Your Questions Answered: When to Replace a Phone Battery

Most smartphones come with non-removable batteries, so replacing one has gotten a lot more time-consuming and, in some cases, more expensive. It’s not something you should do on your own unless you have experience repairing phones, as you could make the problem worse. It can be a day-long project where you must disassemble your phone — in newer models, you even have to detach the screen from all of its sensors and wires. Now begs the question, when do you need to replace a phone battery?

When to Get a Battery Replacement

There are a couple of things to consider when deciding whether or not to replace a phone battery. For starters, you’ll want to determine the battery life. For iPhone 6 and later, you can find information on battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Here you will see at what maximum capacity your battery is functioning, its peak performance capabilities, and sometimes a message concerning your battery.

The lithium-ion battery in your Apple device will start out functioning at 100% maximum capacity. Charge cycles – which Apple defines as using your battery to 50% power, charging it to 100% power, and then using it to 50% power again – will deplete the lifespan of your battery. A healthy lithium-ion battery will function at 80% maximum capacity and above. Apple recommends replacing your battery once it gets below this point.

Android phones provide some information about the lifespan of your phone battery but have fewer native resources. You can dial *#*#4636#*#* and select Battery Information to view your device’s battery status on many phones with Android operating systems. There are apps such as AccuBattery that you can download to learn more. Once downloaded, you will have to charge your device to access that information.

Additionally, there are a few things you can do to help extend your phone’s battery life to keep things moving while you make your decision.

Replacing a Phone Battery vs. Buying a New Phone

Another factor that may have you leaning toward smartphone battery replacement is decreased functionality of the phone itself. Many iPhone users have experienced unexpected shutdowns, extended loading times for apps, and failure to operate unless plugged into the charger. These can be extremely frustrating experiences but are not uncommon for older phones or phones with poor battery health.

These experiences, plus the details you can find within your phone settings, should help set the stage for your decision. The model of your phone is another thing you will want to consider. When you compare the cost of battery replacement with purchasing a new smartphone altogether, the latter may be the better option for you, but it comes down to personal preference.

You can choose to buy a brand new phone or save your wallet and purchase a refurbished smartphone. CPR Cell Phone Repair is a great source for refurbished Apple and Samsung devices!

However, you may not need an upgrade. If you go the battery replacement route, you will want to find a trusted repair shop. CPR is well-versed in replacing cell phone batteries for older and newer iPhone and Android models! With more than 850 stores worldwide, there’s likely a location near you. Find your local CPR here!