Your cell phone\’s battery is its lifeblood. Over time, it undergoes wear and tear, losing its capacity and, in some cases, failing entirely. The condition of your battery is paramount for your phone\’s performance. Without a healthy battery, your device can suffer from sluggishness, overheating, or even complete malfunction.
When it comes to cell phone battery longevity, you might wonder, \”How long does a phone battery last?\” In this article, we will explore the signs indicating it\’s time to replace your cell phone battery and share some valuable tips.
Signs Indicating Your Phone Battery Needs Replacement
It\’s not always obvious when your battery has reached the end of its lifespan. Despite your best efforts to maximise your cell phone battery\’s life, the reality is that it will eventually affect your device\’s functionality. Here are key signs to watch out for:
1. Reduced Battery Life
Over time, your battery naturally loses capacity due to a process called chemical aging. As a result, you may notice that your phone doesn\’t hold a charge as long as it used to.
Diminished cell phone battery life is a clear indicator that it\’s time to consider replacing your Android or iPhone battery. While chemical aging is the primary culprit behind this decrease in lifespan, other factors can also affect capacity, including:
- Software updates
- Battery-draining apps
- Frequent and prolonged phone usage
2. Slow or Non-Existent Charging
Slow charging can be attributed to various factors, such as a dirty charging port or damaged charging cables. To troubleshoot this issue, start by ruling out these common problems. If addressing these issues doesn\’t resolve the problem, it\’s advisable to inspect your battery.
A problematic battery can hinder your ability to use your device. You may also encounter unexpected phone shutdowns, even when the battery percentage appears to be high or fully charged. Ignoring this warning sign can lead to further damage to the battery and the phone itself.
Also Check: Why is My iPhone Charging Slowly?
3. Device Overheating
Excessive heat emanating from your device during use may indicate the need for a phone battery replacement. While overheating can occur when you use power-hungry apps or keep your phone active for extended periods, a failing battery can also be the root cause. In such cases, it can strain your device\’s components and shorten the lifespan of both the battery and the phone.
To prevent further damage to your device\’s internal components, it\’s essential to replace the battery promptly.
4. Battery Swelling or Leakage
Battery swelling occurs when the battery\’s components degrade, releasing gas and causing the battery to expand. This expansion exerts pressure on the device\’s internal components, potentially leading to chemical leakage. This poses a serious safety risk to both your phone and your well-being.
5. Rapid Percentage Drops
If you notice that your phone\’s battery percentage rapidly drops even when you\’re not using power-hungry apps or engaging in extensive phone activities, it\’s a sign that your battery may need replacement. Significant and sudden drops in battery percentage can indicate a loss of capacity and the inability to hold a charge effectively. This can disrupt your daily phone usage and is a clear indicator that your battery\’s performance is deteriorating, necessitating a replacement.
If you observe battery swelling or leakage, cease using your phone immediately. Prompt action by expert technicians can replace the battery before it causes significant harm to your device\’s performance.
Also read: How does temperature affect smartphone battery performance?
How To Check Battery Health on Your Smartphone?
Your smartphone\’s battery is a vital component that directly affects your device\’s performance and longevity. Over time, batteries degrade, leading to reduced capacity and potentially shorter battery life. Checking your battery health can help you understand the state of your battery and make informed decisions about its replacement or maintenance. In this guide, we\’ll walk you through the steps to check your battery health on both Android and iOS devices.
Checking Battery Health on Android Devices
Method 1: Using Built-in Settings
Open Settings: Go to the \”Settings\” app on your Android device. You can usually find it in your app drawer or by swiping down and tapping the gear-shaped icon in the notification panel.
Navigate to Battery: Scroll down and select \”Battery\” or \”Battery & Device Care,\” depending on your Android version.
Battery Health: Look for an option like \”Battery Health\” or \”Battery Usage.\” Tap on it to access detailed battery information.
Check Health Status: You should now see information about your battery\’s health, including its current capacity compared to its original capacity when it was new. A percentage less than 80% typically indicates that your battery is significantly degraded.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps
Alternatively, you can use third-party apps available on the Google Play Store to check battery health. Some popular apps include AccuBattery, GSam Battery Monitor, and Battery Health.
Install and Open the App: Download and install your chosen battery health app. Open the app to begin the assessment.
Follow On-screen Instructions: Most battery health apps will guide you through the process. Typically, you\’ll need to grant necessary permissions for the app to access battery information.
View Battery Health: After a brief analysis, the app will provide you with a detailed report on your battery\’s health, including estimated capacity and charge cycles.
How Do I Know If My Battery Health is good?
Good phone battery health is typically defined as a battery that still retains a significant portion of its original capacity, allowing the device to function optimally. Here\’s a general guideline for what\’s considered good phone battery health:
Battery Capacity Above 80%: A phone battery is usually considered to be in good health if its capacity remains above 80% of its original capacity when it was new. This means that it can still hold a substantial charge, allowing the device to run for a reasonable amount of time without frequent recharging.
Stable Performance: A battery in good health should provide consistent and stable performance. It should be able to power the device through a typical day of usage without requiring multiple recharges.
Minimal Degradation Over Time: While some battery capacity loss is expected over time, a healthy battery should exhibit gradual degradation rather than a sudden and significant drop in capacity. Batteries that degrade slowly tend to last longer.
No Frequent Unexpected Shutdowns: A phone with a healthy battery should not experience frequent unexpected shutdowns, especially when there is still a reasonable amount of charge left. The device should reliably indicate its remaining battery life.
Effective Fast Charging: A good battery should still support fast charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
Few Charge Cycles: Ideally, a battery with good health should have undergone a relatively low number of charge cycles. Charge cycles refer to the process of charging from 0% to 100% and can vary between battery models. Lower charge cycle counts indicate better battery longevity.
Check out: The Impact Of 5G on Mobile Devices
FAQ
1. How do I know if my phone battery needs replacing?
Signs that your phone battery needs replacement include rapid depletion of battery life, overheating, unexpected shutdowns, physical damage or swelling, slow charging, reduced overall performance, and low battery health as indicated in your device settings.
2. How many years should a phone battery last?
A typical smartphone battery is designed to last around 2 to 3 years with regular usage. However, the actual lifespan can vary depending on factors like usage patterns and charging habits.
3. Is it worth replacing a phone battery?
Yes, it is often worth replacing a phone battery if your device is still in good condition otherwise. A new battery can significantly improve battery life and device performance, extending the usability of your phone.
4. How do I test my phone battery?
Testing your phone battery can be done using battery health apps available on app stores. These apps provide insights into your battery\’s condition and performance.
5. Does charging to 85% extend battery life?
Charging your phone to around 85% instead of 100% can help extend battery life over time. This practice reduces stress on the battery, potentially prolonging its longevity.
6. At what percentage should I charge my phone?
Maintaining your phone\’s battery between 20% and 80% charge is considered ideal for extending its lifespan. Avoid frequently letting it drop to very low levels or charging it to 100% unnecessarily.
7. Does a bad battery affect phone performance?
Yes, a degraded battery can negatively impact phone performance. It may lead to slower app loading, reduced multitasking capabilities, and unexpected shutdowns.