IPhone Battery Drain: Causes, Fixes, And Tips For IOS 12 Users [Updated On- 2025]

Battery drain on iOS 12 can happen from resource-intensive apps. Apps using location services and background application refresh can significantly impact battery life. To check battery usage, open Settings, tap Battery, and review the usage by app. Disable location services and background refresh to save battery.

Another potential cause is outdated software. iOS updates often include optimizations that improve battery life, so staying up-to-date is crucial. If your iPhone battery drains rapidly, consider adjusting settings. Limit background app refresh, reduce screen brightness, and turn off unnecessary notifications.

You can also check battery usage statistics to identify problematic apps. If a specific app consumes too much power, consider deleting it or limiting its use.

If these fixes do not improve battery life, it may be time to explore hardware solutions. Battery replacement could be necessary for older devices.

Moving forward, we will discuss practical maintenance tips that can further enhance battery longevity. Users will learn how to optimize their settings, manage apps effectively, and make lifestyle changes that promote a healthier battery life on their iPhones running iOS 12.

# Table of Contents

What Causes My iPhone Battery to Drain on iOS 12?

The main causes of battery drain on iPhones running iOS 12 include software issues, excessive app usage, and background activity.

Software Bugs
High Screen Brightness
Background App Refresh
Location Services
Push Notifications
Faulty Battery Health

Understanding these causes is essential for managing battery life effectively.

Software Bugs:
Software bugs in iOS 12 can cause inefficiencies that lead to battery drain. These bugs may manifest as unresponsive apps or background processing errors. Apple frequently addresses bugs through updates. Therefore, keeping iOS updated can greatly minimize these issues. For example, a report from TechCrunch (2020) indicated that many users resolved battery issues by installing the latest iOS updates.
High Screen Brightness:
High screen brightness can significantly affect battery life. The display consumes a large portion of the battery’s power. Users are advised to set brightness to automatic or reduce it manually. According to Apple’s guidelines, dimming the screen can save a considerable percentage of battery life during extensive use. For instance, lowering brightness to 50% can extend battery life by about 30%.
Background App Refresh:
Background App Refresh allows apps to update and gather data while running in the background. This feature can be a major contributor to battery drain. Users can turn off this feature for less critical apps in the settings. A study by Digital Trends (2019) highlighted that disabling Background App Refresh resulted in a 25% increase in battery lifespan for many users.
Location Services:
Location Services can further drain battery life when apps track a user’s location continually. Many apps request permission to use location data constantly, which can consume excessive power. Users can manage location settings by adjusting permissions in the settings menu. Research from Wired (2018) found that turning off location services when not needed can boost battery life by nearly one hour daily.
Push Notifications:
Push notifications from apps can also be taxing on battery life. Frequent alerts may keep the device awake and running. Users can manage notifications by reducing the number of apps allowed to send them. In a 2019 study by Consumer Reports, users noted that limiting notifications also resulted in improved battery performance, enhancing their device’s overall efficiency.
Faulty Battery Health:
Poor battery health is an intrinsic cause of quick battery drain. Aging batteries can lose their ability to hold a charge, leading to abrupt shutdowns or rapid depletion. Users can check battery health in settings to see if they need replacement. According to Apple’s own data from 2021, batteries that have degraded to below 80% capacity may need to be replaced for optimal performance.

How Do Background App Refresh and Location Services Contribute to Battery Drain?

Background App Refresh and Location Services significantly contribute to battery drain on mobile devices by constantly using processor resources and GPS capabilities. Here are the detailed explanations of how each feature impacts battery performance:

Background App Refresh: This feature allows apps to update their content even when not in use. It operates as follows:
– Continuous Updates: Apps refresh in the background, consuming processing power. For instance, social media apps may constantly gather new posts and notifications.
– Network Usage: Background refreshing often requires internet access, consuming battery power through data transmission. A study by Apple (2020) indicated that background activity can lead to a battery drain of up to 15%.
– Increased Processing Load: Frequent updates can overwork the device’s CPU, which increases energy consumption, especially in resource-heavy applications such as gaming or video streaming.
Location Services: This feature tracks the device’s geographical position, which can impact battery life due to:
– GPS Tracking: Constant GPS usage drains battery quickly. A report from the Mobile Energy Measurement Lab (2021) showed that continuous GPS tracking can deplete battery life by 25% to 40% faster than normal.
– Background Location Access: Apps using location services in the background keep GPS running actively. For example, ride-sharing apps track location to provide real-time updates, which can lead to substantial battery usage.
– Accuracy Settings: Higher accuracy settings come at a cost. Users can choose between high accuracy mode using GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks or battery-saving modes. High accuracy involves more frequent data requests, leading to increased energy consumption.

Both Background App Refresh and Location Services demand significant processing and power, which leads to battery drain on mobile devices. Managing these settings can extend battery life.

Which Apps are Common Culprits for Excessive Battery Usage on iOS 12?

Several apps are common culprits for excessive battery usage on iOS 12.

Social media apps (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)
Streaming services (e.g., Netflix, YouTube)
Location-based services (e.g., Google Maps, Uber)
Background app refresh enabled apps
Games with high graphical demands (e.g., PUBG, Fortnite)

These points highlight the various types of apps that can negatively impact battery life. Below is a detailed explanation of each type.

Social Media Apps: Social media apps, such as Facebook and Instagram, often use significant battery power. They continuously update content and utilize location services. According to a 2019 study by Battery University, such apps can drain battery life due to frequent notifications and background data usage.
Streaming Services: Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube consume a large amount of battery. They require constant data streaming, which is resource-intensive. The 2020 report by PCMag states that video playback can significantly reduce battery life, especially when streaming in high definition.
Location-Based Services: Apps providing navigation, such as Google Maps and Uber, depend heavily on GPS and continuous location tracking. These services greatly affect battery due to constant communication with satellites. According to Apple’s technical documentation, using GPS-based apps can decrease battery life by up to 50% during active navigation.
Background App Refresh Enabled Apps: Apps enabled for background app refresh can run tasks even when the app isn’t open. This continual activity can drain your battery. Apple’s support site emphasizes managing background app refresh settings to enhance battery performance.
Games with High Graphical Demands: Games like PUBG and Fortnite often feature advanced graphics and demanding animations that require significant processing power. The International Journal of Gaming and Computer Mediated Simulations reports that such games can lead to rapid battery consumption due to high CPU usage.

Awareness and management of these apps can help to optimize battery performance on iOS 12 devices.

What Settings Can Help Prevent Battery Drain on My iPhone Running iOS 12?

To prevent battery drain on your iPhone running iOS 12, you can adjust various settings that optimize power usage.

Enable Low Power Mode
Adjust Screen Brightness
Modify Location Services Settings
Control Background App Refresh
Limit Push Notifications
Turn Off Unused Connectivity Features

These settings can help enhance battery life, but their effectiveness may vary based on individual usage and preferences.

Enable Low Power Mode: Enabling Low Power Mode significantly reduces background activity. This feature minimizes visual effects and fetches data less frequently. When battery life reaches 20%, your iPhone prompts you to enable this mode. According to Apple, this can extend battery life until you can recharge.
Adjust Screen Brightness: Reducing screen brightness helps conserve battery power. The display is one of the primary components consuming energy. Users can either manually adjust brightness in Settings or enable “Auto-Brightness,” which adjusts based on ambient light. A 2016 study indicated that lower brightness levels could extend battery usage by 30%.
Modify Location Services Settings: Location Services can be a battery drain. Users can customize these settings by choosing “While Using the App” instead of “Always.” This adjustment limits GPS usage and extends battery life. A report from 2019 highlighted that excessive location tracking can reduce battery life by over an hour a day.
Control Background App Refresh: Background App Refresh allows apps to update content in the background. Turning this feature off for non-essential apps can reduce battery drain. In the settings, users can disable this for individual apps to save power. Apple suggests that this could potentially increase battery life significantly.
Limit Push Notifications: Frequent push notifications can wake the device, leading to increased battery consumption. Limiting notifications can reduce interruptions and save battery. Users can manage this feature in Settings under Notifications to receive alerts only from essential applications.
Turn Off Unused Connectivity Features: Features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirDrop can consume battery power when not in use. Turning off these services when they are unnecessary can lead to significant battery savings. Apple advises disabling these features in the Control Center or through Settings to enhance battery life.

By implementing these settings, you can effectively mitigate battery drain on your iPhone running iOS 12 and enhance overall performance.

How Can Low Power Mode Improve My iPhone Battery Life on iOS 12?

Low Power Mode can significantly improve your iPhone battery life on iOS 12 by reducing power consumption and limiting background activities. Here are the key ways it achieves that:

Reduces Background Activity: Low Power Mode limits background app refresh. This means fewer apps are running updates and using battery power while you are not actively using them.
Disables Visual Effects: The mode reduces or eliminates visual effects, such as motion and transparency. These features, while pleasing to the eye, consume extra power.
Lowers Screen Brightness: Low Power Mode decreases screen brightness. A brighter screen draws more power, so reducing brightness conserves battery life.
Minimizes Mail Fetch: This mode changes the settings for email fetching. Instead of continuously checking for new emails, it limits this activity, which helps save battery life.
Pauses Automatic Downloads: Low Power Mode disables automatic app updates and downloads. When apps are not updated automatically, they use less battery.
Limits Location Services: Location tracking may be turned off or reduced, decreasing the energy used by GPS services. This, in turn, saves battery power.
Disables iCloud Sync: Specific functions like iCloud synchronization are paused, which means less background activity that consumes battery power.

Adopting Low Power Mode can extend your iPhone battery life substantially, especially when the battery is running low or when you do not have immediate access to a charger.

What Impact Does Screen Brightness Have on Battery Life in iOS 12?

Screen brightness significantly impacts battery life in iOS 12. Higher brightness levels consume more power, reducing overall battery duration.

The main points regarding the impact of screen brightness on battery life in iOS 12 are as follows:
1. Increased brightness level leads to higher energy consumption.
2. Adaptive brightness settings optimize battery usage.
3. Manual adjustments can prolong battery life.
4. Background brightness settings affect battery drain.
5. Effects of external light conditions vary battery performance.

Understanding these factors helps users make informed decisions about their device settings.

Increased Brightness Level Leads to Higher Energy Consumption:
Increased brightness level directly affects battery usage in iOS 12. The display uses more energy when bright settings are used. Apple’s display technology showcases that brighter screens can consume 20-30% more power. For instance, a study by DisplayMate in 2017 indicated that brighter displays enhance visibility but at the cost of battery efficiency.
Adaptive Brightness Settings Optimize Battery Usage:
Adaptive brightness settings adjust screen brightness based on environmental light. This feature helps maintain an optimal balance between visibility and energy conservation. According to Apple’s guidelines, enabling this feature can extend battery life, especially in varying light conditions. A study by GreenTech Media showed that adaptive brightness can improve battery performance by approximately 10%-20%.
Manual Adjustments Can Prolong Battery Life:
Users can manually lower the screen brightness to save battery life. This intentional reduction plays a crucial role in power management. For example, a survey by iFixit revealed that lowering brightness by just 50% can extend battery longevity by several hours, especially during prolonged usage, such as video streaming.
Background Brightness Settings Affect Battery Drain:
Background brightness settings, such as those influenced by notifications or app usage, can impact power consumption. Apps that keep the screen on or those with high visual content can lead to increased energy usage. Research by the Battery University emphasized that optimizing app settings can lessen battery drain significantly when set to lower brightness in the background.
Effects of External Light Conditions Vary Battery Performance:
External lighting conditions, such as sunlight or darkness, also impact how users adjust screen brightness. Bright sunlight often necessitates higher brightness settings for clear visibility, increasing battery drain. Conversely, lower expectations of brightness in darker environments contribute to extended battery life. A report by the Journal of Mobile Technology found that users who adjusted brightness according to their surroundings could achieve up to 30% longer battery operation.

By understanding these factors, users can better manage screen brightness to enhance battery longevity in iOS 12.

What Are Some Quick Fixes for Addressing iPhone Battery Drain Issues on iOS 12?

To address iPhone battery drain issues on iOS 12, users can implement several quick fixes. These methods can optimize battery performance and prolong battery life.

Adjust Screen Brightness
Enable Low Power Mode
Disable Background App Refresh
Limit Location Services
Manage Push Email Settings
Update Apps and iOS
Restart the Device

These quick fixes provide a variety of strategies for improving battery efficiency. Each approach targets specific settings and features that may contribute to battery drain.

Adjust Screen Brightness:
Adjusting screen brightness can significantly impact battery life. Users should lower brightness levels or enable auto-brightness. According to Apple, reducing brightness can save a substantial amount of battery over time.
Enable Low Power Mode:
Enabling Low Power Mode reduces background activity. This feature slows down mail fetch, reduces visual effects, and restricts ongoing tasks. Studies show that using this mode can extend battery life up to several hours in critical situations.
Disable Background App Refresh:
Disabling Background App Refresh prevents apps from updating in the background. While it enhances performance, it can also save battery. Apple suggests turning off this feature for apps that do not require real-time data.
Limit Location Services:
Location Services consume a lot of battery. Users can limit location access by selecting “While Using the App” instead of “Always.” Case studies indicate that managing location access can improve battery lifespan significantly.
Manage Push Email Settings:
Managing Push Email settings can minimize battery usage by setting email accounts to fetch data manually or at longer intervals. Research shows that reducing the frequency of email fetching has a direct positive effect on battery performance.
Update Apps and iOS:
Keeping apps and the iOS updated ensures that any performance bugs are fixed. New versions often contain optimizations for battery usage. According to the latest reports, users can expect improvements in battery performance after updating their devices.
Restart the Device:
Restarting the iPhone can clear temporary files, refresh system resources, and fix small bugs related to battery drain. Users frequently report noticeable improvements in battery management after a simple restart.

By applying these quick fixes, iPhone users can effectively address battery drain issues in iOS 12. Each method focuses on specific features that contribute to excessive battery consumption, ensuring a comprehensive approach to optimizing battery life.

How Can I Check and Improve My iPhone Battery Health on iOS 12?

You can check and improve your iPhone battery health on iOS 12 by accessing the battery settings and implementing tips to enhance battery performance.

To check your battery health, follow these steps:

Open Settings: Tap the “Settings” icon on your home screen.
Select Battery: Scroll down and tap on the “Battery” option.
Battery Health: If you see “Battery Health” as an option, tap on it. Here, you can view the maximum capacity of your battery and whether it is functioning at peak performance.

To improve your iPhone battery health, consider these suggestions:

Reduce Screen Brightness: Lowering your screen brightness can conserve battery life. You can adjust this in “Settings” under “Display & Brightness.”
Enable Low Power Mode: Activating Low Power Mode reduces background activity and optimizes device performance during low battery levels. This option is available in the “Battery” settings.
Limit Background App Refresh: Disabling background app refresh for applications saves power. Go to “Settings,” tap “General,” then “Background App Refresh,” and choose “Off” or select specific apps.
Turn Off Location Services: Location services can drain your battery. Manage these settings by going to “Settings,” tapping “Privacy,” then “Location Services,” and selecting “Never” or “While Using the App” for specific applications.
Update iOS: Keeping your iOS updated ensures you benefit from the latest performance optimizations and fixes. Check for updates by going to “Settings,” tapping “General,” then “Software Update.”
Manage Notifications: Limit notifications for apps by visiting “Settings,” selecting “Notifications,” and adjusting preferences for each app.
Use Wi-Fi When Possible: Wi-Fi consumes less battery than cellular data. Connect to available Wi-Fi networks when possible to save power.

Implementing these approaches can enhance your iPhone’s battery performance, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent charging.

What Features Are Available to Monitor and Enhance Battery Health on iOS 12?

The features available to monitor and enhance battery health on iOS 12 include several tools and settings.

Battery Usage Statistics
Battery Health Monitoring
Low Power Mode
Background App Refresh Management
Location Services Control
Notifications Control

These features provide users with options to improve battery performance and make informed decisions about battery usage.

Battery Usage Statistics: Battery usage statistics show how much battery life each app consumes over a specified time period. This information helps users identify energy-hungry apps. Users can access these statistics by navigating to Settings > Battery. It details the percentage of battery used in the last 24 hours or the last week. For example, if an app consumes excessive battery, users may choose to limit its usage or seek alternatives.
Battery Health Monitoring: Battery health monitoring is a feature that displays the maximum capacity of the battery compared to when it was new. This can help users understand the age and condition of their battery. Users can find this information in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. A battery that holds less than 80% of its original capacity may need replacement.
Low Power Mode: Low Power Mode reduces background activity, mail fetch, and visual effects to extend battery life. Users can activate this mode from Settings > Battery. When enabled, the iPhone reduces power consumption and can help users get through the day when the battery is running low. It is particularly useful in situations where charging is not immediately available.
Background App Refresh Management: Background App Refresh allows apps to update content in the background. Users can limit or disable this feature to save battery life. This option can be found in Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Disabling it for certain apps can drastically reduce battery usage, especially for those not used frequently.
Location Services Control: Location Services enables apps to access the device’s location. Users can control this setting to minimize battery drain. By going to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, users can select between “Never,” “While Using the App,” or “Always.” Limiting location access helps conserve battery power, especially for apps that do not require constant tracking.
Notifications Control: Notifications can wake the device, which consumes battery. Users can adjust notification settings for each app in Settings > Notifications. By managing which apps send notifications and how they are delivered, users can prevent unnecessary battery drain.

These features in iOS 12 empower users to take charge of their battery performance, enhancing usability and longevity of their devices.

What Are Effective Best Practices for Extending Battery Life on My iPhone with iOS 12?

To extend battery life on your iPhone with iOS 12, follow effective best practices that focus on optimizing settings and usage patterns.

Reduce Screen Brightness
Enable Low Power Mode
Limit Background App Refresh
Disable Location Services
Manage Push Notifications
Update Apps and iOS
Turn Off Unused Wireless Features

Implementing these practices promotes better battery management. Each method can significantly influence battery performance, leading to longer usage between charges.

Reduce Screen Brightness: Reducing screen brightness on your iPhone directly improves battery efficiency. A high brightness level consumes more power. According to Apple, lowering your brightness by even 10-20% can enhance battery life significantly. Users can adjust brightness manually in Settings or enable Auto-Brightness for automatic adjustments based on lighting conditions.
Enable Low Power Mode: Enabling Low Power Mode limits background functions to extend battery life. It reduces performance and visual effects along with automatic downloads and mail fetching. A study cited by Apple found that activating Low Power Mode can prolong battery life by up to 3 hours under certain conditions. This mode can be activated through Settings > Battery.
Limit Background App Refresh: Background App Refresh allows apps to update content in the background. Disabling this feature can save battery life. Apple suggests limiting it to essential apps. Users can manage this setting by going to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Turning it off can improve overall battery performance by minimizing unnecessary tasks.
Disable Location Services: Location services consume significant battery power. Disabling this feature for apps that do not require continuous location access can help extend battery life. Users can control location settings by navigating to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Limiting it to “While Using” instead of “Always” can notably reduce battery drainage.
Manage Push Notifications: Excessive push notifications can lead to increased battery use. Limiting notifications for less critical apps allows the device to conserve energy. Users can manage notifications by adjusting settings under Settings > Notifications. Reducing notifications can directly contribute to longer battery performance throughout the day.
Update Apps and iOS: Keeping apps and the iOS current ensures optimal performance and battery management. Updates often contain efficiency improvements. Regular updates can be managed through Settings > General > Software Update for iOS and the App Store for apps. A comprehensive 2019 study by Stanford University demonstrated that updated software can enhance battery life by addressing inefficiencies.
Turn Off Unused Wireless Features: Features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirDrop consume battery power when active. Turning off these features when not in use can save battery life. Users can disable them via Control Center or Settings. A 2018 report from the Consumer Electronics Association highlighted that disabling unused services could result in significant power savings, especially for extended usage.

By employing these best practices, you can effectively extend the battery life of your iPhone running iOS 12. Each approach is manageable and can lead to noticeable improvements in battery efficiency.

How Do Regular Software Updates Affect My iPhone’s Battery Performance on iOS 12?

Regular software updates improve your iPhone’s battery performance on iOS 12 by optimizing system processes, enhancing app efficiency, and fixing bugs that may drain battery life.

Updates address battery performance through several key improvements:

System optimizations: Apple regularly updates iOS to improve background processes. Efficient processes consume less power, thereby extending battery life. For example, updates often improve how the system manages apps that run in the background.
Bug fixes: iOS updates often resolve issues that lead to battery drain. Bugs can cause apps and system services to misuse power. For instance, a study by O’Farrell and Smith in 2018 highlighted that some previous versions of iOS had issues causing excessive battery drain during idle hours.
Enhanced app performance: Software updates frequently include improvements for popular applications. These updates can make apps more responsive and less demanding on battery resources. An updated app may have less frequent refresh rates or improved memory usage, which saves battery.
Security enhancements: Regular updates increase security, which indirectly helps battery performance. Malware or vulnerabilities can lead to unexpected battery drain. A report by the Ponemon Institute in 2019 stated that security flaws are often exploited, causing devices to overwork and thus draining the battery faster.

Overall, keeping your iPhone updated with the latest iOS version is essential for maintaining optimal battery performance.

Related Post: