Turn on Low Power Mode to cut background activity
Low Power Mode is the fastest way to extend your iPhone's battery life. When you turn it on, your phone reduces processor speed, limits background app refresh, and dims the screen slightly. Most people notice their battery lasts 1 to 2 hours longer with this setting active.
To turn on Low Power Mode, open Settings, tap Battery, then toggle Low Power Mode on. You can also swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or down from the top right on newer models) to open Control Center, then tap the battery icon. Your phone will ask if you want to enable Low Power Mode when your battery drops to 20 percent, but you can turn it on anytime.
Low Power Mode stays on until you manually turn it off or until you charge your phone to 80 percent. Some apps may run slower or update less often while it is active, but basic functions like calls, texts, and email work normally.
Key Takeaways
- Low Power Mode reduces processor speed and background activity, typically extending battery life by 1 to 2 hours.
- Turning off location services, background app refresh, and push notifications for apps you do not use frequently saves significant battery.
- Lowering screen brightness or enabling Auto-Brightness prevents the display from draining your battery faster than any other component.
- Closing apps running in the background and disabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you are not using them prevents constant power drain.
- Checking Battery Health in Settings shows whether your battery is degrading, and a battery below 80 percent capacity drains faster.
Reduce screen brightness and enable Auto-Brightness
Your iPhone's display uses more battery than any other component. Lowering brightness is one of the most effective ways to extend battery life without changing how your phone works.
Open Settings, tap Display & Brightness, then drag the brightness slider to the left. Most people find 30 to 40 percent brightness is readable indoors and still saves significant battery. If you spend time outdoors, enable Auto-Brightness in the same menu—your phone will adjust brightness based on the light around you, so you are not running at full brightness in a dark room.
You can also lower brightness quickly from Control Center. Swipe up from the bottom (or down from the top right) and drag the brightness slider down. This is faster than opening Settings if you need a quick adjustment.
Turn off location services for apps that do not need it
Apps that track your location drain battery constantly because your phone is using GPS, Bluetooth, or cellular data to pinpoint where you are. Most apps do not need location access all the time—or at all.
Open Settings, tap Privacy, then tap Location Services. You will see a list of every app that has asked for location permission. Tap each app and choose "Never" unless you use that app for navigation or location-based features. For example, Maps needs location access, but a note-taking app does not. If an app shows a purple arrow next to its name, it has used location in the last 24 hours.
Some apps let you choose "While Using" instead of "Always." This is a good middle ground—the app can see your location when you are actively using it, but not when it is running in the background.
Disable background app refresh and push notifications
Apps refresh their content in the background even when you are not using them, which drains battery. Push notifications also wake your phone to deliver alerts. Turning off both for apps you do not check frequently saves battery without affecting the apps you use regularly.
Open Settings, tap General, then tap Background App Refresh. You will see a list of apps. Toggle off Background App Refresh for apps you do not need to update constantly—for example, a news app you check once a day or a game you play occasionally. Leave it on for messaging apps, email, and other apps you want to stay current.
To disable push notifications, open Settings, tap Notifications, then tap each app. Toggle off "Allow Notifications" for apps that do not need to alert you. You can still open those apps and check them manually. Keep notifications on for messages, calls, and calendar reminders.
Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you are not using them
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi search for connections constantly, even when you are not actively using them. Turning them off when you leave home or do not need them prevents your phone from draining battery searching for networks.
Open Control Center (swipe up from the bottom or down from the top right) and tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it off, then tap the Wi-Fi icon. Your phone will reconnect automatically when you return to a saved network or when you need a connection. If you use wireless headphones or a smartwatch, leave Bluetooth on—the battery drain is worth the convenience.
You can also turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in Settings under Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but Control Center is faster for quick changes throughout the day.
Check your battery health and replace it if it is degraded
iPhone batteries degrade over time. After 500 full charge cycles (roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use), your battery capacity drops. A degraded battery drains faster and may not hold a charge as long as it did when new.
Open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You will see "Maximum Capacity," which shows what percentage of the battery's original capacity remains. If it is below 80 percent, your battery is degraded and drains faster than normal. If it is below 50 percent, Apple recommends having it replaced.
Battery replacement costs vary by model, but you can check the price for your specific iPhone on Apple's website or by visiting an Apple Store. Third-party repair shops often charge less, but Apple batteries come with a warranty. If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, battery replacement may be free.
Close apps running in the background and restart your phone
Apps sometimes get stuck running in the background and drain battery even though you are not using them. Closing them and restarting your phone can fix this problem.
To close an app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer models) to see all open apps, then swipe up on any app you want to close. Do this for apps you are not actively using. If you notice one app drains battery faster than others, close it and restart your phone.
To restart your iPhone, open Settings, tap General, scroll to the bottom, and tap Shut Down. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears. A restart clears temporary files and stops apps that may be stuck in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Low Power Mode damage my battery?
No. Low Power Mode does not harm your battery—it just reduces how hard your phone works. You can use it every day without damaging the battery. It is designed to extend battery life when you need it most.
Will turning off location services stop my phone from working with maps?
No. Maps will still work because you can turn location off for other apps while leaving it on for Maps. Open Settings, tap Privacy, tap Location Services, tap Maps, and choose "While Using" or "Always." Maps will have location access, but other apps will not.
What is the difference between Low Power Mode and turning off background app refresh?
Low Power Mode reduces overall processor speed and limits many features at once. Turning off background app refresh only stops apps from updating when you are not using them. You can use both together for maximum battery savings.
Can I use my iPhone normally with Low Power Mode on?
Yes. Calls, texts, email, and web browsing work normally. Some apps may load slightly slower, and video playback may be limited to standard definition instead of high definition, but everyday use is not affected.
How often should I charge my iPhone to keep the battery healthy?
Charge your phone whenever it is convenient—there is no "best" time. Modern iPhones manage charging automatically to reduce battery wear. Avoid letting your battery drop to 0 percent regularly, and avoid leaving your phone plugged in at 100 percent for days at a time, but occasional full charges do not damage the battery.