How to make iPhone battery last longer

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To make your iPhone battery last longer, you can adjust settings, manage apps, and utilize battery optimization features. Implementing these strategies can significantly extend your device's battery life throughout the day.

Beginner/Intermediate7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to extend your iPhone's battery life, ensure you have the following:
  • An iPhone running iOS 14 or later (iOS 15, 16, or 17 recommended for best features).
  • Access to the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • A stable internet connection for software updates.
  • Backup your data using iCloud or iTunes to prevent data loss.

Method 1: Enable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode is a built-in feature that reduces background activity to save battery life. Use this method when your battery is low or when you want to extend usage during the day.
  • Step 1: Open the Settings app by tapping the gear icon on your home screen.
  • Step 2: Scroll down and tap on 'Battery'.
  • Step 3: Toggle the switch for 'Low Power Mode' to ON (the switch will turn green).
  • Step 4: You can verify it is active by checking for the yellow battery icon in the status bar.
  • Step 5: If it doesn't work, ensure your iOS is updated by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

For iOS 15 and later

In iOS 15 and later, Low Power Mode can also be accessed from the Control Center.
  • Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
  • Tap the battery icon to enable Low Power Mode.

For iOS 14

In iOS 14, Low Power Mode is only accessible through the Settings app.
  • Follow the steps mentioned above to enable Low Power Mode.

Method 2: Adjust Screen Brightness

Lowering your screen brightness can significantly reduce battery consumption. This method is useful in bright environments or when you want to conserve battery life.
  • Step 1: Open the Settings app.
  • Step 2: Tap on 'Display & Brightness'.
  • Step 3: Adjust the brightness slider to a lower level.
  • Step 4: To verify, observe the screen brightness change immediately.
  • Step 5: If the brightness does not change, check for any accessibility settings that may override this adjustment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to extend your iPhone's battery life, consider the following solutions:
  • Error: Battery not lasting as expected - Solution: Check for apps using excessive battery by going to Settings > Battery and reviewing the battery usage statistics.
  • Issue: Low Power Mode not activating - Fix: Ensure your iOS is up to date and restart your device if necessary.
  • Problem: Brightness settings not saving - Workaround: Reset all settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings (this will not delete data but will reset preferences).

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users looking to maximize battery life, consider the following tips:
  • Keyboard shortcut: None applicable for iPhone, but you can use Siri to enable Low Power Mode by saying, 'Hey Siri, turn on Low Power Mode.'
  • Hidden feature: Background App Refresh - Disable it by going to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and selecting 'Off' or 'Wi-Fi'.
  • Automation: Use the Shortcuts app to create automations that enable Low Power Mode at specific times.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

The best approach to extend battery life is to combine multiple methods such as enabling Low Power Mode, reducing screen brightness, and managing app settings.