How to Tell If Your Phone Battery Needs Replacing – And How to Stop It Draining So Fast
By : Daniel Middleton /
We’ve all been there — your phone battery was at 100% just a few hours ago, and now it’s flashing red. Whether your device is new or several years old, battery issues are one of the most common frustrations for smartphone users.
But how do you know if it’s time for a battery replacement — or if your habits are simply draining it faster than necessary?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
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Signs your phone battery needs replacing
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The main causes of battery drain
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How to make your phone battery last longer
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Where to get your battery replaced quickly and safely
🔋 Signs You Need a Battery Replacement
Smartphone batteries are built to last, but they don’t last forever. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time — often after 500 to 800 charge cycles, which is roughly 18–24 months for the average user.
Here are the top signs your phone battery might need replacing:
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Battery percentage jumps or drops suddenly
Does it drop from 40% to 10% in minutes? That’s a red flag. -
Your phone gets hot – even when not in use
An ageing battery may overheat more frequently. -
The phone shuts down unexpectedly
If it turns off even with 20–30% charge left, the battery may be unstable. -
Battery health shows degradation (iPhone only)
iPhone users can check this under Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.-
If it says “Service” or shows under 80% capacity, it's time to replace it.
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It takes far longer to charge than it used to
Batteries that degrade may also charge more slowly and drain faster.
🔍 What’s Draining Your Battery the Most?
Even if your battery isn’t due for replacement yet, certain habits can dramatically reduce battery life. Here's what to watch for:
1. High screen brightness
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One of the biggest culprits. Keep brightness at 50% or enable auto-brightness.
2. Background apps
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Apps like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram may refresh constantly in the background.
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Check which apps are draining power:
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iPhone: Settings > Battery
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Android: Settings > Battery > Usage
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3. Push notifications
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Every buzz, ping, and update wakes your phone and uses power.
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Disable unnecessary app notifications or switch to manual sync.
4. Location services & Bluetooth
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Apps that track your location drain the battery fast — even when not in use.
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Disable location services for apps that don’t need it.
5. Mobile signal strength
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Poor signal causes your phone to work harder searching for reception.
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If you're often in low-signal areas, switching to Airplane Mode temporarily can help.
✅ How to Make Your Battery Last Longer
Whether your battery is ageing or brand new, these tips will help extend its life:
➤ Enable Battery Saver Mode
Most phones offer a built-in Battery Saver or Low Power Mode that limits background processes and visual effects to conserve energy.
➤ Avoid full 0–100% charge cycles daily
Lithium-ion batteries degrade more slowly when kept between 20% and 80%.
➤ Don’t let your phone overheat
Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight, hot cars, or using power-hungry apps while charging.
➤ Use official or certified chargers
Cheap, low-quality chargers may not regulate power properly and can damage the battery over time.
➤ Restart your phone occasionally
A weekly restart can stop rogue processes that may be draining the battery unnecessarily.
🔧 When It’s Time to Replace Your Battery
If you’ve tried all the tips above and your phone still won’t hold charge, the battery likely needs replacing.
At iSmash, we offer:
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Same-day battery replacement for iPhones and most Androids
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Genuine or high-quality compatible parts
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A full health diagnostic and service
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A 12-month warranty on all repairs
👉 Book your battery replacement at iSmash today
A poor battery doesn’t always mean your phone is ready for the bin. In most cases, a quick battery replacement can make your device feel brand new — saving you money, reducing e-waste, and improving performance instantly.
Take care of your battery, and it will take care of you.