Background Apps
Social media, navigation and other apps can use power while running in the background.
Why Does My Phone Battery Drain So Fast?
Your smartphone battery should last throughout the day, but frequent charging can become frustrating. If your phone battery draining fast problem happens even when you barely use your device, several factors could be responsible. From background apps to poor network signals, understanding the causes can help you improve battery life.
What Causes a Phone Battery to Drain Quickly?
If your phone battery is draining fast, several factors could be responsible. Understanding these common causes can help you identify what is consuming your battery.
High Screen Brightness
Keeping your display bright for long periods can increase energy consumption.
Poor Network Signal
Your phone may consume more power when searching for a stable mobile network connection.
Location Services
Apps that frequently access your location can contribute to higher battery usage.
Ageing Battery
Lithium-ion batteries gradually lose capacity, so older phones may not last as long between charges.
Why Is My iPhone Battery Discharging Fast?
If your iPhone battery is discharging fast, start by checking which apps consume the most power. Battery usage, software updates and battery ageing can all affect how long your iPhone lasts between charges.
01
Check Your Battery Usage
Open Settings > Battery to see your battery activity and identify apps that use unusually high amounts of power.
‹ Settings
Battery
Battery Level
Battery Usage by App
Social app
32%
Navigation
21%
Video app
16%
Illustration only. Actual iPhone battery screens vary by iOS version and device.
02
Review Your Battery Health
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health or Battery Health & Charging, depending on your iOS version. Check Maximum Capacity and any service recommendations.
‹ Battery
Battery Health
Maximum Capacity
85%
Example value only
Peak Performance Capability
›
Your battery's maximum capacity is a measure of its capacity relative to when it was new.
The capacity shown is an example, not a diagnosis of your iPhone's battery condition.
How to Fix a Phone Battery Draining Fast
Try these practical steps to reduce unnecessary power consumption and help your phone battery last longer throughout the day.
Lower Screen Brightness
Use automatic brightness or reduce brightness manually to save power.
Restrict Background Activity
Disable unnecessary background app refresh or background data where appropriate.
Enable Battery Saver
Use Low Power Mode on iPhone or Battery Saver on Android.
Update Your Software
Install available updates to address potential bugs and improve performance.
Manage Location Access
Allow location access only when an app needs it.
Check Battery Usage
Identify apps that consume unusually high amounts of power.
Improve Connectivity
Use Wi-Fi when available. Consider Airplane Mode in areas with no mobile signal, provided you do not need cellular connectivity.
4. When Should You Replace Your Phone Battery?
Consider professional battery inspection if your phone loses charge unusually quickly, shuts down unexpectedly, or shows significantly reduced battery capacity.
For iPhones, a service recommendation in Battery Health can indicate that battery replacement may be appropriate. For Android phones, check the manufacturer's available battery diagnostics or consult an authorised service centre.
Seek professional assistance if your phone becomes unusually hot, especially if the battery appears swollen. Stop using and charging a device with a swollen battery.
Not sure whether to repair your phone or replace it? Read our guide on whether you should repair or replace a damaged iPhone to help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about phone battery drain, battery-saving tips and how to maintain your smartphone's battery performance.
Why does my phone battery drain overnight?
Background apps, weak network signals, automatic syncing and battery ageing can contribute to overnight battery drain. Check your phone's battery usage settings to identify apps consuming excessive power. If the problem persists, consider having the battery professionally inspected.
Does closing all apps save battery?
Not necessarily. Modern smartphones manage background apps automatically, and repeatedly closing and reopening apps can sometimes consume more power. Instead, restrict background activity for apps that consistently use excessive battery.
How can I make my phone battery last longer?
Reduce screen brightness, limit unnecessary background activity, enable battery-saving features and monitor apps that consume excessive power. Keeping your phone's software updated can also help address battery drain caused by software issues.
Should I replace my phone if the battery drains quickly?
Not always. If the phone still meets your needs, replacing the battery may be more cost-effective than buying a new device. However, if your phone has other performance issues or you want to upgrade, you can explore our smartphone trade-in options to find out how to trade in an eligible device.