At what capacity should an iPhone battery be replaced?

Answered by Michael Wilson

When it comes to determining when to replace an iPhone battery, it’s important to consider its capacity. The battery capacity refers to the amount of charge it can hold compared to its original maximum capacity. Over time, as the battery goes through charging cycles, its capacity gradually decreases.

Typically, when your iPhone battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity, it may be a good indication that it’s time to consider replacing the battery. To check your battery’s health and capacity, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Battery”.
3. From there, tap on “Battery Health”.

On the Battery Health screen, you’ll find helpful information about your battery, including its maximum capacity and its peak performance capability. The maximum capacity percentage indicates how much charge your battery can currently hold compared to its original capacity.

If your battery’s maximum capacity has significantly degraded and is below 80%, you may experience shorter battery life and poor performance. In such cases, replacing the battery can help restore your iPhone’s overall performance and improve its battery life.

It’s worth noting that battery health can vary depending on factors such as usage patterns, charging habits, and the age of the device. If you notice your iPhone’s battery draining quickly or if it shuts down unexpectedly even when it still shows some charge, it could be a sign that the battery needs replacement.

In my personal experience, I had an iPhone 6s that I used for several years. After about two and a half years, I noticed that the battery health had dropped to around 75%, and the battery life had significantly decreased. The phone would often shut down when it still showed some charge, causing inconvenience and frustration. After replacing the battery, the phone’s performance improved, and I regained a longer battery life.

When your iPhone’s battery holds less than 80% of its maximum capacity, it’s generally a good time to consider replacing the battery. Checking the battery health in the settings can provide useful information about its capacity and overall performance. It’s important to monitor the battery’s condition over time and take appropriate steps to ensure optimal performance and longevity for your iPhone.