Battery percentage erratic

Question

Level 1

11 points

Battery percentage erratic

I have an iPhone 6 Plus and recently (the last 2/3 months) the phone has shown me a correct battery percentage figure (say 59%), then after using an app for a few minutes like Facebook or Instagram, when i've come out to the main screen it is showing 21% and i can physically see it ticking away approximately at 1% per 30 seconds. I hold down the home button and screen off button simultaneously to do a reset and the phone goes back to the correct percentage again, before slipping back into the same issue again after looking at another app within an hour or so!! It is driving me mad.

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Apr 18, 2017 10:47 AM

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Answer 1

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,337 points

Apr 18, 2017 11:13 PM in response to Shelfsidestu

Hi

Depending on the nature of the issue, your iPhone may require battery service.

Before contacting Apple, try the following steps:

Update your iPhone to the latest software version:

Update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Restart your iPhone (normally):

Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Check which apps are responsible for the battery usage:

Go to: Settings > Battery > under Battery Usage, select the Last 24 Hours tab.
Address any issues with potentially problematic apps (such as by removing and reinstalling them).

Follow Apple's tips for maximising battery life, as detailed here:

https://www.apple.com/batteries/maximizing-performance/

When charging your iPhone, follow the instructions in the following support article, including:

Checking the charging port for any debris.
Using only a genuine Apple cable or an Apple-certified (MFi) cable.
Apple recommends using the supplied USB Power Adapter.
If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't charge - Apple Support

Check whether the issue persists after restoring your iPhone to factory settings:

Back up your iPhone (you may wish to encrypt the backup, if using iTunes):
- How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
Restore it to factory settings, with a fresh copy of iOS:
- Use iTunes on your Mac or PC to restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support
Check whether the issue recurs before or after restoring from backup:
- Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

If the issue persists, I suggest that you contact Apple Support (mail-in service may be available), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance, including - if recommended - to arrange for your iPhone to be checked and serviced:

US: iPhone Service Answer Center - Apple Support
Elsewhere: Apple - Support

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Answer 2

Apr 18, 2017 5:20 PM in response to Shelfsidestu

Call Apple or make a genius bar appointment to have the battery tested. Or get the app Battery Life, which is a pretty good test, but not as thorough as Apple's. If the battery is failing Apple can replace it for $79.

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