How to Recharge AA Batteries without a Charger

The only rechargeable AA batteries that do not require a charger are those that are pre-charged rechargeables. Duracell offers a line of these type of batteries that work by pressing a charging sensor on the side of the battery.

Step 1: Purchase Pre-Charged Rechargeables

Purchase from the store packaged, pre-charged rechargeable batteries. These are batteries that come from the manufacturer with the ability for the user to charge them by pressing a sensor located on the side of the battery. Having the ability to press a sensor eliminates the need for the use of a charger and gives several cycles of usable life from the battery.

A special note: AA batteries that are not rechargeable, such as alkaline batteries, cannot be recharged. Usually these batteries are marked “DO NOT RECHARGE” on the side and somehow, somewhere, some genius does not think that this warning applies to them and attempt to recharge them.

If you read on some website (and luckily there appears to be less than 10 of them) that a battery can be taped to another working battery to generate voltage or the battery can be placed into a freezer to extend its life, the answer to these urban myths is no. Non-rechargeable batteries cannot be recharged by any method. Attempting to do so may result in an explosion, fire or injury to you.