Your iPhone is a trusty companion, but its battery health determines how long it stays by your side each day. Lithium-ion batteries, like the ones in your iPhone, naturally degrade over time, but with the right habits, you can slow that process and maximize performance.
Whether you’re rocking the latest iPhone 16 or an older model, these practical tips will help you maintain your battery’s vitality and extend its lifespan. Let’s dive into actionable advice that’s easy to follow and tailored for everyday users.
1. Enable Optimized Battery Charging
Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging feature is a game-changer for battery longevity. It uses machine learning to study your charging habits and delays charging past 80% until you’re ready to unplug.
This reduces the time your battery spends at full capacity, which can wear it down faster. To turn it on, head to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and toggle it on.
For iPhone 15 and later models, you can even set a custom charge limit between 80% and 100%. Learn more about this feature directly from Apple Support.
2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Your iPhone thrives in moderate climates—think 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C). Exposing it to scorching heat (like a car dashboard in summer) or cold can damage the battery’s chemical structure, reducing its capacity.
If your phone feels hot while charging, remove its case to let it breathe. Apple provides detailed guidance on ideal operating conditions here.
3. Use Certified Chargers and Cables
Cheap, knockoff chargers might save you a few bucks, but they can wreak havoc on your battery. Stick to Apple-certified accessories or third-party options with MFi (Made for iPhone) certification.
These ensure safe voltage and current levels, preventing overcharging or overheating. Check out Apple’s official advice on choosing the right charger here.
4. Limit Full Charge Cycles
A charge cycle happens when you use and recharge 100% of your battery’s capacity—not necessarily in one go. Constantly draining your iPhone to 0% and charging it to 100% speeds up wear.
Instead, aim to keep it between 20% and 80% when possible. iPhone 15 models can retain 80% capacity after 1000 cycles, while older models target 500 cycles, so smart charging habits pay off.
5. Turn Off Unused Features
Background processes like Location Services, Background App Refresh, and push notifications quietly sip your battery’s juice.
Review which apps need these privileges in Settings > General > Background App Refresh and Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Disabling them for non-essential apps reduces strain on your battery and keeps it healthier longer.
6. Leverage Low Power Mode Wisely
When your battery dips below 20%, Low Power Mode kicks in as a lifesaver, cutting back on power-hungry tasks like automatic downloads and animations. Activate it manually anytime via Settings > Battery. While it’s not a long-term fix, it’s perfect for stretching battery life during busy days without stressing the system.
7. Avoid Charging Overnight (If Possible)
Leaving your iPhone plugged in all night might be convenient, but it can keep the battery at 100% for hours, accelerating degradation. With Optimized Battery Charging enabled, this is less of an issue, but unplugging once it’s charged is still a smart move. If you must charge overnight, use a slow charger to minimize heat buildup.
8. Dim the Screen or Use Auto-Brightness
Your iPhone’s display is a major power hog. Lowering brightness manually or enabling Auto-Brightness (Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size) adjusts the screen to ambient light, saving energy.
On Pro models like the iPhone 16 Pro, consider disabling Always-On Display (Settings > Display & Brightness) to cut unnecessary power use.
9. Update iOS Regularly
Apple often rolls out battery performance tweaks with iOS updates. Keeping your software current ensures you’re benefiting from the latest optimizations.
Check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update. These patches can fine-tune power management and fix bugs that might drain your battery faster.
10. Store Your iPhone Properly
Planning to stash your iPhone for a while? Charge it to about 50% before powering it off, and store it in a cool, dry place (below 90°F or 32°C). A fully charged or fully drained battery during long-term storage can lose capacity or enter a deep discharge state. Apple’s storage tips offer more insight here.
Bonus: Check Your Battery Health
Curious about your battery’s current state? Visit Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see its Maximum Capacity—a percentage showing how much charge it holds compared to when it was new. If it’s below 80% and you’re noticing performance dips, it might be time for a replacement. Apple explains this metric in detail here.
