As your iPhone ages, its battery life may start to degrade, and you might notice that it no longer lasts as long as it once did. However, there are several steps you can take to extend the battery life of your old iPhone, even if it’s showing signs of wear. By implementing a few simple strategies, you can keep your iPhone running efficiently for longer periods throughout the day.
Whether you’re holding on to your device for as long as possible or just want to maximize its lifespan, these tips will help reduce the strain on your battery and improve its longevity.
1. Adjust Screen Settings to Save Battery
The screen is one of the most power-hungry components of your iPhone, so making a few adjustments to its settings can make a significant difference in battery performance.
Lower Screen Brightness
If you’re accustomed to keeping your iPhone’s screen brightness at full power, consider lowering it. You don’t need to have the screen at maximum brightness all the time, especially when you’re indoors or in low-light environments. To adjust your brightness, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and reduce the brightness slider to a comfortable level.
Alternatively, you can enable Auto-Brightness, which adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient light levels. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, and toggle on Auto-Brightness.
Use Dark Mode
Dark Mode isn’t just easier on the eyes—it can also help save battery life, especially on OLED screens (iPhone X and newer models). To enable Dark Mode, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and select the Dark option under Appearance. The darker interface requires less power to illuminate the screen, extending your iPhone’s battery life.
Limit Auto-Lock Time
The longer your iPhone’s screen stays on, the more battery it consumes. To conserve power, reduce the Auto-Lock time, which automatically dims and locks your screen after a certain period of inactivity. You can adjust this by going to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and setting it to a shorter time, such as 30 seconds.
2. Manage Background Processes and Location Services
Background processes and location services are essential for many apps, but they can also drain your battery if left unchecked. By managing how apps use resources in the background, you can significantly improve your iPhone’s battery life.
Turn Off Background App Refresh
Background App Refresh allows apps to update content even when they aren’t actively in use, which can quickly drain battery life. To save energy, you can either turn off Background App Refresh completely or limit it to Wi-Fi only. To adjust this, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh, and choose Off or Wi-Fi to restrict the refresh to Wi-Fi networks.
Disable Unnecessary Location Services
Many apps request your location to provide relevant content or services, but these apps can also contribute to battery drain. You can control which apps have access to your location by going to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Here, you can either disable location services entirely or selectively turn off location access for apps that don’t need it. Additionally, consider switching to While Using the App for apps that only need your location when open.
Limit Push Notifications
Push notifications alert you to app updates and messages, but they can also use up battery power. To reduce this drain, go to Settings > Notifications, and disable push notifications for apps you don’t need to be alerted about constantly. Instead, consider switching to manual fetch settings for email and messaging apps, which allows them to check for new data less frequently.
3. Optimize Battery Health and Charging Habits
Overcharging or frequent charging cycles can negatively affect the health of your battery, leading to faster degradation over time. By following a few good charging habits, you can extend the lifespan of your iPhone’s battery.
Enable Optimized Battery Charging
Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging feature helps preserve battery health by learning your charging routine and reducing the time your iPhone spends at 100% charge. This prevents the battery from staying at full charge for extended periods, which can wear it out faster. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, and toggle on Optimized Battery Charging.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Both high and low temperatures can adversely affect battery health. It’s important to avoid leaving your iPhone in extremely hot or cold environments, such as in direct sunlight or in a freezing car. Try to keep your device within the recommended temperature range of 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C) to ensure optimal performance and prevent unnecessary battery wear.
Use a Quality Charger
Always use an Apple-certified charger and cable to avoid damaging your iPhone’s battery. Using low-quality or non-certified charging accessories can lead to overheating or inefficient charging, which can shorten your battery’s lifespan. It’s best to stick with the charger that came with your iPhone or invest in a certified third-party charger.
4. Update iOS and Apps Regularly
Apple frequently releases iOS updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes, which can help optimize battery life. New software updates often contain energy-saving features, so it’s important to keep your iPhone up to date.
To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and install any available updates. Similarly, app developers often release updates to improve efficiency and reduce battery usage, so make sure to regularly update your apps through the App Store.
Conclusion
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can extend the battery life of your old iPhone and keep it running smoothly for as long as possible. From adjusting screen settings and managing background tasks to optimizing charging habits, there are plenty of ways to reduce battery drain and improve your iPhone’s overall performance. With a little attention to detail, your older device can continue to serve you well, even as its battery naturally ages over time.