Battery FAQ

Sara Sampson Updated by Sara Sampson

What Type of Batteries are used in Sphero Robots?

Sphero robots contain lithium polymer batteries. These are different than the batteries you typically buy at the store because of their power density - meaning they are really small, but produce a large amount of power!

Lithium batteries are also used in cell phones because of their high power density.

Sphero creates custom batteries for each of our products so they fit inside the compact design.

Why is My Battery not Holding a Charge?

We wish our batteries would last forever - there are two main reasons they are unable to.

  1. Age - over time all rechargeable batteries lose capacity, and eventually die
  2. Charging Cycles - in healthy batteries, ions flow between a cathode and an anode. When you charge a battery, ions move from the cathode to the anode. When you're using the battery (playing with your robot), ions move from the anode to the cathode. Over time, this process wears out the cathode, reducing the battery's capacity. You are now a battery expert!

I Haven't Used My Robot in a Long Time. Why Isn't it Working?

Even when batteries are not being used, their lifetime performance degrades. Batteries that are not used can lose 20%-35% each year depending on storage climate and temperature.

How Can I Extend the Life of my Battery?

Anytime your robot is not in use, we recommend putting your robot into deep sleep and keeping it off the charger.

For the best way to maintain your battery, prior to putting the robot into deep sleep, we recommend first running the battery down to 50%* and then putting in deep sleep. The most important thing to note is that, when not in use, the robot should be stored in deep sleep and in a cool area.

You can put your robot into deep sleep via the app you're using. Please note, putting a robot back on its charging base, or plugging it in, will wake the battery up from deep sleep. Therefore, robots should not be stored while charging.

If you're using a Power Pack, it is okay to store your robots on the charging bases as long as the Power Pack is not plugged into the wall and receiving power.

RVR will provide power via the USB and Universal expansion port even when it appears to be off, disconnect your projects when not in use to avoid draining the battery with them. You can also remove the battery when not in use to avoid slowly draining.

*For Lightning McQueen, we recommend charging the battery to 100% and then putting it into deep sleep. The battery should not be run down to 50% prior to putting in deep sleep.

Can I Replace or Repair the Battery?

The majority of Sphero robots have a hard outer shell (made of polycarbonate) that is fused together. This design allows our robots to be both incredibly strong and waterproof.

Because the shells are fused together, the battery cannot be replaced.*

We do not recommend trying to open your robot to look at the battery. Batteries can be dangerous, and destroying the shell voids your warranty.

*RVR has a replaceable battery and you can purchase a new battery here. Sphero Mini's shell can be removed, but the battery cannot be replaced.

How do I Know if My Battery is Dead?

Round Sphero Robots (including BB-8 and BB-9E)

Leave your robot sitting in the charging base for three hours. Please ensure your outlet is working and the heaviest part of the robot is nestled into the charging base.

After charging for three hours, remove the robot from the charging base. If the robot flashes red, or has no lights, this indicates a low or critical battery.

You can also check the battery level within the app.

R2-D2

Leave R2-D2 plugged into the charger for three hours. Please ensure you are using a working outlet.

After charging for three hours, remove R2-D2 from the charging cord. If R2-D2 flashes red, or has no lights, this indicates a low or critical battery.

You can also check the battery level within the Star Wars Droids app.

Spider-Man

Leave Spider-Man on his charging base for three house. Please ensure your outlet is working.

After charging for three hours, remove Spider-Man from the charging base. Wait five minutes, and then check the battery level within the app. If the battery charge percentage is significantly below 100%, this indicates that Spider-Man's battery is having difficulty holding a charge.

Lightning McQueen

Plug Lightning McQueen into his charger and charge for three hours. When the battery has enough power, the headlights on the car should start pulsing with the screen. After a period of pulsing, the screen will come on.

RVR

If you have charged RVR based on the below time requirements, but are only seeing one LED light on the charging indicator, please click the link in the next section.

  • 1A charger (USB port on a computer, basic phone charger) - 10-12 hours
  • 2A charger (Tablet charger, 2.1A labeled phone chargers) - 4-6 hours
  • Quick Charge 3.0/USB-PD (Quick charge labeled charging brick, high end phone chargers) - 2-4 hours

What Do I Do if my Battery is Dead?

If you have determined your battery is dead, please click here for next steps.

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