iPhone Battery Health: How to Check & Improve It (2024 Guide)

Your iPhone’s battery health affects performance and longevity. A degraded battery can cause slow speeds, unexpected shutdowns, and poor battery life. This guide will show you how to check your iPhone’s battery health, understand its condition, and extend its lifespan.

1. How to Check Your iPhone’s Battery Health

📱 Method 1: Via Settings

1. Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health.

2. Check:

   • Maximum Capacity (% of original capacity).

   • Peak Performance Capability (if throttling occurs).

🔋 What Do the Numbers Mean?

• 100%-90% = Excellent

• 89%-80% = Normal wear

• 79% or below = Consider replacement

🔍 Method 2: Using CoconutBattery (Mac)

For a more detailed report:

1. Download CoconutBattery (free for Mac).

2. Connect your iPhone via USB.

3. Check actual battery capacity vs. design capacity.

2. What Causes Battery Degradation?

Batteries wear out due to:

• Charge cycles (each full 0%-100% = 1 cycle).

• Heat exposure (fast charging, hot environments).

• Overcharging (keeping at 100% for long periods).

• Software bugs (rare, but can misreport health).

💡 Apple’s official stance: iPhone batteries retain 80% capacity after 500 cycles.

3. How to Improve Battery Health & Lifespan

⚡ Charging Habits

✔ Avoid full 0%-100% cycles → Keep between 20%-80% when possible.
✔ Use slow charging overnight → 5W adapter instead of fast charging.
✔ Remove case while charging → Prevents overheating.

🌡️ Temperature Control

✔ Don’t leave in hot cars/direct sunlight.
✔ Avoid gaming while charging (causes heat buildup).

🔄 Software Optimization

✔ Update iOS (Apple improves battery management).
✔ Enable Low Power Mode (reduces background activity).
✔ Check for battery-draining apps (Settings > Battery).

4. When Should You Replace Your iPhone Battery?

Consider a battery replacement if:

• Maximum capacity is below 80%.

• Your iPhone shuts down unexpectedly.

• Performance is sluggish (iOS may throttle speed).

🔧 Where to Replace?

• Apple Store (most reliable, but expensive).

• Authorized service providers (cheaper than Apple).

• Trusted third-party repair shops (verify quality).

💸 Cost in Malaysia (2024):

• iPhone 11-15 series: ~RM300-600 (official).

• Older models: ~RM200-400 (third-party).

5. Myths About iPhone Batteries

❌ "Closing Apps Saves Battery"

False. iOS manages apps efficiently—force-closing them wastes more energy reopening.

❌ "You Should Drain to 0% Before Charging"

False. Lithium-ion batteries prefer partial charges.

❌ "Wireless Charging Ruins Batteries Faster"

Mostly false, but fast wireless charging generates more heat (which can degrade battery).

Final Tips for Longer Battery Life

• Use original/Apple-certified chargers.

• Store at 50% charge if unused for months.

• Replace if battery health drops below 80%.

🔋 Need a battery replacement? Check iRenew’s battery services →