Phone battery draining fast? Try these fixes

1. 1Find the app using the most batteryAndroid: Settings, Battery, Battery usage. iPhone: Settings, Battery. If one app uses far more than the rest, update it, restrict its background use, or uninstall it.
2. 2Restart the phoneA stuck app or service can keep the phone awake all night. A restart clears it, and it is the quickest fix to try.
3. 3Turn the screen downThe screen uses the most power. Turn on auto brightness, set the screen to switch off after 30 seconds, and use dark mode on AMOLED phones.
4. 4Check your networkA weak signal makes the phone search hard for a tower. In poor coverage use Wi-Fi, and switch 5G to 4G (LTE) in mobile network settings if 5G keeps dropping.
5. 5Switch off what you don't useBluetooth, location, hotspot and always-on display all drain a little all day. Give location only to apps that need it, and only while you use them.
6. 6Lower the refresh rateA 120 Hz screen looks smooth but costs battery. Set it to adaptive or 60 Hz in display settings if battery matters more to you.
7. 7Install updatesPhone and app updates often fix battery bugs. Note that the first day after a big update can drain more while the phone finishes setting up.
8. 8Use battery saverBattery saver or low power mode stops background refresh and trims performance. Set it to switch on by itself at 20%.
9. 9Watch the heatHeat wears the battery and wastes charge. Don't game while charging, take off a thick case when it gets hot, and keep it out of the sun.
10. 10Check battery healthiPhone: Settings, Battery, Battery Health. Many Android phones show it under Battery or in the service app. Below 80%, a new battery is usually the real fix.

You'll get an on-screen alert with sound when you plug in or unplug, when the battery drops to 20%, and at 80% so you can unplug. Alerts work while Tuvvo is open on any page. A website can't stop charging by itself, so use your phone's own charging limit (tip below) to stop it at 80% for you.

• Keeping the battery between 20% and 80% helps it last more years.
• Most phones can stop charging at 80% for you. Look for "Charging optimisation" or "Battery protection" in Settings, or "Charging" on iPhone.
• To see battery health: on iPhone go to Settings, Battery, Battery Health. On Android, try Settings, Battery, or dial *#*#4636#*#* on some phones.

Why is my new phone's battery draining fast?

For the first few days a new phone restores apps, indexes photos and installs updates, which all use battery. It usually settles within a week.

Is it the battery or an app?

If one app sits at the top of battery usage, it's the app. If the phone drains evenly and is two or more years old, or health is below 80%, it's the battery.

How much does a battery replacement cost in India?

Often Rs 1,500 to 4,000 at an official centre for most Android phones, and more for iPhones. Our repair cost estimator gives a figure for your phone.

Do battery saver apps help?

No. Most just close apps, which then restart and use more power. The phone's own battery saver works better.

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