For many users of the iPhone, one annoying issue that they have is when their device loses battery power even while hooked up to an iPhone charger. Whether it’s an iPhone wall charger, wireless charger, or any other suitable charger for your iPhone, a situation like this should never happen often. This guide is going to explain to you the various causes of this problem, in detail, while providing thorough solutions that make your iPhone charge and preserve the health of its battery.
Why does your iPhone battery drain during charging?
let’s understand what constitutes normal and abnormal charging behavior. When you plug in your iPhone, the percentage should always tick upwards at a stable pace. Tiny fluctuations or slow charging are not always causes for concern.
The common causes of battery drain while charging include:
- Faulty charging equipment.
- Software failure.
- Power-hungry apps hiding in the background.
- Performance of batteries under extreme temperatures.
The initial step in resolving this issue effectively lies in identifying the root cause.
Finding the Root Cause
Hardware Issues
- Charging Port Issues: Poorly connected devices could be due to a damaged or dirty charging port. Make sure there is no obviously observed damage or clogged debris in your iPhone’s charging port.
- Faulty Charger or Cable: Not all iPhone chargers are created equal, and using a cheaper or faulty charger could result in slow charging or, even worse, battery drainage. The same goes for both wired and wireless chargers of the iPhone.
- Battery Degradation: Over time, all batteries weaken a bit. If your iPhone battery health has degraded seriously, it is probably unable to hold charge well.
Software and Setting Variables
- Greedy background apps: Some apps continue to run and use battery power even when you are not actively using them. Such apps can discharge your battery faster than it can be recharged.
- Outdated Operating System: There can be bugs in older versions of iOS that affect battery performance and charging efficiency.
- Resource-Intensive Features: Features like location services, push e-mail, and background app refresh can use significant power and sometimes even override the input of your charger.
Environmental Influences
- Temperature Extremes: iPhones are designed to work optimally at room temperature. As such, charging it in extreme heat or cold affects the battery’s performance and lifespan.
- Unreliable Power Source: Power supply fluctuations, whether from an unreliable power bank or faulty wall outlet, can make a big difference in charging efficiency.
Immediate Troubleshooting Steps
Charged Equipment Integrity Verification
Start with confirming that you’re using an original or MFi-official charger. Check the compatibility of your charger for the iPhone, as the wrong type might be the reason behind slow charging, or worse, it may burn your device. Take a moment to inspect your cable for any evidence of fraying or damage.
Running Application Administration
Close unnecessary apps running in the background. For iPhones with a home button: Double tap the home button. For newer models, swipe up from the bottom and hold in. Swipe up on each app to close it.
Optimizing Settings of Devices for Efficient Charging
- Display Brightness: Dim your screen’s brightness while it’s charging. Go to Settings, tap Display & Brightness, and move the slider.
- Wireless Features: Disable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS when you aren’t using them. This can be easily done via the Control Center.
- Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh, then turn the switch off or have it refresh over Wi-Fi only.
Utilizing Power-Saving Modes During Charging
Enable Low Power Mode while charging. Go to Settings > Battery. Toggle on Low Power Mode. It cuts down power usage by limiting email fetching, reducing background app refreshes, and minimizing certain visual effects.
Software Solutions
Updating of operating systems
Keeping your iPhone’s iOS updated is important for performance reasons. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If available, download and install the latest update.
Identifying and Removing Software Bugs
At times, a straightforward restart can fix minor software glitches. Press and hold the side button along with either volume button until the power-off slider appears. Slide the lever. Power your device down. After it has powered off, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears again.
Reset Device Settings
Should issues persist, try resetting all settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset. Tap “Reset All Settings”. This will not remove data but will reset all system settings to default values.
Performing a Factory Reset (as Last Resort)
When all else fails, you may want to restore your iPhone to its original settings. Back up your iPhone first. Go to Settings, then General, and tap Reset. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings.”
Hardware Maintenance and Care
Clean the charging port
Carefully clean the charging port using a soft, dry brush or a can of compressed air. Take care not to harm the fragile components within.
Care of Cables and Adapters
- Avoid bending cables acutely.
- Avoid wrapping cable tightly around items.
- Store chargers in a cool, dry place.
Battery Health Estimation
Check your battery’s health. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Observe the percentage labeled “Maximum Capacity.” If it’s below 80%, consider a battery replacement.
Professional Battery Replacement Considerations
If your battery health is poor, or your device is out of warranty, consider a professional battery replacement service. Always use authorized service providers to ensure quality and maintain your device’s integrity.
Smoothing Charging Practices
Ideal Charging to Extend the Battery Life
- Avoid extreme battery levels (0% or 100%) for extended periods. Charge your iPhone little by little throughout the day instead of a longer period.
- Remove your iPhone case while charging if overheating is an issue.
Unravel the Intricacies of Advanced Charging Features
Allow Optimized Battery Charging. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Turn on “Optimized Battery Charging”. This feature observes daily charging habits and thus can minimize battery aging.
Avoiding Overheating During Charging
- Avoid charging your iPhone under direct sunlight or extremely hot conditions.
- Remove any bulky cases that trap heat during charging.
- Avoid using processor-intensive applications during charging.
Periodically calibrating the battery
Occasionally, let your iPhone battery drain completely before fully charging it. This can help recalibrate the battery meter for more accurate readings.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
Routine Software Maintenance
- Keep iOS and apps updated.
- Periodically check for and delete unused apps.
- Regularly clean the cache and temporary files.
Monitoring Battery Health
Check your battery health in settings regularly for any sharp drops in maximum capacity.
Using High-Quality, Compatible Charging Accessories
While investing in good-quality charging accessories might imply a larger initial outlay, it ultimately pays over time because it secures the device and ensures that charging efficiency is maintained.
Adapting Charging Habits to Environmental Conditions
Mind where and how you charge your iPhone: Avoid extreme temperatures and precarious power sources.
When to Seek Professional Help
Recognizing Persistent Issues Beyond DIY Solutions
If the above solutions are not working and you still encounter battery draining while charging, then it may be time to seek professional help.
Competent Technician Selection for Repairs
Always get your device repaired by authorized service providers or Apple Stores. They have the expertise and genuine parts required to repair your device correctly.
Warranty and Service Options
Check your warranty status. Go to Settings > General > About. Tap “Coverage” to see what’s covered under warranty. Should your device still be in its warranty period, you may be eligible for free repair or replacement.
Conclusion
Normally, the problem of iPhone battery drain while charging requires a combination of software changes, proper care regarding hardware, and smart charging behavior. If you follow this step-by-step guide, you are most likely to find the source and solution for most charging problems. Remember, your iPhone charger plays a crucial role in this process, so always use high-quality, compatible charging accessories. If issues persist despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. With proper care and attention, you