Battery health isn’t typically a subject at the top of mind, but it is crucial to the longevity of one’s devices. Rechargeable batteries can become less effective as they age and the more charge cycles it has gone through. Once a device begins losing hours on a single charge, it can become fairly inconvenient. Luckily, it’s simple to check your Apple devices’ battery health, via settings or a free download, giving insight on whether it’s your battery causing the need for more frequent charging, or something else.
How to check iPhone’s battery health
If your iPhone is on the most up-to-date version of iOS, checking battery health can be done through Settings. Go into your Settings app, scroll down to Battery, and select Battery Health. Once there, look at the number next to Maximum Capacity. Preferably, that number should be over 80%, as the higher the number, the longer the battery should last on a charge. However, batteries do degrade over time so if your device is a few years old there’s a good chance your maximum capacity is below that.
Below the Capacity, there is a second box that says Peak Performance Capability. Within that box, there should be smaller text indicating the status of your battery’s health. If the battery is degrading, you may get a prompt to visit an authorized Apple specialist or to turn on performance management.
How to check iPad’s battery health
Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to check an iPad’s battery health through settings. However, iMazing a free app available on macOS and Windows that allows you to check the battery health status of all iOS devices as long as you have the cable to connect them. Once iMazing has been installed, go through the prompts on your iPad giving the app access to your device. Then, on the left sidebar of the app click on the iPad. On the far right side under the iPad icon, there should be an “i” within a circle. Once you have clicked on that icon, iMazing will display several device details. Scroll to Battery Effective Max Charge, where you can find how much of the battery’s max capacity it is capable of holding, as well as the number of charge cycles the device has been through.
How to check MacBook’s battery health
Similar to the iPhone, checking your laptop’s battery health can be done through the System Preferences app. To do so, open System Preferences and click on the Battery section, then select Battery from the sidebar. In the bottom right, click the button that says Battery Health and you should get a pop up that displays the battery’s general condition and it’s current maximum capacity. If the battery is above 80% capacity, it’s condition should say “Normal”.
If your devices are beginning to die too quickly, or display less than 80% capacity, it may be time for a new battery. If you have already enrolled in AppleCare or the device is under warranty, you may be eligible for a free replacement. However if your device is not covered under AppleCare, many places offer repair kits that will allow you to swap your battery in the iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Additionally, Apple announced a self-repair program allowing users to purchase kits directly from Apple. This program will be available this year.
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