Experiencing some common phone battery problems? You’re not alone. Did you know that 90% of Americans “feel panic” when their phone batteries drop below 20%?
Unfortunately, that problem only becomes worse the longer you have your phone. Let’s talk about when and how to get a new iPhone battery and how to keep it healthy for as long as possible!
When Is It Time to Replace Your iPhone Battery?
iPhone batteries don’t last forever, but they’ll give you enough notice when their time has come. Here are some signs that your iPhone battery needs replacing.
Not Holding a Charge
Over time, batteries degrade and lose their original capacity. Each battery has a limited number of lifecycles, a full charge, and discharge before losing a certain percentage of its original capacity. For most iPhones, you should expect around 500 charge cycles before losing around 20% of its original capacity.
Essentially, that means that if you charge and discharge your new iPhone once a day, you should expect your battery to last for around a year and a half before losing 20% of its capacity. If you rely on your phone for frequent use, like a rideshare driver, then you may have to charge it more frequently, which may shorten its lifespan.
Overheating While Charging
If your battery continuously overheats while you charge it, your iPhone may stop charging automatically. Sensors in newer iPhone models will prevent it from charging further until it returns to normal temperatures.
If this happens continuously without an external heat source as the cause, you likely need a new battery. When left to persist, this heat can damage other components within your iPhone.
Charging Too Slowly
If your iPhone takes hours to charge, it’s likely time to invest in a new battery. Batteries need to charge relatively slowly to prevent burning out, but if they become too slow, or don’t charge at all, then you’ll need to
However, this isn’t always a sign of a bad battery. If your iPhone is extremely hot or cold, or if it is running too many apps at once, this can slow down or halt the charging altogether.
To test this, try turning off background apps or shutting off your phone. If the problem persists, then it’s likely your battery.
Inaccurate Battery Readings
Lastly, when an iPhone shuts down randomly, even when it claims you have “30%” battery life left, this usually means your battery is gone. Another example is when your battery reading hovers at a certain percentage for a long time and then drops dramatically or dies. Either way, it’s time for a new battery.
Is It Worth It to Replace Your iPhone Battery?
Sometimes, people find it easier to simply upgrade their phones. However, this isn’t always necessary.
If your phone suffers from any of the conditions mentioned above, then it’s likely that all you need is a new battery. This is especially true if you’ve had the phone for more than a year.
Also, if you’ve had it for less, then it may still be covered by the warranty. If that’s the case, then it’s definitely worth it to replace the battery, as you may be able to do it for free.
Even without the warranty, replacing the battery is still cheaper than buying a new phone. For example, the cost to replace the battery on an iPhone 12 is only $128. Compare that to paying at least $999 for an iPhone 13 or 14, which have virtually the same features as the 12.
How to Keep Your Battery For Longer
We’ve all seen plenty of tips and information on maintaining batteries and prolonging their life. Often, these tips conflict with others. Partially, that’s because there are plenty of different battery chemistries, all of which require different care.
So, let’s get rid of the ambiguity. iPhones use lithium-ion batteries, which do not have “memories” like nickel-manganese batteries, and they don’t burn out as quickly as lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries tend to last the longest, but they still need proper care.
First, make sure you keep your phone at a reasonable temperature. Extreme heat and extreme cold (0°F to 122°F) can damage your battery. While extreme cold (0°F or lower) isn’t an issue for most, try to keep your phone out of direct sunlight, especially during the summer. If you keep it on a mount while driving, keep it close to a vent for air conditioning when possible.
Second, keep your battery relatively charged as often as possible. A dead battery is fine occasionally, but don’t let it stay below 20% all the time. Discharged batteries can lose capacity much quicker.
Finally, use the right charger. Newer iPhones are good about limiting the amount of electricity they “accept”, but they aren’t perfect. Overcharging with a heavy-duty knockoff cable can damage your battery.
Think of this like maintenance for your car. The better your routine habits are, the fewer large expenses you’ll have in the long run.
Get a New iPhone Battery Today
Now that you know when it’s time to get a new iPhone battery, replace your battery today and save yourself some money. There’s no point in buying a new phone every time parts wear out. If you don’t junk your car when you need an oil change, then why would you junk your phone because of an old battery?
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