If your iPhone is dropping from 100% far too quickly, dying by the afternoon, or shutting down when it still claims to have charge left, the battery is usually the culprit. iPhone batteries wear out with everyday use, it is completely normal, and the good news is that a replacement is one of the cheapest, most worthwhile repairs you can get. Here is how to tell if that is what you need.
The tell-tale signs
- It drains fast. The charge falls quickly even with light use, or drops in big jumps.
- It shuts down unexpectedly, often at 20 or 30 percent, or in the cold.
- It feels sluggish. A worn battery can cause the phone to slow down, because iOS eases performance to prevent shutdowns.
- It gets warm during normal use or while charging.
- The back or screen is bulging. This means a swollen battery, stop using it and get it seen quickly.
Check your battery health
Your iPhone will actually tell you how worn the battery is. Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging, and look at the Maximum Capacity figure. It starts at 100% when new and drops over time.
As a rough guide, once it falls to around 80% or below, you will start to feel the difference in day-to-day use, and a replacement is well worth it. If you also see a message saying your battery needs servicing, that is a clear sign.
Why batteries wear out
Every phone battery has a limited number of charge cycles in it. Ordinary daily charging slowly reduces how much it can hold, and heat speeds that up. There is nothing you have done wrong, it is simply the one part of a phone designed to be replaced. Most people notice it after roughly two years of use.
Is it worth replacing?
Almost always, yes. If the rest of your phone is in good shape, a fresh battery can add another year or two of proper all-day life for a fraction of the cost of a new phone. It is one of the best-value repairs there is, and it instantly fixes the drain, the shutdowns and often the sluggishness too.
How we replace an iPhone battery
At our High Wycombe workshop, a certified technician fits a quality replacement battery and tests everything before you leave. It is usually a quick job, and it comes with our parts and labour warranty and a free diagnostic first. If you would rather not travel, we can come to your door. You can book a battery replacement here and we will give you an upfront price before we start.
Need it fixed for real?
Instant Mobile Fix repairs phones, tablets, laptops and consoles in High Wycombe. Free diagnostic, upfront quote, no fix no fee.