
Why Does My Two-Way Radio Only Work for a Few Hours?

Two-way radios are designed to last for at least one working 8-hour shift. Consider our tips if your investment isn’t working properly.
Two-way radios are designed for the workplace, which means they’re meant to stay charged for the length of a shift.
If your radios aren’t working as long as you need them, there may be something wrong with the battery.
This includes factors such as:
- How you charge the battery
- The age of the battery
- How you use your two-way radio
Switch the Radio Off Before Charging
When charging a two-way radio, make sure it is turned off before being placed on the charger. Charging while the radio is turned on will significantly reduce the life of the battery.

To fix a dying radio, consider replacing your batteries every 2 to 3 years.
Replace Old Batteries
The age of the battery is another factor to consider.
The normal service life of most batteries is about two to three years, but may be less than that depending on how they are used and charged.
When a battery is not running to its optimal performance, it often simply needs to be replaced.
Consider Your Usage
Radio usage can also determine the life of a battery charge. Long periods of radio activity will negatively affect battery power so that one charge cycle may not last an entire shift.
If you use your radios heavily, consider carrying charged replacement batteries which can be quickly swapped for a dead battery.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common reasons why your radio may stop working after only a few hours.
If you think the problem may be the battery, try replacing it with a working battery and see if you notice a difference.
If it does not, you may need to get the radio examined by one of our expert two-way radio technicians.
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