, if you charge them to 100% and go to 0% they will not last to their optimum life expectancy. (Impact; storage : Some manufacturers suggest charging to 50 % if the laptop is to be put in a shelf etc … )
An example (TLP) that a program can do to help longevity:
Discharge during use down to 40% and after, charge up to 80% … can be edited in TLP for a Lenovo.
(other links for different manufacturers; one can navigate inside the wiki … )
For another brand maybe 30 to 70 or 50 to 75 etc…
My understanding is after replacing both batteries in a E580 Lenovo and the ASUS X555Q, I will try to get the most life of them before buying and changing them again. ($ economics perspective)
I hope I understood your question to your expectations
Thanks for the reply. I use Dell Latitude 5490 and as for charging i usually charge to 80 to 85 percent and discharge and plug again when it crosses 30 but i could not really find good information related to this which was more centered towards Dell laptops. Most i have heard is that 80 is the generalized limit recommended by most.
As you are more experienced in this would you also recommend this as well for the upper and lower threshold?
Well I guess I’m not to succesful to match Dells with TLP.
I would continue my search with the other programs you can find that will work with your laptop.
The one mentionned by the OP (first post) must be very interesting to try …
Could you please elaborate how this is helpful for laptop batteries?
This is useful for user who mostly (for days ) use their laptop with charger plugged in and rarely on batteries. (example gamers, office user) and If the battery is kept at 100% all the time it will degrade the battery.
If this is your usecase, then its better to set charging threshold if your laptop supports the feature.
For Dell model (that support this feaure) you can do it in BIOS, on using command-line in linux after installing libsmbios or dell command center package, and using this by using this extension (Although it does required libsmbios or dell command center to work on Dell laptops)
If you using the laptop on battery everyday then it better to not set charging limit and allow it to charge to 100%.
would you also recommend this as well for the upper and lower threshold?
Would recommend 80%-75%.
Reason:
It is hardly consider a cycle count (which is another factor that degrads battery), as compared to 80-30%
Best balance in terms of usability and battery health, incase in emergency you need to use the laptop on battery, you still have 75% to 80% of juice left to keep the laptop running as compared to if you set threshold at 60-55%
Although 60-55 is the best value, it difference in prolonging the battery health is minimal.
Some manufacturer such as Asus, Lenovo Ideapad/Legion have also moved from 60% charging limit to 80% charging limit.
