Why is my phone dying at 20%?

Answered by James Kissner

There could be several reasons why your phone is dying at 20% battery. It’s important to understand that as your phone’s battery drains, its performance may be affected. Let’s explore some potential causes for this issue.

1. Battery degradation: Over time, phone batteries naturally degrade and lose their capacity to hold a charge. If your phone is older or has been heavily used, it’s possible that the battery is no longer able to accurately measure its remaining charge. As a result, your phone may shut down abruptly when it reaches around 20% because it believes the battery is empty.

2. Calibration issue: Sometimes, the battery calibration on your phone may become inaccurate. This means that the battery percentage displayed on your phone may not accurately reflect the actual charge level. As a result, your phone may shut down unexpectedly when it still appears to have some charge left.

3. Intensive usage: When your phone’s battery level drops to 20% or lower, it enters a critical range where it may struggle to handle heavy tasks. Activities like gaming, video editing, or running demanding apps can put a significant strain on the battery. In such cases, your phone may shut down to conserve remaining power and prevent damage.

4. Background processes: Some apps may continue to run in the background and consume power even when you’re not actively using them. These background processes can drain your battery faster, causing it to die at a higher percentage.

5. Software issues: Occasionally, software glitches or bugs can affect your phone’s battery performance. If your phone’s operating system is not optimized or if there are software conflicts, it can lead to faster battery drain and unexpected shutdowns.

To address this issue, there are a few steps you can take:

– Calibrate your battery: To recalibrate your battery, fully charge it, then use your phone until it completely shuts down. Plug it in again and let it charge without interruption to 100%. This process helps the phone relearn the battery’s actual capacity and can improve accuracy.

– Optimize battery usage: Check your phone’s settings for battery optimization options. You can restrict background app refresh, disable unnecessary notifications, and enable power-saving modes to extend battery life.

– Update your software: Keeping your phone’s operating system up to date can fix software issues and improve overall battery performance. Check for updates regularly and install them when available.

– Battery replacement: If your phone’s battery is old or severely degraded, you may need to consider getting it replaced. Contact your phone manufacturer or a certified repair center to inquire about battery replacement options.

Remember, battery performance can vary depending on factors such as phone model, usage patterns, and environmental conditions. It’s always a good idea to monitor your phone’s battery health and make necessary adjustments to optimize its performance.