My phone battery drains too fast

A battery that drains quickly is usually down to the screen, apps working in the background, poor signal or an ageing battery. A few settings often make a big difference.

Quick fixes to try first

• Turn the screen brightness down, or switch on automatic brightness.
• Switch on Low Power Mode on iPhone, or Battery Saver on Android.
• Restart the phone. This can stop an app stuck using power.
• Turn off Bluetooth and location when you are not using them.

Step by step

1. iPhone: open Settings, then Battery. You will see which apps used the most power in the last 24 hours or 10 days.
2. Android: open Settings, then Battery, or Battery and device care on some Samsung phones. Look for battery usage by app. Menus differ between makes.
3. If an app you rarely use is near the top, close it, change its settings, or uninstall it.
4. Install waiting updates, as they often fix battery problems.
5. Shorten the screen timeout, so the screen switches off sooner.

Check the battery's health

• iPhone: open Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. If Maximum Capacity is much lower, the battery is worn.
• Android: some phones show battery health in their settings or care app. If yours does not, ask us.

A phone battery wears out gradually over two to three years of daily use.

Good habits

• Keep the phone out of hot places such as a car in sunshine.
• Use the proper charger, or a good-quality one.
• Poor signal makes the phone work harder, so it uses more power in areas with weak coverage.

When to get more help

Stop using the phone and ask for help if the battery looks swollen, the phone gets very hot while charging, or the case is bulging. Ask also if it shuts down at 20 or 30 per cent, or the battery drops very suddenly. Tell us the model and how old it is.