text: how to know your rechargeable batteries are no longer usable? i have a few rechargeable aaa and aa cells for use in gadgets. but they discharge too fast after charging for 12 hours!! is there any way to know they are practically dead already? discolouration,etc. after charging, they show good voltage on voltmeter. the only way to know for sure is if they do not hold a charge for any length of time.  rechargeable batteries can only be recharged a number of times before they will not hold a charge.  when you purchase a new battery, it should state how many times the battery may be recharged before it will no longer hold a charge.  might be a good idea to keep track of how many times you recharge each battery to know for sure.