5 ways to find out if you need a new phone battery

A dying battery is, rather unsurprisingly, a huge annoyance. Not to mention, one that can really disrupt your daily routine. Now, smartphone battery life has improved dramatically in recent years, and nowadays, even mid-range phones can last a full day on a single charge.

However, all batteries still wear out over time, all the same. Thanks to things like frequent charging cycles, extreme temperatures, or just plain old ageing. So, how do you know if your phone’s battery requires to be changed? Here are five ways to find out. 

Ways to find out if you need a new battery for your smartphone

1. Unusually fast battery drain

This is the most common sign that your phone might need a battery replacement. If your phone used to last all day, but now barely makes it to mid-day without needing a charge, your battery might be wearing out, and hence, need to be changed.

2. Sudden power-offs

Does your phone ever turn off abruptly, even though the battery is charged? This can happen when a battery is unable to deliver enough power to your device consistently.

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Sometimes this could also be a software issue, so try restarting your phone or updating to the latest software. If the issue persists, then your old battery definitely needs to be swapped out.

3. Slow charging, or battery not reaching 100 per cent

If your phone takes significantly longer to charge than usual, or if it never seems to reach a full 100 per cent charge, the battery might need replacing.

4. Performance issues

A weak battery can also slow down your whole phone. If apps are taking longer to load, your phone keeps crashing or gets overheated, it might be time for a battery replacement.

5. Phone heating up while charging

If your phone gets noticeably hot while charging or if you notice any bulging on your phone or case, it could mean your battery is swelling, which is risky. It’s best to have a professional tech service expert inspect it and replace the battery if necessary to avoid potential hazards.

How to check the battery health on your Android phone

Checking your Android smartphone’s battery health is quite simple. Start by going into the Settings app, and then tap on ‘Battery’ to check how much charge you have left. Then, depending on your phone, look for ‘Battery Usage’ or something similar, to see which apps are using most of your power. From there, you can view and manage different battery settings like putting apps into deep sleep or viewing your battery’s stats.