LabQuest’s battery will last a full school day, or 6 hours. We have tested a Temperature Probe for 8 hours of continuous monitoring, and it works great. However, some sensors need more power than others. For example, Motion Detectors draw a lot more current than other sensors. Also, using multiple sensors at once may use up the battery more quickly.

Some ways to optimize battery life:

1. Turn off the LabQuest when it is not in use, especially between classes. In addition to conserving energy, this will also make sure that experiments started later in the day will start cleanly and without data left over from earlier groups.
2. If you are not actively monitoring readings, tap the Graph tab or display some screen other than the Meter screen. Leaving the unit on the Meter screen drains batteries more than anything else because the software is actively scanning for new sensors.
3. Disconnect any sensors you are not actively using.
4. Set the screen brightness to the minimum acceptable level using the Light & Power app.
   Original LabQuest—Tap Home > Control Panel > Light & Power
   LabQuest 2—Tap Home > Preferences > Light & Power
   LabQuest 3—Tap Settings > Light & Power
   Other power settings are available from the Light and Power app. Your options vary depending on your LabQuest model.
5. Charge the LabQuest overnight before use to start the day with a full charge.
6. Turn off (LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3) or unplug (original LabQuest) WiFi. Note that Wi-Fi is still using power even if you are not connected or within range of a network.
   Original LabQuest—disconnect the Wi-Fi adapter
   LabQuest 2—Tap the Wi-Fi icon and turn Wi-Fi off.
   LabQuest 3—Tap Settings > Connections and turn Wi-Fi off.
7. Turn off (LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3) or unplug (original LabQuest) GPS. Note that Wi-Fi is still using power even if you are not connected or within range of a network.
   Original LabQuest—disconnect the GPS dongle
   LabQuest 2 and LabQuest 3—Tap Sensors > Sensor Setup from the LabQuest App sensor screen and uncheck the GPS sensor.
8. Exposure to temperatures over 35°C will significantly reduce battery life. For example, leaving a LabQuest in a hot car all day will reduce the battery life. This is the most common reason for premature battery failure.

See also:
How long will the LabQuest battery pack last?
LabQuest 2 Battery Troubleshooting and FAQs
Original LabQuest Battery Troubleshooting and FAQs