A phone battery health check takes less than a minute, and winter is a good time to do it. Also, cold air makes weak batteries shut down early. Then, this guide shows where to look on iPhone and Pixel phones, what the labels mean, and how to protect the battery.
Quick answer
- iPhone: Settings, Battery, Battery Health.
- Pixel 8a and later: Settings, Battery, Battery health.
- Pixel shows Normal, Reduced or Unavailable. Reduced means capacity is below 80%.
- Cold weather can cause temporary shutdowns, especially on older batteries.
- Other Android brands vary, so check your maker’s support page.
How to do a phone battery health check on iPhone
Open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health. You will see Maximum Capacity, which compares your battery today with its capacity when new. According to Apple’s support page, this number falls as the battery ages, so you get fewer hours between charges.
Below that sits Peak Performance Capability. Normal means the battery supports full performance. If you see “Performance management applied”, the phone had an unexpected shutdown and is limiting speed to prevent more.
A message that says “Battery health degraded” does not signal a safety issue, Apple says. But you may notice more drain and slowdowns. In that case, an Apple Authorised Service Provider can replace the battery.
How to check battery health on a Pixel
On Pixel 8a and later, go to Settings, Battery, then Battery health. The status reads Normal, Reduced or Unavailable, as described on Google’s Pixel help page. Normal means capacity is within expected limits. Reduced means it has dropped below 80%, so a replacement is worth considering.
You can also open Battery capacity for an estimate. Older Pixels, such as the 7 and 8, do not show a health status. Google lists a rated lifespan of about 800 charge cycles for those models and about 1,000 for the 8a and later.
Other Android phones
Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi and others each put battery tools in different menus. Then, some show a health label and some do not. Search your maker’s support page for your model rather than trusting a third-party app.
Why winter drains phones faster
Apple notes that battery impedance rises temporarily in the cold. Also, that can limit power delivery. As a result, shutdowns are more likely when the charge is low or the battery is old.
These effects are temporary. Warm the phone gently, for example in an inner pocket, and it usually recovers. Avoid placing it on a heater or in direct hot air.
Simple habits that protect the battery
Google advises charging in a cool spot, around 25°C, and keeping the phone out of direct sunlight. It also suggests avoiding ambient heat above 35°C for long periods. If you store a phone for over a month, leave it near 50% charge. Apple gives similar advice for long storage.
Use a compatible charger from a trusted brand. If you ever buy a second-hand phone, our guide on how to check your phone’s IMEI number helps you verify the handset.
When to replace the battery
Consider a replacement if the phone shuts down unexpectedly often, or if health shows Reduced or degraded. Pick an authorised service centre, because Apple warns that unverified batteries may show inaccurate health data.
FAQ
What is a good battery health percentage?
Apple does not set a pass mark. Google calls anything under 80% Reduced on Pixel. Still, use that as a rough guide for other phones too.
Does cold weather damage a phone battery?
Apple says cold effects on performance are temporary. Heat is the bigger long-term risk, so avoid hot places.
How do I check battery health on Android without an app?
Look in Settings, then Battery, for a health or capacity option. Not every phone has one. Then, if yours does not, your maker’s service centre can test it.