How to Check iPhone Battery Health?

How to Check iPhone Battery Health Before Buying a Refurbished iPhone!

Last Updated: 04 August 2025

Battery issues can affect iPhone performance, slow down daily use, and cause frequent charging problems. Whether using the latest iPhone 16, an advanced iPhone 14, or a budget friendly iPhone SE, knowing how to check iPhone battery health is an important step to manage performance and avoid costly replacements. You can easily check iPhone battery health using built in settings or trusted third party tools. This also applies to all refurbished iPhones and other iOS models for better performance and longer battery life.

Learn About the Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance on iPhone

Battery health mainly depends on two key indicators which are Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance Capability. Maximum Capacity shows how much charge the battery can hold compared to when it was new. However, Peak Performance Capability explains if the phone is running at normal speed or if iOS has reduced performance because of battery wear. For older models such as the iPhone 11 or iPhone X Series, you might also see a note when the battery starts limiting performance, which helps you decide if a replacement is needed.

Check Your iPhone Battery Health Using Settings

Every iPhone with iOS 11.3 or newer has a built-in section called Battery Health & Charging. You can easily find it from the iPhone Settings App on your device. To check iPhone battery health, open Settings, tap Battery, and then choose Battery Health & Charging. This shows the current battery status and helps you know if it needs attention. This screen shows Maximum Capacity, which indicates battery health as a percentage. A healthy battery usually reads between 85% to 100%. Below 80%, Apple recommends a replacement.

How Battery Cycle Count Affects iPhone’s Battery Life?

Every Lithium-ion battery has a cycle count, which means one full charge and discharge. Most iPhones can handle about 500 cycles before the battery health starts to drop. Apple does not show this number directly in iOS, but you can check it with apps like iMazing Battery Check or CoconutBattery (for Mac). These tools also display battery temperature, design capacity, and charge cycles. They are helpful if you are checking older iPhone models or looking at options in the refurbished range.

Updated iPhone Battery Health Features in iOS 18 and Earlier Versions

In iOS 18 and earlier versions like iOS 17 and iOS 16, Apple improved battery tracking by adding better details for Background App Refresh, System Services, and Screen Time usage. By reviewing Battery Usage by app, you can easily spot which apps use the most power and fix the issue. You can also turn on Low Power Mode from the Control Center. Go into your iPhone  Settings then choose Battery and then Low Power Mode to save battery. Devices such as the previous iPhone 13 or advanced iPhone 15 display battery usage graphs for the past 24 hours and 10 days, helping you track battery performance clearly.

How to Check Battery Health Without Powering On Your iPhone

Many people look for ways to check iPhone battery health without activating the phone, especially when they are buying used or refurbished devices from online sellers or local shops. It is also easy to find out about the battery health, you can use a few simple methods:

  • Use 3uTools on a PC to connect the iPhone and view battery details directly
  • Use iBackupBot on Windows for similar checks, as it also shows battery cycle count and capacity details before you even turn the phone on.
  • Use CoconutBattery on a Mac for clear and accurate battery health information

Ask the seller to open Settings, go to Battery, then Battery Health and share the percentage with you before you buy the phone. These options check the device diagnostics directly, which is very helpful when buying refurbished iPhones or second-hand models.

Get Help from Apple Support and Diagnostics Tools

Apple provides simple ways to check and service your battery through the Apple Support App or in-store visits. You can run remote battery diagnostics, book a Genius Bar appointment, or request a battery replacement. If your iPhone is covered by AppleCare+, battery replacement is free if health drops below 80%. It is also important to use certified charging cables to avoid damaging your battery and keep your device running well.

How Charging Habits Affect iPhone Battery Health?

Your charging routine directly affects battery health and long term performance. To keep your iPhone battery in good condition, follow these practices:

  • Turn on Optimised Battery Charging because it helps slow down battery aging and keeps your iPhone healthy.
  • Try not to let the battery drop below 10% too often. Low levels put extra strain on the battery and reduce its life.
  • Avoid leaving your iPhone on charge overnight every day, as it can slowly wear out the battery.
  • Keep your iPhone in a cool place and away from heat during heavy use to prevent damage and maintain stable performance.

In Australia, extreme summer heat can make batteries wear out faster, so extra care is needed. Whether you are using the iPhone 8 SeriesApple iPhone XR, or the latest iPhone 16, these habits help maintain battery capacity and reduce the chances of early battery replacement.

User Friendly Tips to Monitor and Improve Your iPhone Battery

You can monitor app battery drain using the “Battery Usage by App” option in Settings. If the battery still drains abnormally, you can reset all settings to refresh system preferences. Also, keep iOS updated, reduce screen brightness, close unused apps, and check for app updates or bugs that may be draining the battery. These simple steps often improve battery performance and help your iPhone last longer during daily use.

Conclusion

Checking iPhone battery health regularly helps avoid performance issues, sudden shutdowns, and repair costs. Use iOS settings for a basic check or tools like iMazing or CoconutBattery for deeper insights. Whether using iPhonesiPads, or MacBooks, monitoring battery health extends device life and saves money. Regular checks also help you plan timely battery replacements and maintain smooth performance without unexpected problems.

FAQs

How can I check battery health in iPhone models like iPhone SE or iPhone 14?

Open the Settings app, tap on Battery, then choose Battery Health & Charging. Here you can view Maximum Capacity and check if Peak Performance Capability is working normally.

Is it possible to check iPhone battery health without activating the phone?

Yes, you can use tools like 3uTools or CoconutBattery by simply connecting the iPhone to a computer. These tools show battery details without activating the phone.

What is a good battery health percentage for an iPhone?

A healthy iPhone battery is usually 85% or higher. When it goes below 80%, it is best to get it replaced to keep your phone working smoothly.

Can Optimized Battery Charging really help?

Yes, it helps slow battery aging by learning your charging habits and delaying a full charge until it is required, which keeps the battery healthier for longer.

Where can I get a battery replacement in Australia?

You can book a battery service through the Apple Support app or reach out to a trusted repair provider listed on our repairs page for quick help.

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