iPhone Battery Draining Fast: What to Check
Fast battery drain has two causes: something is using power, or the battery is worn out. Check the first before you replace the second.
1Check Battery Health
In Settings, Battery, Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below about 80%, the battery is worn.
2Look at what is using power
Settings, Battery shows which apps use the most. Close or limit anything that runs in the background.
3Update iOS and apps
Updates fix power bugs. Install the latest iOS and update your apps.
4Reduce screen load
Lower the brightness, turn on auto-brightness and shorten the auto-lock time.
5Check for swelling
If the screen or back is lifting, stop using the phone and replace the battery straight away.
6Replace the battery
If health is low or the phone shuts down early, a new battery restores normal battery life.
Common questions
How long does an iPhone battery last?
Most lose noticeable capacity after a few hundred charge cycles, often around two to three years of normal use.
Why does my iPhone shut down at 30%?
A worn battery can't deliver peak power, so the phone shuts down early. A new battery fixes it.
Need to repair it?
Step-by-step guides for the fix, with the parts at trade prices.