No. Standard household batteries do better in a cool, dry drawer than in the fridge.
This is an old myth that probably started with the idea that cold slows chemical reactions, so it should also slow the self-discharge that drains a battery over time. It's not entirely wrong in theory, but the real-world downsides outweigh the tiny benefit.
The battery types people usually mean here are alkaline or disposable lithium AA/AAA cells — not rechargeable phone or laptop batteries, which have completely different storage rules.
Alkaline batteries already hold their charge extremely well at room temperature, typically losing only a small percentage of capacity per year. Refrigeration saves so little self-discharge that it's not worth the risk.
Moving a cold battery into a warm room causes condensation to form on it, similar to what happens to a cold drink can. That moisture can corrode the terminals or seep into the seams of the casing over time.
Heat is the real enemy — storage above roughly 85°F (29°C) does noticeably degrade batteries over months. Letting them sit next to metal objects that bridge the positive and negative terminals is another common mistake that can drain or even damage them.
Skip the fridge for batteries — the cold does almost nothing useful and the condensation risk is real. A dry drawer at normal room temperature keeps them working just as long with none of the downside.
Same conclusion: don't refrigerate them. Rechargeable lithium-ion cells prefer a cool room, moderate humidity, and a partial charge (around 40-60%) for long-term storage, not a fridge.
No. Freezing can crack casings or cause more severe condensation damage when they thaw, and any shelf-life gain is negligible compared to the risk.
Most alkaline batteries hold roughly 90% of their charge after 5 years at room temperature, which is why refrigeration isn't necessary for typical household use.
Yes, that's worse than the fridge myth in the other direction. Heat above about 85°F (29°C) accelerates self-discharge and can degrade the chemistry noticeably faster.