Your battery is the life of your cell phone. Over time, it wears down, loses capacity, and can even fail completely. Its condition is vital for your phone’s functioning — without good health, your device can slow down, overheat, or stop working altogether.
When it comes to cell phone battery life, you may have some key questions, like “how long does a phone battery last?” In this post, we’ll discuss the signs it’s time for a phone battery replacement and some other tips to keep in mind.
4 Signs it’s Time for a Phone Battery Replacement
It may not always be clear when your battery has run its course. Even when you’ve done everything you can to maximize your cell phone battery life, the reality is that, eventually, it’ll impact your device’s functioning. Here are some key signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement.
1. Decreased Battery Life
Over time, your battery naturally loses its capacity in a process called chemical aging. Because of this, you may notice your phone doesn’t last as long as it used to between charges.
A decreased cell phone battery life is one of the leading indicators to tell you when you should replace your Android or iPhone battery. While chemical aging is the most common culprit of decreased lifespan, other factors that can impact capacity include the following:
- Software updates
- Power-hungry apps
- Frequent and continuous phone usage
2. Slow Charging or Not Charging at All
Slow charging can be caused by various factors, like a dirty charging port or incorrect or broken charging cables. Troubleshoot by ruling out these issues first, and if fixing them fails to solve the problem, consider inspecting your battery.
If your battery is the issue for slow or minimal charging, it can impede your ability to use your device altogether. You may also experience sudden phone shut-offs, even if your battery percentage appears high or at full charge. Like with other warning signs, ignoring this issue can lead to more damage to the battery or even the phone itself.
3. Phone Overheating
If your device gets excessively hot while in use, this could indicate that you need a phone battery replacement. Keep in mind that overheating can occur if you use apps that take up a lot of power or if you use your phone for long periods. However, a failing battery can also be the source of your issue. If this is the case, it can lead to overworking the system and a shorter lifespan for both the battery and phone.
For this reason, it’s crucial to replace your battery as promptly as possible to avoid further damage to the internal components of your device.
4. Battery Swelling or Leakage
Swelling occurs when the parts of your battery degrade and release gas. This chemical buildup can cause the battery to expand, putting pressure on the other internal pieces of your device and causing damage. This pressure may also lead to chemical leakage, harming your phone and posing a severe safety threat.
If your battery is swelling or leaking, stop using your phone immediately, as it can impact your device and personal health. If caught early enough, expert technicians can replace your battery in time before it does any significant damage to the performance of your device.
How to Check Your Battery’s Health
An excellent way to gauge how long your phone battery will last before it’s time for a replacement is to perform regular quality assurance checks. There are two options for this:
1. Use the Built-In Battery Status in Your Settings
Most modern phones have a built-in battery status display, which you can check in your settings. This status typically gives you information about your battery’s current capacity, health, performance, and usage.
2. Download a Third-Party Battery Monitoring App
Third-party monitoring apps can provide a more detailed view of your battery’s health. For example, they can provide information about its capacity, charge cycles, and performance over time. Some monitoring apps even offer actionable tips for managing frequently-used apps and how to save your cell phone battery life in the long run.
What’s Considered Good iPhone Battery Health?
Generally, Apple considers your battery health ‘good’ if it’s at a capacity of 80% or more. Anything less than this may result in slower device performance, quicker draining, and even shut-offs. When your iPhone battery health dips below this, it may be time to replace it.
What’s Considered Good Samsung Battery Health?
Similar to the iPhone, good battery health for a Samsung phone is 80% or above. Once its capacity becomes less than this, your battery will drain quicker and lead to poor device performance.
Deciding Between Professional Replacement or DIY
When it comes to replacing your phone battery, there are typically two options: professional replacement or DIY repair. A DIY replacement can be a good option if you’re comfortable with taking your phone apart and have the right tools. On the other hand, if you’re unsure about the process or simply prefer an expert to handle the repair, visit a reputable shop near you.
Tips for a Successful DIY Replacement
If you decide to go this route, ensure you:
- Follow an updated repair guide
- Get all the necessary tools for the job
- Work in a clean, well-lit space
Keep in mind that if you have a swollen or leaky battery, it’s best to take your phone to a professional because exposure to these chemicals can be hazardous to your health if not handled properly.
Finding a Reputable Repair Shop for Professional Replacement
When searching for a repair shop to get a battery replacement, look for ones with a good reputation and positive reviews, like Mobile Klinik. Our expert technicians will ensure your device returns to working order in no time. With numerous locations across Canada, you can walk in or book an appointment at a shop near you.
It’s essential to monitor the health of your battery and replace it if you notice warning signs like overheating, decreased battery life, charging issues, or swelling. This due diligence will not only help you restore functionality but also prolong the lifespan of your phone. For professional advice on your battery, visit us in-store at Mobile Klinik or download our Device Checkup App for real-time battery monitoring.