Symptoms
- Battery drops several percent per hour with light use
- Battery percentage falls faster than it used to
- Phone feels warm even when idle
- Battery Health shows reduced capacity
Likely causes
- CommonOne app using excess background activitySettings > Battery shows per-app usage; a spike from one app points to the culprit.
- CommonDegraded battery healthA battery under about 80% capacity holds less charge and drains faster relative to use.
- PossibleWeak cell signal forcing the radio to work harderSearching for signal in low-coverage areas burns extra power.
- PossibleBackground App Refresh and location services running constantlyApps refreshing content or tracking location in the background add up.
- Less commonA recent iOS update reindexing or optimizing in the backgroundBattery drain often settles within a day or two after an update.
What to do
- Check Settings > Battery and look at usage by app over the last 24 hours.
- Note any app using far more battery than its screen-on time would suggest.
- Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging for maximum capacity.
- Turn off Background App Refresh for apps you do not need updating in the background (Settings > General > Background App Refresh).
- Turn off precise or always-on Location Services for apps that do not need it (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services).
- Update the app or iOS if an update is available, since drain bugs are often fixed quickly.
- If one app is still the top drainer after updating, uninstall and reinstall it.
- If drain continues with no clear app cause, suspect the battery itself and check its health.
When to call a pro
If Battery Health is well below 80% and drain is severe, a battery replacement at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop is the direct fix.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.