Checking and maintaining your iPhone’s battery health is a crucial aspect of ensuring the longevity of your device. A healthy battery keeps your iPhone performing well and enhances your user experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through different methods to check iPhone battery health, understand battery health metrics, and provide tips to extend your battery’s lifespan.
Why Battery Health Matters
Checking your iPhone battery health is important because the condition of the battery significantly impacts your device’s performance. Over time, lithium-ion batteries (used in iPhones) degrade and their capacity diminishes. This can lead to the following issues:
- Rapid battery drainage
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Reduced peak performance
- Slower charging times
- Thermal issues (excessive heating)
By regularly checking your battery health, you can identify these issues early and take steps to address them before they become severe.
Checking Battery Health Using iPhone Settings
The most direct and reliable way to check your iPhone battery health is by using the built-in Battery Health feature in iOS. This functionality is available with iOS 11.3 or later versions.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Scroll down and tap on Battery
- Select Battery Health & Charging (iOS 16 or later) or simply Battery Health (older iOS)
- Here you’ll see your battery’s Maximum Capacity percentage and Peak Performance Capability status
If you’re using iOS 16 or later, you’ll also see more detailed battery usage information here, such as:
- Battery usage over the last 24 hours
- Patterns over the last 10 days
- Battery usage by app
- Optimized Battery Charging status
- Battery cycle count (iOS 17 or later)
Understanding Battery Health Metrics
It’s important to understand the metrics shown in your iPhone’s Battery Health section:
Maximum Capacity
The Maximum Capacity percentage measures your current battery capacity compared to when it was new. A new iPhone will show 100%, while a used iPhone might show a lower percentage. This percentage naturally decreases over time and with charge cycles.
A general guideline according to battery health percentage:
- 100% – 80%: Excellent condition – battery is healthy and performs well
- 79% – 60%: Fair condition – battery shows some wear but still functional
- 59% – 40%: Poor condition – battery has significantly degraded, consider replacement
- Below 40%: Very poor condition – immediate battery replacement is recommended
Peak Performance Capability
This indicator tells you whether your battery can support normal peak performance. Possible status messages include:
- Your battery is currently supporting normal peak performance: This means your battery is in good condition
- Performance management has been applied: This means your iPhone has reduced performance due to battery condition to prevent unexpected shutdowns
- Battery health significantly degraded: This means your battery has seriously deteriorated and needs replacement
- Unknown battery condition: The iPhone couldn’t determine your battery’s condition
Battery Cycle Count
In iOS 17 or later, you can also see your battery cycle count. A cycle is using 100% of your battery’s capacity, which can happen all at once or over multiple charging sessions.
iPhone batteries are typically designed for 500-1000 cycles. When your battery exceeds this limit, it will begin to degrade more rapidly.
How to Check iPhone Battery Health Without Activating
If you’re looking to check an iPhone’s battery health without fully activating the device (like when buying a used iPhone), you have several options:
1. Using Diagnostic Mode
iPhones have a hidden diagnostic mode that can be accessed without fully setting up the device:
- Power off the iPhone completely
- Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously (on newer models)
- When the Apple logo appears, release the Power button but continue holding Volume Down
- This should take you to Diagnostics and Repair mode
- Select “Battery” from the options to view battery health information
Note: This method doesn’t work on all iPhone models and may vary slightly depending on the iOS version.
2. Quick Look During Setup
When purchasing a used iPhone that’s been reset:
- Begin the setup process
- Connect to WiFi when prompted
- Before completing setup, check if you can access Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner
- Look at the battery percentage for a basic health indicator
- You can cancel the setup process afterward
3. Ask the Seller for Screenshots
If buying a used iPhone, ask the seller to provide screenshots of:
- The Battery Health section from Settings
- Battery usage graph
- Any “Service” warnings that might appear
This gives you information before purchase without needing to activate the phone.
iPhone Battery Health Check by IMEI
You can check some aspects of your iPhone’s information using its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, though direct battery health checking via IMEI has limitations:
How to Find Your iPhone’s IMEI:
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Scroll down to find the IMEI number
- Alternatively, dial *#06# on the Phone app to display the IMEI
Using IMEI for Battery Information:
While IMEI primarily identifies your device rather than providing battery specifics, some services can give you insight about your device that might indicate battery status:
- Visit reputable IMEI checking websites like IMEI.info, SNDeepInfo, or CheckCoverage on Apple’s website
- Enter your iPhone’s IMEI number
- These services can tell you:
- Activation status
- Warranty information (which might indicate if battery service is available)
- Purchase date (helpful for estimating battery age)
- Model information
Note: Most IMEI checkers cannot directly access battery health percentage, but knowing your device’s age can help estimate battery condition.
iPhone Battery Health Check Code
Several diagnostic codes can help check your iPhone’s battery and general status:
Dial Codes for Battery Information:
- *#0battinfo# – On some carriers, this code might show battery information when dialed in the Phone app
- *#*#4636#*#* – On some devices, this code may provide access to engineering mode with battery information
- 3001#12345# – Field Test Mode, which might provide some diagnostic information
Note: These codes don’t work consistently across all iPhone models and carriers. Their functionality is limited on iOS compared to Android devices.
Using Apple’s Diagnostic Tools:
A more reliable approach is using Apple’s diagnostic features:
- Apple Support App Diagnostics:
- Download the Apple Support app
- Select your device
- Choose “Device Performance” then “Battery”
- Run the battery diagnostic test
- Remote Diagnostics with Apple Support:
- Contact Apple Support via phone or chat
- Request a battery diagnostic
- They can run a remote diagnostic to check your battery health
Battery Health Checker Tools
Besides Apple’s built-in tools, several third-party solutions can help check your iPhone’s battery health:
Popular Third-Party Apps:
- Battery Life – Available for free on the App Store, provides information about current battery condition, battery temperature, and estimated charge cycles
- CoconutBattery (requires Mac) – This is a Mac app that provides detailed information about your iPhone’s battery health when connected to your Mac
- iMazing – This is a paid Mac/Windows app that can provide detailed reports about your iPhone battery health, including accurate cycle counts
- Battery HD+ – Helps track iPhone battery usage and estimate battery life
- iBackupBot – Provides battery cycle count and health information when your iPhone is connected to a computer
Steps to Use Battery Health Checker Tools:
- Download your preferred app from the App Store or to your computer
- Open the app and provide necessary permissions
- For computer-based tools, connect your iPhone using a USB cable
- Follow the app’s instructions to get a battery health report
- Explore different sections to view additional information about battery health
What These Tools Can Tell You:
- Current capacity vs. original capacity
- Battery wear level
- Charge cycles
- Battery temperature
- Discharge rate
- Runtime estimates
- Battery age
iPhone Battery Health Check Online
For those who prefer not to download additional apps, several online options exist to help assess your iPhone’s battery health:
Online Battery Health Check Options:
- Apple’s Support Website:
- Visit support.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Select your device
- Run available diagnostics
- Apple’s Coverage Check:
- Visit checkcoverage.apple.com
- Enter your iPhone’s serial number
- Check if battery service is available under warranty
- Community Forums:
- Apple Support Communities and MacRumors forums have threads where you can compare your battery health with others
- Post your iPhone model, iOS version, and battery health to get community feedback
Limitations of Online Checks:
Online checks can’t directly measure your battery’s health without physical connection to your device. They primarily help you:
- Understand if your battery health is normal for your device’s age
- Determine warranty status for battery service
- Get recommendations based on your reported symptoms
iPhone Shortcuts for Real Battery Health
Apple’s Shortcuts app can be used to create custom automations that reveal more detailed battery information than what’s available in the Settings app:
Setting Up Battery Health Shortcuts:
- Install the Shortcuts App:
- If you don’t already have it, download “Shortcuts” from the App Store
- Battery Health Shortcut:
- You can download pre-made battery health shortcuts from trustworthy sources
- Popular options include “Battery Health Info” and “Battery Life”
- These shortcuts can show:
- Raw maximum capacity (potentially more precise than Settings)
- Charge cycles
- Battery temperature
- Battery age
- Design capacity vs. current capacity
- How to Add a Battery Shortcut:
- Open the Shortcuts app
- Tap the “+” icon to create a new shortcut
- Search for battery-related actions
- Alternatively, find shared shortcuts online through trusted sources
- Tap “Add Shortcut” when prompted
- Running the Shortcut:
- Access from the Shortcuts app
- Add to Home Screen for quick access
- Some shortcuts can be added to the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island in iOS 16/17
What Makes These Shortcuts Special:
- They can access system-level battery information
- Some can display more decimal points for battery health (86.45% instead of just 86%)
- They can track battery health over time by logging to Notes or Files
- Some calculate estimated remaining cycle count based on Apple’s specifications
Note: While these shortcuts provide additional insights, they still rely on the data Apple’s system makes available. For the most accurate results, Apple’s diagnostic tools remain the gold standard.
Checking Battery Using Third-Party Apps
While Apple’s built-in tool is the most reliable, some third-party apps can provide more detailed information. However, keep in mind that third-party apps may not be completely accurate due to API limitations imposed by Apple.
Popular Third-Party Apps:
- Battery Life – Available for free on the App Store, provides information about current battery condition, battery temperature, and estimated charge cycles
- CoconutBattery (requires Mac) – This is a Mac app that provides detailed information about your iPhone’s battery health when connected to your Mac
- iMazing – This is a paid Mac/Windows app that can provide detailed reports about your iPhone battery health, including accurate cycle counts
- Battery HD+ – Helps track iPhone battery usage and estimate battery life
Steps to Use Third-Party Apps:
- Download your preferred app from the App Store
- Open the app and provide necessary permissions
- Follow the app’s instructions to get a battery health report
- Explore different sections to view additional information about battery health
iPhone Battery Diagnostic Codes
If you want more detailed information, you can get a battery diagnostic test for your iPhone through Apple Support or at an Apple Store. Steps to conduct a diagnostic test through the Apple Support app:
- Download the Apple Support app (if you don’t already have it)
- Open the app and sign in with your Apple ID
- Go to the “Devices” tab and select your iPhone
- Look for the “Device Performance” option
- Select “Battery Health” or related options
- The app will guide you through conducting a diagnostic test
Common Battery Health Issues
1. Rapid Battery Drain
If your battery drains faster than normal, it could be due to:
- Low battery health (Maximum Capacity below 80%)
- Applications running in the background
- High screen brightness
- Background App Refresh being active
- Poor or unstable network connection
- Excessive push notifications
2. Unexpected Shutdowns
If your iPhone suddenly shuts down, especially when the battery level is between 20-30%:
- This is a clear sign of a degraded battery
- It may activate the Performance Management feature
- To view system shutdown logs: Settings > Privacy > Analytics & Improvements > Analytics Data > Look for files with “panic” or “shutdown” terms
3. Slow Charging
Slow charging can be caused by:
- Damaged charging cable or adapter
- Low power output adapter (5W vs 20W)
- Using a USB hub or low-power port
- Using the iPhone while charging
- Degraded battery
Tips to Improve Battery Health
Follow these tips to extend your iPhone battery’s life and improve its health. 10 Ways to Maintain Your iPhone’s Battery Health
1. Use Optimized Battery Charging
Optimized Battery Charging helps extend your battery’s lifespan by slowing down the charging process after it reaches 80%. To enable it:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
- Turn on “Optimized Battery Charging”
2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Excessive heat or cold is harmful to battery health:
- Keep your iPhone away from direct sunlight
- Avoid using your iPhone in extremely cold environments
- Keep your phone cool during gaming or video processing
- Remove cases while charging if the phone gets hot
3. Keep Battery Level Within Limits
Best practice for battery health is to keep battery level between 20% and 80%:
- Avoid going below 20% (especially for extended periods)
- Avoid charging to 100% if possible
- Instead of fully charging overnight, use optimized charging
4. Use Proper Charging Accessories
Non-certified or cheap accessories can damage the battery:
- Use Apple-certified chargers (MFi-certified)
- Use original Apple charging accessories
- Avoid using damaged or frayed cables
5. Use the Latest iOS
Apple frequently improves battery management and optimization through iOS updates:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Install available updates
6. Manage Background App Refresh
Apps running in the background consume battery:
- Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh
- Turn it off for apps that use a lot of battery or set to Wi-Fi only
7. Use Low Power Mode
When needed, activate Low Power Mode:
- Go to Settings > Battery
- Toggle “Low Power Mode”
- Add a shortcut to Control Center for quick access
When to Consider Battery Replacement
Consider replacing your iPhone battery in the following situations:
1. Maximum Capacity Below 80%
Apple officially recommends battery replacement when maximum capacity drops below 80%. At this point, you may notice:
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Performance issues
- More frequent charging requirements
2. “Service” Message in Battery Health
If you see a “Your battery needs service” message in the Battery Health section, this is Apple’s official recommendation to replace the battery.
3. Frequent Unexpected Shutdowns
If your iPhone regularly shuts down unexpectedly, especially when the battery percentage is not low, it’s a strong indication that the battery needs replacement.
4. Visible Swelling
If your iPhone battery is physically swollen (causing the screen to push out or the back panel to bulge), seek immediate battery replacement as this can be a safety hazard.
Battery Replacement Options
- Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider:
- Most reliable option
- Costs between $69-$99 depending on your iPhone model
- Maintains water resistance and warranty
- Third-Party Repair Shops:
- Usually less expensive ($40-$70)
- Quality may vary
- May affect water resistance
- DIY Replacement:
- Least expensive option ($20-$40 for parts)
- Requires technical skills and special tools
- High risk of damaging your iPhone
- Will definitely affect water resistance
When to Consider Battery Replacement
Key Indicators That It’s Time for Battery Replacement
1. Maximum Capacity Below 80%
Apple officially recommends battery replacement when maximum capacity drops below 80%. At this point, you may notice:
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Performance issues
- More frequent charging requirements
2. “Service” Message in Battery Health
If you see a “Your battery needs service” message in the Battery Health section, this is Apple’s official recommendation to replace the battery.
3. Frequent Unexpected Shutdowns
If your iPhone regularly shuts down unexpectedly, especially when the battery percentage is not low, it’s a strong indication that the battery needs replacement.
4. Visible Swelling
If your iPhone battery is physically swollen (causing the screen to push out or the back panel to bulge), seek immediate battery replacement as this can be a safety hazard.
5. Excessive Heating
If your iPhone gets unusually hot during normal use or charging, the battery might be failing and should be replaced.
6. Battery Drains From 100% to 20% in Less Than 4 Hours
With normal usage, if your battery is depleting extremely quickly, it’s a sign that replacement is needed.
Battery Replacement Options
- Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider:
- Most reliable option
- Costs between $69-$99 depending on your iPhone model
- Maintains water resistance and warranty
- Third-Party Repair Shops:
- Usually less expensive ($40-$70)
- Quality may vary
- May affect water resistance
- DIY Replacement:
- Least expensive option ($20-$40 for parts)
- Requires technical skills and special tools
- High risk of damaging your iPhone
- Will definitely affect water resistance
Cost Comparison for Battery Replacement
|
Service Option |
iPhone 8/SE 2 |
iPhone X/XS/11 |
iPhone 12/13/14 |
|
Apple Official |
$49-$69 |
$69-$79 |
$79-$99 |
|
Authorized Provider |
$49-$79 |
$69-$89 |
$79-$99 |
|
Third-Party Shop |
$35-$60 |
$50-$70 |
$60-$80 |
|
DIY Kit |
$20-$35 |
$25-$40 |
$30-$45 |
Battery Health Across Different iPhone Models
Different iPhone models have varying battery capacities and longevity characteristics:
iPhone 13/14/15 Series
- Latest battery technology
- Better optimization
- Typically maintain above 90% capacity after one year of normal use
- Battery health degrades approximately 10-15% per year with normal usage
iPhone 11/12 Series
- Good battery technology
- Typically maintain 85-90% capacity after one year
- Battery health degrades approximately 15-20% per year with normal usage
iPhone X/XS/XR Series
- Decent battery technology
- Typically maintain 80-85% capacity after one year
- Battery health degrades approximately 20% per year with normal usage
iPhone 8 and Earlier
- Older battery technology
- May degrade faster, especially in models several years old
- Often need replacement after 2-3 years of use
iPhone Battery Health After 1 Year
A common concern among iPhone users is how quickly battery health degrades in the first year of ownership. Here’s what to expect:
Normal Battery Health Degradation After 1 Year:
|
iPhone Model |
Expected Battery Health After 1 Year |
|
iPhone 15 Series |
92-95% |
|
iPhone 14 Series |
90-94% |
|
iPhone 13 Series |
88-93% |
|
iPhone 12 Series |
87-92% |
|
iPhone 11 Series |
85-90% |
|
iPhone XR/XS |
83-88% |
|
iPhone X/8 |
80-85% |
Factors That Affect First-Year Battery Health:
- Charging Habits:
- Frequent charging from 0% to 100%
- Using non-certified chargers
- Wireless charging generates more heat
- Environmental Factors:
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Using the phone in very hot environments
- Usage Patterns:
- Heavy gaming or video recording
- Background app refresh for many apps
- Location services always on
- Maximum brightness settings
Tips to Minimize First-Year Degradation:
- Enable Optimized Battery Charging immediately after purchase
- Avoid letting battery drain below 20% regularly
- Try to keep battery between 20-80% when possible
- Use original Apple chargers or MFi-certified alternatives
- Update to the latest iOS version for battery optimizations
- Avoid exposing your iPhone to temperatures above 95°F (35°C)
When First-Year Battery Health Is Concerning
If your battery health drops below 85% within the first year of purchase with normal usage, you should:
- Check with Apple Support – this might be covered under warranty
- Run a diagnostic test through the Apple Support app
- Visit an Apple Store for evaluation
Apple typically covers battery replacement if health drops below 80% within the warranty period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my iPhone battery health?
It’s good practice to check your battery health every 3-4 months to monitor any significant changes.
Does wireless charging affect battery health?
Wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging, which can potentially impact battery health over time. For optimal battery health, use wired charging when possible, especially for overnight charging.
Is it bad to use my iPhone while charging?
Using your iPhone while charging can generate additional heat, which isn’t ideal for battery health. For optimal battery care, avoid intensive tasks (like gaming) while charging.
Does keeping my iPhone at 100% all the time damage the battery?
Yes, maintaining a battery at 100% charge for extended periods can stress the battery and accelerate degradation. It’s better to keep the charge level between 20% and 80% when possible.
How long should an iPhone battery last before replacement?
With normal usage, an iPhone battery typically maintains acceptable performance for about 2-3 years before requiring replacement. However, this varies based on individual usage patterns and charging habits.
Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?
While it’s technically possible, DIY battery replacement is not recommended unless you have experience with electronics repair. Improper handling can damage your iPhone or cause safety hazards. Apple and authorized service providers have the proper tools and expertise to safely replace batteries.
Will a battery replacement make my old iPhone run like new?
A battery replacement will restore full battery capacity and eliminate performance throttling related to battery health. However, it won’t address other performance issues that might be related to outdated hardware or software limitations.
Can I see exactly how many charge cycles my iPhone battery has?
In iOS 17 or later, you can view your battery cycle count in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. For earlier iOS versions, you’ll need to use third-party apps or request a diagnostic from Apple support.
By regularly monitoring your iPhone’s battery health and following these guidelines, you can maximize your battery’s lifespan and ensure optimal performance from your device for years to come.
