How to Fix Decreasing Battery While Charging iPhone
Experiencing your iPhone battery decreasing while charging can be frustrating and alarming. It’s a problem many iPhone users encounter, and fixing it is essential for maintaining your phone’s battery health and performance. Whether it’s caused by a faulty charger, resource-hungry apps, or aging battery health, this guide will walk you through solutions to fix the issue and prevent it in the future.
Let’s dive into understanding why your iPhone’s battery is draining while charging and the steps you can take to solve this.
Why Is My iPhone Battery Decreasing While Charging
Your iPhone losing charge while plugged in might seem baffling, but it’s often a result of a combination of factors. Knowing the root cause is the first step to fixing the issue.
Common Causes of Battery Drain While Charging
- Faulty Charging Accessories
Damaged cables or low-quality adapters can disrupt charging efficiency and even drain your battery. - Background Apps and Settings
Apps running in the background, high screen brightness, and active notifications can consume power faster than your iPhone charges. - Software Glitches
Bugs in older iOS versions or unoptimized apps can cause your iPhone to drain while charging. - Battery Health Deterioration
An aging battery may struggle to hold a charge efficiently, especially under heavy use.
Identifying Signs of Battery Drain Issues
- Dropping Percentage While Charging: The battery percentage goes down instead of up.
- Overheating: Your iPhone heats up unusually while plugged in.
- Sudden Shutdowns: The phone turns off even when connected to power.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to troubleshoot.
Quick Fixes for Decreasing Battery While Charging iPhones
Here’s how to fix decreasing battery while charging with some simple steps:
1. Restart Your iPhone
Restarting your phone can resolve temporary glitches causing battery drainage.
- For iPhones with Face ID: Press and hold the side button and a volume button until you see the slider, then drag it to turn off.
- For iPhones with Home Button: Hold the top or side button until the slider appears, then turn it off.
Once off, turn it back on and see if the issue is resolved.
2. Inspect Charging Equipment
Faulty charging accessories can significantly affect battery performance.
- Use Apple-certified cables and chargers.
- Check for visible damage like frayed wires or bent pins.
- Test with a different power source or cable to rule out hardware issues.
3. Optimize the Charging Environment
Your iPhone may overheat or charge inefficiently in extreme environments.
- Avoid charging in direct sunlight or cold conditions.
- Place your phone on a flat surface with proper airflow to prevent overheating.
Advanced Solutions to Fix Battery Drainage While Charging
If the quick fixes don’t work, try these advanced steps to address the issue.
1. Update Your iPhone’s iOS
Software updates often fix bugs and improve charging efficiency.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
2. Disable Power-Draining Apps
Some apps consume excessive battery power.
- Navigate to Settings > Battery and check battery usage by app.
- Close or uninstall apps that drain your battery quickly.
3. Adjust Settings for Better Battery Management
- Lower the screen brightness or enable Auto-Brightness.
- Turn on Low Power Mode under Settings > Battery.
- Disable unnecessary notifications and background app refresh.
How to Check and Maintain Battery Health
Understanding your iPhone’s battery health can help you decide whether it’s time for a replacement.
1. Use Battery Health Features on iPhone
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- If the Maximum Capacity is below 80%, it’s time to consider a new battery.
2. Tips to Extend Battery Life
- Avoid letting your phone fully discharge.
- Charge between 20% and 80% for optimal battery longevity.
- Enable Optimized Battery Charging to slow battery aging.
Model-Specific Fixes for iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15
Each iPhone model has unique features that may influence battery behavior.
- iPhone 11 and 12: Ensure iOS updates address known issues.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max and Newer Models: Take advantage of enhanced battery management features.
- Pro Models: Use Apple’s fast-charging capabilities with a 20W charger for optimal charging speed.
When to Seek Professional Help
If none of the fixes work, your iPhone may have a hardware issue.
- Signs like a damaged charging port or severe overheating indicate professional repair is needed.
- Visit an Apple Store or certified repair center to replace the battery safely.
Preventive Measures for Long-Term Battery Performance
Avoid future issues with these tips:
- Avoid Overnight Charging: Charging too long can cause battery degradation.
- Monitor Battery Usage: Use tools to analyze battery performance.
- Adopt Good Charging Practices: Keep charging sessions short and use high-quality accessories.
Conclusion: Fixing and Preventing Decreasing Battery While Charging
Fixing a decreasing battery while charging requires identifying the root cause and taking action. From replacing faulty accessories to updating iOS and managing battery settings, there are many ways to improve battery performance.
Remember to follow preventive measures to maintain long-term battery health. If the issue persists, seek professional help to ensure your iPhone runs optimally.
FAQs
Why is my iPhone battery decreasing while charging?
Common causes include faulty chargers, power-draining apps, or an aging battery.
How can I fix my iPhone 12 battery draining while charging?
Inspect the charger, update iOS, and use Low Power Mode.
Is it normal for my iPhone to lose charge while plugged in?
No, it’s not normal. Check for hardware or software issues and address them promptly.
How can I prevent my iPhone battery from draining quickly?
Follow good charging practices, optimize settings, and use quality accessories.
When should I replace my iPhone battery?
Replace the battery when the Battery Health falls below 80%.
