Why your phone battery dies fast and how to fix it
Learn why your phone battery drains quickly and how to make it last longer with simple settings changes on iPhone and Android.
What you will learn
In this guide, you will learn the most common reasons why your phone battery drains quickly and how to change a few simple settings to make it last much longer throughout the day.
What you need
- Your phone (iPhone or Android)
- About 5 minutes
The steps
Step 1: Check which apps use the most battery
On iPhone, go to Settings, then tap Battery. You will see a list of apps and how much battery each one used. On Android, go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery usage. Look for any app using an unusually large amount.
Step 2: Lower your screen brightness
The screen is the biggest battery drain on any phone. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings panel. Find the brightness slider and drag it lower. You can also turn on Auto-Brightness so the phone adjusts on its own.
Step 3: Turn off location services for apps that do not need it
Many apps track your location in the background, which uses a lot of battery. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Location Services. Change apps to While Using instead of Always. On Android, go to Settings, then Location, then App permissions and do the same.
Step 4: Turn on Low Power Mode
On iPhone, go to Settings, then Battery, and turn on Low Power Mode. This reduces background activity and makes your battery last longer. On Android, go to Settings, then Battery, and turn on Battery Saver. You can also add these to your quick settings panel for easy access.
Step 5: Turn off unnecessary notifications
Every notification lights up your screen and uses power. Go to Settings, then Notifications. Look through the list and turn off notifications for apps that are not important to you, like games or shopping apps.
Step 6: Check your battery health
On iPhone, go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health and Charging. Look at the Maximum Capacity number. If it is below 80 percent, your battery is worn out and may need replacing. On Android, go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery health (availability varies by phone model).
Step 7: Restart your phone
Sometimes a simple restart fixes battery drain caused by apps stuck running in the background. Hold the power button and tap Restart. This gives your phone a fresh start.
Tips
- Charge your phone before it drops below 20 percent to help preserve battery health over time.
- Wi-Fi uses less battery than mobile data. Connect to Wi-Fi when you are at home or in a place you trust.
- If you do not need it, turn off Bluetooth when not in use.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Very hot or very cold weather makes batteries drain faster.
Useful links
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Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for my battery to drain faster as my phone gets older?
Yes. Phone batteries lose capacity over time. After two or three years, your battery may only hold 80 percent of its original charge. You can check your battery health in Settings.
Does closing apps save battery?
Not really. On modern phones, apps in the background use very little power. Constantly closing and reopening apps can actually use more battery than leaving them alone.
Does dark mode save battery?
Yes, but only on phones with OLED screens (most newer phones). Dark mode uses less power because the screen turns off black pixels completely.
Should I let my battery drain to zero before charging?
No. Modern phone batteries last longer if you keep them between 20 and 80 percent. There is no need to fully drain them.
When should I replace my battery?
If your battery health is below 80 percent and your phone dies very quickly, it may be time for a battery replacement. Visit an authorized repair center for a new battery.
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