How to Spot the Signs Your iPhone Battery Needs Replacing

Is Your iPhone Battery Failing? Here’s How to Tell

If your iPhone struggles to hold a charge, randomly shuts down, or feels unusually warm, it might be time for an iPhone battery replacement. While batteries naturally degrade over time, recognising the early warning signs can save you from frustrating performance issues or unexpected shutdowns.

This guide explains how to check if your phone battery needs replacing, when to act, and how to ensure a smooth replacement process.

1. Your iPhone's Battery Health is Below 80%

Apple provides a built-in Battery Health feature that indicates the maximum capacity of your battery. To check:

Go to Settings
Select Battery
Tap Battery Health & Charging

If the maximum capacity is below 80%, your iPhone’s performance may be throttled to prevent sudden shutdowns. This is a strong indicator that you should consider a phone battery replacement.

2. Unexpected Shutdowns and Performance Issues

One of the most common signs of a failing battery is unexpected shutdowns, even when your phone shows a decent charge level. If your iPhone turns off unexpectedly, especially during high-performance tasks such as gaming or video streaming, the battery may no longer be able to supply consistent power.

Additionally, if your phone feels sluggish, apps take longer to open, or scrolling is choppy, it could be due to iOS reducing your phone’s performance to compensate for a weak battery.

What to do:

Enable Low Power Mode (Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode) and see if it improves performance.
If issues persist, a battery replacement may be necessary.

3. Battery Drains Quickly Even After Charging

A healthy iPhone battery should last all day with moderate use. If your phone barely lasts a few hours even after a full charge, battery degradation may be the cause.

Try these steps before opting for replacement:

Check Battery Usage (Settings > Battery) to see if any apps are draining power abnormally.
Update iOS to ensure software issues aren’t causing excessive battery drain.
Restart your iPhone and monitor if the issue improves.

If none of these steps help, the battery cells may be worn out, and a new iPhone battery is needed.

4. Your iPhone Overheats Frequently

Some heat is normal during charging or heavy use, but if your iPhone frequently overheats, it may indicate:

Chemical aging inside the battery
Internal damage or swelling
Charging inefficiencies

If your phone feels hot even when idle, the battery may be struggling and require professional attention.

A swollen battery can pose a safety risk. If your screen is lifting or your phone feels thicker than usual, stop using it immediately and seek a battery replacement.

5. Your iPhone Only Works When Plugged In

If your iPhone shuts down immediately after unplugging from a charger, the battery may have lost its ability to retain a charge. This often happens when batteries reach their end-of-life cycle and can no longer store energy properly.

A battery replacement will restore normal operation, allowing you to use your iPhone without keeping it constantly plugged in.

When Should You Replace Your iPhone Battery?

If you notice two or more of these signs, it is time to consider an iPhone battery replacement. Ignoring the issue can lead to performance problems, unexpected shutdowns, and even potential safety risks if the battery swells.

Where to Get a Reliable Battery Replacement

At iPhone iPad Screen Repair Essex, we are able to repair your iPhone battery the same day. Come to see us in our store to find out more about us, if your phone battery needs replacing.

How Much Does an iPhone Battery Replacement Cost?

Prices vary depending on the model:

Apple charges between £69 and £99 for out-of-warranty battery replacements.
Third-party repair shops may offer competitive rates but should use genuine or high-quality parts.

Check if your iPhone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, as battery replacements may be free in some cases.

Final Thoughts

A failing iPhone battery can be frustrating, but recognising the signs early allows you to act before it completely stops working. By checking your battery health, monitoring performance, and watching for unusual behaviour, you can avoid unexpected shutdowns and keep your phone running smoothly.

If your iPhone battery is no longer performing as it should, consider getting a professional battery replacement to restore performance and extend your phone’s lifespan.

Contact us at iPhone iPad Screen Repair Essex for more information.

Need urgent phone repairs in Dunmow? Contact a trusted repair service today and enjoy a hassle-free experience with same-day fixes.