Do I Need to Drain My Kindle Before Charging?

You can charge your Kindle's battery by connecting it either to your computer or an outlet using the wall outlet adapter that comes with your Kindle. Amazon.com recommends leaving your laptop plugged in to provide sufficient power to the USB port, and to disable any sleep or hibernate functions that may disrupt the charging cycle. You can plug your Kindle in to charge at any time regardless of the remaining battery power. Harding Energy, a battery manufacturer, does not recommend fully draining a lithium battery.

According to Amazon.com, you can use the Kindle while it is charging -- either while plugged into a wall outlet or into your computer. However, doing so may make the charging process less efficient. If at all possible, let your Kindle charge undisturbed, even if that means only charging for half an hour. There is no harm in letting the battery take a partial charge; it can in fact be better for the battery.

While all rechargeable batteries eventually hit a point where they can no longer hold a charge, this issue does not stem from the charging method in lithium batteries. Lithium batteries tend to have a set number of full charges -- if you only charge 50 percent of your battery, you have used half a charge.

Take measures to preserve your battery life. Turn off your wireless and put the Kindle to sleep when you're not using it. You do not need to turn your Kindle off unless you're planning not to use it for extended periods of time; sleep mode is easier on the battery when you turn the Kindle back on.