Our smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. We rely on them for communication, work, entertainment and so much more. However, the heart of any smartphone is its battery and over time battery health can deteriorate affecting your device’s performance and longevity. OzPhone Repairs will guide you through various methods to check your phone’s battery health to ensure optimal performance and know when it’s time for a mobile battery replacement.
Why check your phone’s battery health?
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand why monitoring your phone’s battery health is important. As batteries age they lose their capacity to hold a charge which can lead to shorter battery life, frequent charging and in some cases unexpected shutdowns. By regularly checking your battery health you can anticipate when you might need a replacement, adjust your usage habits to prolong battery life and ensure your phone remains reliable throughout the day.
Some ways to check phone battery health
For Android phones:
Android phones offer several ways to check battery health:
- Built-in Settings:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage
- Some phones may have a “Battery health” option directly in the Battery settings
For iPhones:
Apple has made it relatively simple to check battery health on iPhones:
- Settings Method:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
- Here you’ll see “Maximum Capacity” which indicates your battery’s health
Understanding battery wear level
The term “wear level” refers to how much your battery has degraded from its original capacity. A new battery starts at 0% wear and increases over time. For example, if your battery health shows 85% it means your battery has a 15% wear level.
Most manufacturers consider a battery to be at the end of its useful life when it reaches 80% of its original capacity. At this point you might notice significantly shorter battery life, need for more frequent charging and unexpected shutdowns, especially with several apps open.
How to know if your battery needs replacing
There are several signs that indicate your battery might be deteriorating:
- Rapid battery drain – If your phone loses charge quickly even with minimal use
- Overheating – If your phone gets unusually hot during charging or normal use
- Bulging or swelling – A visible change in your phone’s shape could indicate a swollen battery (this is dangerous and requires immediate attention)
- Random shutdowns – If your phone turns off unexpectedly even with charge remaining
- Slow charging – If your phone takes much longer to charge than it used to
Battery health testers
While built-in tools and apps are useful; dedicated battery health testers can provide more accurate results. These devices connect to your phone and measure actual battery capacity, voltage and other parameters. They’re particularly useful for technicians or those who want precise measurements.
How to test battery capacity
To get a rough idea of your battery’s capacity, below are some tips to try:
- Charge your phone to 100%
- Use it normally until it reaches about 20%
- Note the screen-on time and overall time since full charge
- Compare this to when your phone was new or to manufacturer specifications
Remember factors like screen brightness, app usage and network connectivity can affect these results.
Tips to maintain battery health
- Avoid extreme temperatures as both heat and cold can damage batteries
- Use original or certified chargers. Cheap uncertified chargers can harm your battery
- Keep your battery charge between 20% and 80% when possible
- Update your software as manufacturers often include battery optimisations in updates
- Reduce background app refresh. This can significantly reduce battery drain
The OzPhone free battery health check offer
OzPhone offers a fantastic service that takes the guesswork out of battery health checks. You can bring your phone into our store for a free battery health check. This service is particularly valuable for the following reasons:
- It’s performed by our trained professionals using specialised equipment
- You get an accurate assessment of your battery’s condition
- If a replacement is needed, OzPhone can advise you on the spot
- It saves you time and potential frustration from DIY phone repair methods
This offer demonstrates OzPhone’s commitment to customer service and device longevity. It’s an excellent opportunity to ensure your phone is performing at its best and to address any battery issues before they become major problems.
When to replace your battery
Generally it’s time to consider a battery replacement when:
- Your battery health drops below 80%
- You’re experiencing significant performance issues
- Your phone no longer lasts through a typical day of use
Remember that replacing a battery can often breathe new life into an older phone potentially saving you the cost of a new device.
Checking your phone’s battery health is a crucial aspect of device maintenance. Whether you use built-in tools, third-party apps or professional services like OzPhone’s free battery health check, staying informed about your battery’s condition can help you make informed decisions about your device usage and maintenance.
By understanding how to check your phone’s battery health, recognising signs of battery degradation and following best practices for battery care you can ensure your smartphone remains a reliable companion for years to come. Remember that while DIY methods can provide useful insights, professional checks like those offered by OzPhone can give you the most accurate assessment and immediate solutions if needed.
Take the time to check your phone’s battery health today. Your future self will thank you for the improved performance and longevity of your device.
Don’t hesitate to phone or contact us today. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, our experienced technicians are waiting to assist you.