When to replace your iPhone Battery

Have you become used to your iPhone's subpar performance and accepted it as a necessary part of life? Is restarting your broken iPhone usual and ritual? Do you miss the days when your applications loaded quickly and you could watch YouTube videos until your battery was down to 5%?

Nothing is more frustrating than a dead iPhone battery. However, while iPhones are amazing smartphones, they could be more well-known for their battery life, are they?

This problem has finally been fixed on the iPhone 13. All iPhone 13 models have bigger batteries than their predecessors, resulting in longer battery life. However, batteries are still consumable hardware with a finite lifespan.

They will eventually degrade to the point that you have no choice but to replace them. So, when will that be? When to replace the iPhone battery? This guide will assist you in determining whether your iPhone's battery needs to be replaced and how to replace it.

Why Have iPhone Batteries Degraded Over Time?

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are used in iPhones. These batteries have a longer life duration and more charge cycles than earlier rechargeable batteries, but they are still limited.

The amount of electricity the battery can retain decreases with each charge cycle. These changes are so few that you won't notice them from one charge to the next, but you will see your phone's battery life decreasing after hundreds of charging cycles.

Li-ion batteries perform best when charged a small amount at a time rather than being depleted to nearly nothing and then charged back up near 100%. If you continuously run them down and completely charge them, you'll find that the battery life diminishes significantly faster.

When your iPhone's battery loses enough capacity to retain a charge, it might result in a flaky phone. The most apparent symptom is likely running out of battery power sooner. Still, your phone may also begin shutting down suddenly or experience unusual display problems while moving between apps.

These things might happen when the battery needs more power to keep the phone running at full speed. The newest iPhones have powerful core processors that work as well as or better than a conventional laptop or desktop PC. Be aware of the fact that it matches your pocket.

That's why iOS began restricting the phone's performance when the battery wore down. Slowing down the phone reduces the likelihood of random shutdowns or other issues.

How to Check Your iPhone Battery Health?

According to 2019 research, at least one-third of individuals replace their phones when the battery life runs out. When a battery fails, it implies fewer hours of use between charges. It can also result in other problems, such as inconsistent functioning, warning messages, etc.

So, if your phone breaks, get a new one. Sometimes, replacing the battery is enough to get your smartphone back up and operating like new (almost).

The most straightforward approach to determine when to replace the iPhone battery is to go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. This capability has been available since iOS 11.3 after Apple was chastised for quietly slowing down outdated iPhones, resulting in sudden shutdowns caused by failing batteries.

Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance Capability are the iPhone battery health screen indicators.

Maximum capacity refers to the capacity of the iPhone's battery when it is new. A brand-new phone should indicate 100%; however, if the iPhone is activated after it leaves the manufacturer, the battery capacity could be less than 100%.

Even if they haven't been used, lithium-ion batteries chemically age. Under normal settings, Apple states that a standard battery may keep up to 80% of its original capacity. So, if it's less than 80%, you could have hitches, but that doesn't imply you should abandon it right now.

Peak Performance Capability indicates if your battery supports average peak performance.

When you notice the warning "The iPhone has undergone an unexpected shutdown since the battery was unable to produce the necessary peak power...", it indicates that your battery's life has significantly dropped.

Please consider changing the battery at this time. Even if you're still using it, if the notification says, "Your battery's health has considerably degraded..." you're likely experiencing severe performance issues, and a battery change is strongly suggested.

Possible Signs That Show Your iPhone Needs A New Battery.

Aside from some of those two indicators beneath Battery Health, other symptoms indicate it's time to replace the battery.

You may notice low battery capacity, but there is no warning about peak performance. Everything usually works until you play a few games of Street Racer when the phone screen abruptly switches off.

Unexpected shutdowns frequently occur when the battery is low, and the capacity of the battery has degraded to a particular degree.

Everything gets slow. App launches or restarts take longer; the screen stutters or freezes occasionally when scrolling.

Your iPhone has become highly heated for no apparent reason. You're not using it in direct sunlight or binge gaming, yet the phone overheats—yet another symptom of a battery problem.

The most prevalent indicator is that the battery only lasts a few hours. In extreme cases, your phone will only work while plugged in.A new battery will restore full performance and capacity to your old iPhone, but it will not solve all power problems. Some problems are caused by things other than the battery. If you encounter one of these indicators, don't be afraid to replace your battery.

How To Replace Your iPhone Battery And How Much Does It Cost? 

When it comes to replacing iPhone batteries, you have three choices:

  •  Authorised Service Center Repair

Service centres have batteries for any iPhone models that are still in production. You can replace the battery for models dating back to the iPhone 4S and up to the most recent series.

You may be delighted with the performance of an older series iPhone or prefer the smaller physical dimensions of those previous models. A failing battery does not necessitate the purchase of a new one.

A replacement battery will have the same capacity as the original battery, so your phone will retain a charge just as it would when it was new. And if you have an iPhone 6 or newer running at less-than-optimal performance, you should see a big boost in speed.

It will appear to be a brand-new phone but will cost a fraction of the price. You may also feel good about contributing to the environment by lowering the quantity of obsolete technology that ends up in landfills. 

These devices include various components that are very harmful to the environment, so the longer you can utilise them, the better.

  •  Third-Party Repair

It is like bringing your automobile to a reputable local mechanic for an oil change. Many skilled third-party repair providers can replace an iPhone battery in less time than watching a movie.

It may be more expensive than the DIY option, but it is typically less expensive than an Apple repair, and many stores give a service warranty. 

Furthermore, most third-party repair shops provide a broader range of repair services than Apple, including wifi, speaker, and home button repairs in conjunction with screens and batteries.

  •  DIY Repair 

The first choice, do-it-yourself, will most likely be the least expensive, but only do it if you're experienced working with small tech devices (or willing to risk damaging your iPhone, possibly beyond repair).

To access your iPhone battery, you'll also need specialised tools. Some batteries include essential tools, so if you still need them, check for a kit that includes everything you need.

Check your local recycling requirements for the old battery if you do it yourself. Li-ion batteries must be recycled according to strict guidelines and cannot be thrown away.

How To Maximise The iPhone Battery Life?

As a result, partial discharge, charging, and regular maintenance may lessen the battery's stress and extend its life.

Allow the battery level to go below 50%, and only charge the battery when 100% of the power has been utilised. It's simple to keep your iPhone from fading to 0% at home or work. However, finding a power outlet might be challenging while you're out and about. 

A power bank is a fantastic idea for adding additional hours between daily charges and an excellent tool for extending the iPhone battery life. Keep your iPhone out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating and harming the battery.

Overall, handle your battery with attention and follow the advice above, and you'll have a chance to scoop the challenge for the longest-used iPhone.

Read more tips to maximise your battery's lifespan.

Conclusion

The final takeaway is that replacing an aged iPhone battery can give it new life. You'll receive the same performance as when it was brand new, but you'll be able to go longer with charges.

While your iPhone's battery begins to degrade noticeably after achieving 80 per cent battery health, it does not necessarily indicate that you should replace it. 

Continue to use the same battery if the smartphone still has enough charge to get you through the day. When you notice significant performance concerns or the device becomes useless, replace it.