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Your phone is your lifeline. When an iPhone battery starts going bad, you can’t rely on it to keep a charge or perform when you need it most. Not to mention, it’s frustrating to deal with when trying to accomplish daily tasks. There are a few reasons your iPhone battery could be failing. Learn how to determine when an iPhone battery replacement is worth it — and what other actions you can take.
The lifespan of your iPhone battery will depend on several factors. Rechargeable batteries inherently degrade over time. The rechargeable batteries in iPhones are lithium-ion batteries and chemically age. The way you treat your battery also comes into play.
Many phones use “cycle counts,” or the number of times you’ve charged the battery to 100% and drained it completely, to measure battery lifespan — and the average “good” phone battery lasts around 500 cycles or on average, two years of regular use. Here are the main factors that will determine the lifespan of your iPhone battery:
Age of the phone
Temperature of your environment
Draw of power from regular activities (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS)
The particular iPhone model will determine battery capacity and longevity. For example, the iPhone 11 from 2019 reports about 17 hours of video playback and 65 hours of audio playback, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max boasts 20 hours of video playback and 80 hours of audio playback. The newer, 2023 iPhone 15 series will have greater battery lifespans, claiming up to 29 hours of video playback and 95 hours of audio playback with the Pro Max.
The more power your iPhone battery has to draw to perform an activity, the harder it has to work. This leads to faster degradation. Extreme temperatures can also affect lifespan. Learn ways to maximise your iPhone battery and monitor its health.
The amount of time your battery lasts on a single charge is your battery's “life.” The lifespan is directly tied to this, as the time it stays charged reflects overall health. Certain habits can help you maximise your battery’s performance, such as:
Adjusting screen brightness
Avoiding damage like burns, drops, and liquid exposure
Keeping your iPhone within the recommended temperature range of 0 and 35 degrees Celsius
Closing and adjusting apps with background activity
Making sure any external charging device is on and plugged in
Installing software updates
Using a quality charger
Using airplane mode in low-signal locations
Using Wi-Fi
Utilising low power mode
Turn off features like keyboard haptics and background app refreshing if you find that you don’t need them. You should also update iOS regularly to benefit from internal performance improvements and battery optimisations.
Luckily, you can monitor your iPhone battery health directly on your phone by going to Settings > Battery, then tapping Battery Health & Charging. Typically, 80% health or above is considered a healthy battery not in need of replacement. The Battery settings can also give you suggestions. However, if you’re noticing significant issues, it could be time to replace your iPhone battery altogether. Here are some common signs that it needs to be replaced:
Quick-draining battery, even after making adjustments
Frequent overheating
Unexpected shutdowns
Visible swelling
Frequent performance notifications
If your phone screen is going black frequently, it may be time to replace the battery. However, you'll also want to check for other issues like malware, LED display problems, or a high internal temperature. You can also contact an iPhone repair specialist to diagnose the issue.
If you’ve decided to replace your iPhone battery, you can:
Give or send your iPhone to a reputable repair shop, Apple Store, or retailer for repairs. If they diagnose your phone as having a battery issue that requires a replacement, they can often source and install a new battery for you.
Check to see if your phone is covered under warranty from the retailer. If you are experiencing issues with the battery before the warranty period has expired, you may be eligible for a free replacement. This can be possible with a new or refurbished iPhone battery. Back Market, for example, guarantees all smartphones are sold with a battery capacity of at least 80% or above at the time of purchase and 100% charging capacity.
Purchase and install a battery yourself. This is only recommended if you have the appropriate tools, knowledge, and skills required to do so, and you must purchase the battery from a reputable retailer to ensure genuine parts.
Whatever option you choose, you should see a significant improvement in battery life and an extended lifespan.
The cost of replacing your iPhone battery will vary depending on:
Where you go
Warranty coverage
Service fees
iPhone model
Availability of parts
The typical price range for an iPhone battery is between £49 and £99 for parts and services. You can reduce this price by using your warranty coverage, buying a part yourself and installing it, or going to a retailer with lower service fees and part pricing.
Replacing your iPhone battery offers several benefits:
Improved device performance
Longer battery life day-to-day
Increased device longevity
Fewer unexpected shutdowns
Addressing battery health can enhance your overall iPhone experience.
When considering iPhone battery replacement, keep these extra factors in mind:
Device age: Make sure to evaluate the health of your entire phone before replacing a battery in a phone you’ll trade in soon anyway.
Satisfaction: Consider whether you are happy with your current iPhone or you would benefit from an upgrade.
Existing warranties or coverage plans: Check if you have warranties or plans that cover battery replacement.
Replacing the battery can be cost-effective and environmentally friendly if your phone is still viable.
While replacing your iPhone battery can significantly improve performance, there are circumstances where it may be worthwhile to replace your whole phone. When deciding to repair or replace your iPhone, weigh the value of your phone against the cost of the battery replacement. Further, make sure that the battery is the only issue. It’s helpful to have a professional diagnose your phone to make sure a battery replacement will solve your performance problems.
Some common situations that warrant an entire iPhone replacement include:
Extensive physical damage such as a shattered screen, bent frame, or water damage
Software or hardware issues beyond the battery
Water damage leading to charging issues
Need for a larger, longer-lasting battery that comes with a newer model
Note that you can trade in your old iPhone to Back Market for money toward a new purchase. The money saved by doing a trade in can justify the cost of buying an iPhone replacement, and is much more eco-friendly than throwing your old phone away.
When not fighting the good fight for environmental sustainability, Haziq loves making reviews of everything and anything tech-related.
So you're mulling over the refurbished iPhone 7, and the refurbished iPhone 7 Plus? Great choices both. Prices have fallen considerably, and with Back Market, you'll be enjoying a deeper discount (with peace of mind) but more on our quality charter later. Let's get right into it then - hopefully you'll have decided on a winner by the end of this article - will it be the refurbished iPhone 7, or the refurbished iPhone 7 Plus.
Find out all you need to know about how to activate your new SIM card with your sim free iPhone in the UK.
Apple's iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max do not support 5G, unlike the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, and 12 mini, which came out a year later. This was one of the main criticisms made when the iPhone 11 range was launched, especially in a context where this new network is gaining importance and where the competition is adapting. Why is the iPhone 11 series not compatible with 5G? What models are compatible with 5G instead? We tell you everything below.
Using a wireless charger for the iPhone offers many advantages, but which iPhones are they compatible with? Find out in this article which iPhones feature wireless charging.
Read below for our "Which iPhone Has the Best Camera in 2024?" Ultimate Guide.
According to an IFOP study, more than four out of ten French people have already bought a fake iPhone without knowing it! So how do you know if the refurbished iPhone you are buying is a real iPhone? We tell you everything in this article.
Which used iPhone offers the best value for your money? Here’s how to choose the right iPhone for your needs and lifestyle.
If you’re an iPhone user, you probably know that Apple releases “the most advanced iPhone ever” every year, making you wonder whether it's time for an upgrade. We’ll guide you through all the differences and similarities between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 to help make that decision a bit easier.
Apple announced the iPhone 14 series on September 16, 2022. We've created a breakdown of all the camera specs and newly introduced features below.
Two names consistently stand out in the growing world of smartphones: Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy. Choosing between these two giants can be a big commitment, given their distinct ecosystems and features. Read ahead for an in-depth iPhone vs. Samsung comparison that details design, user experience, camera capabilities, performance, ecosystem integration, and device pricing.
The iPhone XR is the 10th generation of the Apple iPhone and offers high performance, which is comparable to the iPhone XS. Deciding on which iPhone to buy and wondering about their differences? Then read our in-depth comparison between the two iPhones below.
While all of the batteries in our smartphones are healthy, they don’t all come with brand new batteries. You can boost a selection of the smartphones on Back Market with a brand new battery. While this gives some super users peace of mind, here’s what you need to know about getting extra battery pep with your used phone purchase.
How long do refurbished phones last? About as long as its new counterpart. Here’s what you need to know about refurbished phone longevity and other FAQs.
Have a slow performing, freezing, or crashing Android? Our guide breaks down how to factory reset your Android in 4 scenarios that wipe your device clean.
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If you’ve lost an AirPod, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help you find it.
