In today's fast-paced digital world, your smartphone's battery is the unsung hero, silently powering everything from crucial video calls to endless social media scrolling. However, like all components, batteries degrade over time, leading to frustratingly short usage periods, sudden phone shutdowns, and overall sluggish performance. Recognizing this common pain point, The Times of India has launched a new weekday series called 'Hack of the Day'. This initiative is dedicated to providing quick, practical solutions for everyday problems, empowering readers to live smarter by using readily available tools, from government portals to everyday applications.
Why Monitoring Your Battery Health is Crucial
Proactively checking your phone's battery health is a simple yet powerful habit. It allows you to identify potential issues before they become major headaches. By keeping an eye on key metrics, you can effectively extend the overall lifespan of your device, plan for a potential replacement in advance, and avoid being caught off-guard by a dead phone at an inconvenient moment. This small act of maintenance can save you time, money, and significant stress.
Step-by-Step Guide for iPhone Users
For iPhone owners running iOS 11.3 or any later version, Apple provides a straightforward built-in tool to monitor battery health. The process is simple: First, open your Settings app and tap on Battery. Next, select Battery Health & Charging. Here, you will find two critical pieces of information.
Look at the Maximum Capacity percentage. A reading of 100% indicates a brand-new battery, while a figure of 80% or lower signifies a degraded battery that may soon require replacement. Additionally, check the Peak Performance Capability section. iOS will explicitly inform you if performance management features have been activated due to significant battery wear. A key tip to remember: if your iPhone displays the word "Service" next to the battery health status, it is a clear signal to book a battery replacement at an authorized service center.
Navigating Battery Health on Android Devices
The process on Android smartphones is less uniform, as tools and menus can vary significantly between manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Google Pixel. However, there are several common methods you can try.
The first and easiest approach is to explore your phone's Settings menu. Navigate to Settings → Battery → Battery Usage or Device Care. On some models, you might find a direct "Battery Health" or "Capacity" option here.
For a more technical check, many Android devices support a hidden diagnostic menu. You can access it by opening your phone dialer and entering the code: *#*#4636#*#*. Once the menu appears, tap on "Battery Information" to view detailed stats including health status, charge cycles, and current capacity.
Finally, consider using official manufacturer applications. Apps like Samsung Members, OnePlus Diagnostic, or the Pixel Support app often include dedicated sections for running diagnostics and checking battery health, providing manufacturer-specific insights.
This helpful guide was authored by Heena Gupta, an avid tech enthusiast and alumna of Hindu College. With a deep passion for gadgets and a love for exploring every new technological advancement in the market, she brings practical insights to readers. In her leisure time, Heena enjoys winding down with a glass of wine and watching historical cartoons and shows.
