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Published on: 04.02.2024 | updated on: 29.02.2024
A failing or degraded iPhone battery that dies too quickly is a common issue users face as their devices age. This may result in constant recharging or your iPhone unexpectedly shutting down when you need it most. Luckily, the iPhone offers Low Power Mode to save battery, but it is just a temporary fix. Ultimately, replacing the battery or upgrading your iPhone may be the only solution, depending on your needs and budget.
But before deciding on anything, it is important to first understand how iPhone batteries degrade, what you can do to restore them, and the best measures to ensure longevity after replacement. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about iPhone battery health and replacement, so keep reading.
In this article, we’ll talk about various factors that can affect battery health and deteriorate it with time and how to identify the signs of battery damage. We’ll mention the steps users should take immediately when dealing with battery issues in their iPhones, such as temporary measures by optimizing battery settings or DIY battery replacement at home. Additionally, the article will provide a comparison of the costs associated with professional battery repair vs battery replacement.
Like all electrical devices, iPhone batteries also degrade naturally over time. After hundreds of charge cycles, you will find your iPhone battery holds less charge than it did earlier. To better track how much the battery has degraded since the activation of the device, Apple offers a “Battery Health” feature that enables users to view battery degradation over time.
But what exactly kills an iPhone battery's health? Listed below are some of the most common accelerators that speed up battery health degradation.
Overcharging an iPhone battery can degrade its overall capacity and health faster over time. Keeping an iPhone plugged in at 100% charge for prolonged periods puts strain on the battery. The optimal charge range for iPhone batteries is around 40-80%.
Extreme heat or cold temperatures can damage iPhone batteries. Exposing an iPhone to direct sunlight for extended periods or leaving it in a hot car can damage the battery. An ambient temperature higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit can permanently damage battery capacity. Similarly, too-cold temperatures can also affect battery health.
Using non-certified chargers, cables, or battery cases can interfere with the iPhone's charging system, producing higher voltages that degrade the battery's health. Only use Apple-certified accessories for charging purposes.
Allowing the iPhone battery to completely drain or keeping it at a very low charge level for a long time can also diminish battery capacity and lifespan over time. The lower the charge level, the faster the degradation.
While these are the most common battery health degradation factors, how you use your device on a day-to-day basis can also ultimately affect its battery health. Using your phone while charging, running heavy applications for hours on end (worse while charging), using high-brightness, settings, etc., all drain the battery and eventually affect the battery health of the iPhone.
Here is how you can identify if your iPhone is facing battery issues:
The most obvious indicator is rapid battery draining. If your iPhone's battery seems to drain much faster than usual, even with normal usage, it likely means the battery needs to be replaced. A battery that drains from 100% to 0% in just a few hours indicates it can no longer hold a proper charge. This can make it very difficult to use your iPhone without having to constantly recharge it.
An iPhone that feels hot to the touch, even when you aren't using heavy apps, may have a worn-out battery that is struggling to supply power properly. This can cause performance issues and force your iPhone to shut down to prevent damage.
Last but not least, if your iPhone suddenly turns off even when it shows there is 30%, 40%, or 50% charge left, it’s likely the battery is worn out and can no longer hold a steady charge. The abrupt shutdowns can result in data loss and make your iPhone unreliable.
All of these battery issues can take a toll on your daily usage. As you experience much shorter battery life, unexpected shutdowns, and overheating, your iPhone becomes much less reliable and usable. Not only is your user experience affected, but you also risk losing data due to shutdowns.
Listed below are step-by-step instructions to check your iPhone's battery health;
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap "Battery."
The "Battery Health" section will show your Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance Capability.
The Maximum Capacity value indicates your battery's current maximum charge compared to when it was new. A value of 100% means your battery is still at full health, while lower percentages indicate some degradation.
Battery health percentages between 80-90% and lower usually indicate it's a good time for a replacement. Less than 80% is considered worn out.
Monitoring these metrics helps identify how much life and performance your iPhone battery has left. Replace if your battery health is considerably lower. A new battery can restore the performance and capacity of your iPhone.
You can increase your average battery life per charge based on your use by simply tweaking some settings. Here is how you can optimize your iPhone settings to conserve battery life;
Dim the screen brightness under Settings > Display & Brightness and set Auto-Brightness to extend battery life.
Disable location access to apps that don’t require your location under Privacy & Security > Location Services.
Prevent apps from updating content in the background unnecessarily under General > Background App Refresh.
This limits background activity and some visual effects to reduce power consumption. Low Power Mode works best at 20% battery or lower.
High heat degrades your battery faster. Don’t leave your iPhone in direct sunlight or other hot areas. Cold temperatures also temporarily reduce battery life.
Too many unnecessary widgets can deplete your battery life as they constantly refresh in real-time and put a strain on the battery.
By adjusting usage habits and limiting features, you can stretch out an aging iPhone battery much longer each day. However, a replacement is still recommended once capacity falls below 80%.
If you are worried about your iPhone dying out on you when you most need it, carrying an external power source can be a great alternative to guarantee your phone lasts throughout the day.
Listed below are some smart external power sources;
A power bank that's easy to carry is ideal for on-the-go charging. High-capacity USB power banks can recharge your device multiple times without needing to charge itself. Just connect your iPhone to it with a lightning cable when your phone's battery gets low and watch the battery turn green from red.
Battery cases wrap around your iPhone, providing extra charging capacity. These cases technically double or triple your phone's battery life and eliminate worry about your iPhone dying on you when you most need it. However, these cases are bulky.
Relying on an external source provides reliable power until you can get the iPhone battery replaced. Just make sure you buy reputable brands and avoid cheap knockoffs, as it may further damage the battery.
Low Power Mode disables unnecessary features such as background activity, visual effects, email fetch, etc., to preserve the battery for longer periods. To turn on Low Power Mode, open Settings > Battery and turn on Low Power Mode below the battery percentage. Your iPhone battery icon will turn yellow when enabled.
Keep Low Power Mode enabled whenever you don't need peak performance to maintain lighter usage. Use this option routinely for optimal impact once your iPhone battery degrades to below 80% health.
You can optimize certain battery-intensive applications to preserve iPhone battery life. Simply go to Settings > Battery to review battery usage by app over the past 24 hours or 7 days. Apps are sorted by highest to lowest battery usage percentage, making power-intensive applications easy to identify.
Here is how to deal with them;
Apps that frequently update in the background can drain a lot of power. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and switch off apps that don't need constant refreshing.
In Settings > Privacy > Location Services, review which apps request your location, and restrict access for apps that don't require it.
Delete apps that you use less but drain a lot of battery. The fewer the apps running, the less battery is consumed.
Replacing an iPhone battery on your own requires technical skill and proper tools. Lacking either of the two risks damaging components or even hurting yourself. However, if you have experience and are confident about the process, review repair guides thoroughly and acquire the exact tools needed for your iPhone model.
Similarly, only use genuine Apple or OEM batteries, as counterfeit parts can damage your device. Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing an iPhone battery yourself:
Turn off your iPhone.
Following a visual guide, open your iPhone to access internal components.
Disconnect the battery connector cable with tweezers before removing adhesive strips and securing the battery.
Now, lift out the old battery.
Fasten the replacement battery into position with adhesive strips and reattach the cables.
Reassemble the iPhone casing carefully to avoid interior damage.
Power on your iPhone and check the battery health under settings for an improved percentage.
Here are some essential tools and supplies that you must have for DIY battery replacement. A proper battery replacement kit will include all the tools and supplies required to replace the battery. However, a battery replacement typically requires the following tools and supplies;
Plastic pry tools to gently separate the glued casing. Avoid metal tools as it may damage internal components.
Suction cups to lift the screen once the adhesive is heated enough.
Precision screwdriver kit to remove delicate interior screws of iPhone.
Replacement battery.
New soft strips to help re-glue the screen and seals.
ESD mat - These mats prevent static discharge from damaging internal components.
Isopropyl alcohol to clean or re-soften adhesive if required.
Quality replacement batteries can be purchased from Amazon or other vendors for $30-$90, depending on the iPhone model. For example, an iPhone XR battery kit typically costs about $30-40 on average. Apple, on the other hand, charges an average of $49-$99 to replace an iPhone battery, depending on the model and if you have an existing warranty.
DIY can greatly reduce costs, as replacing the battery yourself can save you almost $40-$70 per repair. However, attempting complex iPhone repairs comes with safety risks if proper precautions are not taken.
It usually takes around 1-2 hours to replace an iPhone battery by yourself. This time may increase or decrease depending on your expertise. Battery replacement is a three-step process:
This step includes carefully taking apart the iPhone, heating glued sections, and disconnecting connectors. This is the most time-consuming portion and takes up to 45 to 60 minutes, as you ought to be careful and slow.
Once the device is disassembled, the next step is to remove the old battery and install the new one. This process is relatively easy and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.
Finally, the last part is reassembling all the iPhone components. This process can be lengthy and may take up to an hour for those new to the process to avoid mistakes.
The main benefits of getting a professional iPhone battery replacement are as follows:
Professionally-trained phone repair technicians have extensive experience of replacing iPhone batteries efficiently. They are quick and effective and can complete the job in less than an hour.
Repair shops invest in commercial heating tools to soften adhesive and precision screwdrivers that simplify the procedure while minimizing risks. More importantly, professional shops are also set up to dispose of and recycle degraded batteries properly.
Professional service providers guarantee the use of real batteries from reliable suppliers, unlike third-party vendors online with risks. Professional installation often comes with limited warranties to protect against errors.
With a technician handling everything start-to-finish on the same day, having your battery replaced professionally means no research, tools, or skill is needed from your end.
Here are some tips for choosing a trustworthy iPhone battery replacement service;
Opt for an authorized Apple service provider if possible. But if you are opting for a third-party service or a local repair store, verify to confirm proper training and resources through platforms such as Simply Fixable.
Search for reviews on Google for customer experiences, looking for patterns of feedback related to repair quality, customer service, warranties, and pricing.
Many professional iPhone repair services offer warranties on labor or parts in case an issue develops later on after repair.
Inquire about average service completion times so you can set proper expectations on when you’ll get your iPhone back. Some repair stores give your device back on the same day.
The cost to repair an iPhone battery depends on several factors, such as the model, warranty, and repair service. The repair cost for newer models, such as iPhone 15, may be higher than for older devices.
Similarly, where you are getting the battery replaced can also influence the price. Battery replacement through Apple will cost more if you don’t have a warranty. However, battery replacement through a local repair store is a great option if you want competitive prices + high-quality parts. Here is a breakdown of iPhone battery replacement costs in the United States:
|
Simply Fixable |
Apple |
Asurion (formerly Ubreakifix) |
Average iPhone battery replacement cost |
$111.04 |
$85.15 |
$102.35 |
Repair warranty |
90 days minimum |
90 days from the date of service |
1 year minimum |
Table 1. Average iPhone Battery Replacement Cost & Repair Warranty per Provider
*Data in the given table is based on Simply Fixable's market research and the official Apple website
There is no definite answer to exactly how long a new iPhone battery lasts after replacement. However, there are some key factors:
An authentic Apple battery or an OEM battery will typically last longer - around 2-3 years with decent usage habits. Third-party batteries may only last 12-18 months before degrading again quickly.
Avoiding overcharging your iPhone overnight or draining the battery completely prolongs overall battery capacity much more gradually.
As Apple issues major iOS updates yearly, older iPhones often lose software support after several years. Newer iOS versions also run less efficiently on aging hardware, taxing batteries further.
Replacing the battery in a fairly new 1 or 2-year-old iPhone to restore it to full-day usage is generally wise. This will help extend its lifespan for another couple of years. However, on a 4 to 5-year-old iPhone with declining software support, getting a new device will be wiser as repetitive battery replacements and slowed processing speed will affect user experience.
Secondly, for budget iPhone owners who are not ready to purchase a new phone, a battery replacement is worth it.
When it comes to restoring iPhone battery life, you essentially have two options: battery repair or full replacement. However, unlike a cracked iPhone screen, batteries cannot actually be repaired because the chemical compounds inside degrade permanently over hundreds of charge cycles. Therefore, swapping in an entirely new iPhone battery is the only solution.
If your iPhone is only 1-2 years old, then battery replacement makes financial sense to restore it to like-new battery life. However, on a more than 5-year-old iPhone with outdated features, putting cash into a replacement battery provides increasingly limited usability as newer software slows down support.
Yes, iPhone batteries can be replaced. As lithium-ion batteries age and degrade through normal use, the battery life gets shorter. Replacing an old iPhone battery with a new one can restore battery life and performance.
It's generally recommended to replace your iPhone battery when its maximum capacity has degraded to 80% or below. You'll experience much faster battery drain at 80% health and lower.
It is almost impossible to keep an iPhone battery 100% healthy. Lithium-ion batteries degrade naturally over time.
Installing a brand new battery from Apple or authorized providers will restore your battery health reading back to 100% maximum capacity.
Expect iPhone battery health to be around 92-95% after one year of average use. 10-15% depletion within the first year is normal. The rate of degradation usually speeds up after year 1 and beyond.
iPhones will continue functioning with battery health as low as 50%, but performance suffers severely. Most users cannot tolerate battery life below 70%.
Yes. Using dark mode can reduce the power consumption of your iPhone by at least 42% at full-screen brightness.
Yes, keeping brightness below 50% extends iPhone battery life significantly. For the best battery time, turn on auto-brightness to adjust to lighting conditions
Batteries in iPhones degrade naturally over time, leading to issues like rapid power draining and unexpected shutdowns. While temporary remedies like Low Power Mode help conserve battery life, replacement is the only solution for restoring battery performance in the long run.
Before considering replacement, monitor your iPhone's Battery Health in Settings. When maximum capacity dips below 80%, it becomes worthwhile to replace the battery, either via affordable DIY kits or professional repair shops. However, on a very old iPhone that Apple no longer supports with iOS updates, the wiser financial move may be putting that cash towards upgrading your device.
Author: Madiha Khadim
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Tech Writer | Photographer
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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