Phone battery draining fast? Find the cause

Find the culprit

• iPhone: Settings → Battery shows usage by app.
• Android: Settings → Battery → Battery usage.

An app using lots of power in the background is usually the cause. Update it, limit its background activity, or remove it.

Quick wins

• Lower the screen brightness, or turn on auto-brightness.
• Turn on Low Power Mode (iPhone) or Battery Saver (Android).
• In Location settings, set apps to While Using instead of Always.
• Install software updates. They often fix battery bugs.

Check battery health

• iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Below about 80% means it's worn.
• Android: varies by brand. Samsung shows it in the Samsung Members app's diagnostics.

When to replace the battery

Dying by mid-afternoon, shutting off at 20%, or getting hot? A battery replacement costs far less than a new phone.