The easiest way to tell if your iPhone battery needs replacing is to check its ‘Battery Health’ in your phone’s settings; if the ‘Maximum Capacity’ is below 80%, it’s officially considered consumed by Apple. You can also tell by its real-world performance, such as the battery draining too quickly, the phone shutting down unexpectedly, or feeling sluggish.
The Official Check: Your iPhone’s Battery Health Menu
Your iPhone has a built-in tool that tells you the exact condition of your battery. Here’s how to find it:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Battery.
- Tap on Battery Health & Charging.
Here, you will see two key indicators:
1. “Maximum Capacity”
This percentage measures your battery’s capacity relative to when it was new. A brand new iPhone is at 100%. As the battery ages through normal use, this percentage will drop. According to Apple, a normal battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity. If your battery’s maximum capacity is below 80%, you will notice a significant decline in its performance, and it’s a clear sign that a replacement is needed.
2. The “Service” Warning
If your battery is significantly degraded, iOS will display an important message at the top of this screen, often saying “Your battery’s health is significantly degraded” and officially recommending that you get it serviced.
5 Common Symptoms of a Worn-Out iPhone Battery
Sometimes your phone will tell you it needs a new battery through its performance long before you check the settings. Look out for these common signs:
- It Doesn’t Last the Day: This is the most common complaint. You start the day with a full charge, but with only light to moderate use, you’re looking for a charger by the afternoon.
- Unexpected Shutdowns: Your iPhone suddenly turns off, even when it shows 20% or 30% charge left. This often happens in the cold or when you try to open a demanding app.
- Sluggish Performance: Apps take longer to open, scrolling feels choppy, and your phone generally feels slow. This is because iOS can automatically slow down an iPhone’s performance to prevent it from shutting down when the battery is weak.
- Getting Hot While Charging: While it’s normal for your iPhone to get slightly warm while charging, a battery that gets excessively hot is a sign it’s struggling.
- Physical Swelling: In rare cases, a failing battery can swell, causing your screen to lift or the case to bulge. If you see this, stop using the phone immediately and take it to a professional, as it is a safety hazard.
Ready for a New Battery?
A battery replacement is a fast and cost-effective way to make your iPhone feel brand new again. It can dramatically improve its day-to-day performance and extend its usable life for years.
If you’re seeing any of these signs and you’re in the Bentleigh or Melbourne area, we can perform a professional iPhone battery replacement with high-quality parts. Contact Mobile Phones Repair & Data Recovery by Square Dimension to get your iPhone running like new.