It can be alarming to see your iPhone battery level drop even though it’s plugged into a charger. While this may seem like a serious malfunction, it’s usually caused by a combination of high power usage, low charging input, or software-related issues.
In this guide, we’ll explain the most common reasons why your iPhone battery may drain while charging, and offer practical solutions to fix the problem and keep your device powered up properly.
🔋 Is It Normal for an iPhone to Lose Battery While Charging?
No—it’s not normal for your iPhone battery percentage to drop while it’s plugged in, unless something is preventing proper power delivery or your phone is consuming more energy than it receives. This creates a net negative power balance, leading to visible drain.
Top Reasons Your iPhone Battery Drains While Charging
Low-Power or Faulty Charger
Using a charger that doesn’t supply enough power (especially a 5W or low-quality adapter) can cause your iPhone to charge slower than it drains, particularly during intensive use.
What to do:
- Use a 20W Apple USB-C charger or higher
- Ensure the cable is MFi-certified
- Avoid USB ports on laptops or cars, which often provide limited power (e.g., 500mA)
Tip: Fast chargers can both power your phone and recharge the battery simultaneously, even during high usage.
High Power Consumption Apps
Apps like games, video editors, GPS navigation, or streaming platforms (YouTube, Netflix) use a lot of power—sometimes more than what’s being delivered during charging.
Common culprits:
- Video calls (FaceTime, Zoom)
- High-frame-rate games
- Live streaming apps (Instagram Live, Twitch)
- Augmented Reality (AR) apps
- Navigation (Google Maps, Waze)
Fixes:
- Pause usage of power-intensive apps while charging
- Enable Low Power Mode: Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode
- Reduce screen brightness and background activity
Charging While Overheating
If your iPhone becomes too hot while charging, iOS may throttle or pause charging to prevent damage.
Warning signs:
- “Charging on hold until iPhone returns to normal temperature”
- iPhone feels warm to touch during charge
Fixes:
- Remove your case to allow better heat dissipation
- Charge in a cooler, ventilated space
- Avoid using apps while plugged in
Note: Wireless chargers generate more heat than wired ones—switch to USB-C or Lightning charging if overheating occurs.
Damaged Battery or Charging Port
If your iPhone battery is degraded or the charging port is loose or dirty, charging may be inconsistent or fail altogether.
What to check:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
- If battery capacity is below 80%, replacement is recommended
- Look for signs of port damage, corrosion, or wobbling connector fit
Fixes:
- Clean the Lightning port gently with a toothpick or anti-static brush
- Visit Apple Support or a certified technician for inspection if battery health is poor
Background App Activity and System Processes
Apps running in the background—especially location services, push notifications, and auto-syncing features—can cause power drain even while charging.
Fixes:
- Go to Settings > Battery to view power usage by app
- Disable Background App Refresh:
Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Off - Limit Location Services:
Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
Faulty Charging Cable or Port
A cable with internal damage or fraying may not deliver consistent power, even if your iPhone shows the charging icon.
Signs:
- Charging icon flickers or disappears intermittently
- Phone only charges at certain angles
Fixes:
- Replace the cable with a genuine or MFi-certified Lightning cable
- Test a different wall adapter and power source
iOS Software Bugs or Glitches
Occasionally, iOS bugs can cause abnormal charging behavior or falsely display battery drain even when charging is working correctly.
Fixes:
- Restart your iPhone
- Update iOS to the latest version:
Settings > General > Software Update - If issues persist, reset all settings:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset All Settings
This won’t delete your data but resets system settings and preferences.
How to Prevent Battery Drain While Charging
Here are some best practices to ensure efficient charging:
✅ Use Proper Charging Equipment
- Use a 20W or higher USB-C charger
- Avoid third-party, uncertified cables
✅ Minimize Power Usage While Charging
- Avoid gaming or video streaming
- Use Airplane Mode for faster charging
- Reduce screen brightness
✅ Keep Your Phone Cool
- Charge in a cool area
- Remove bulky or insulated cases while charging
✅ Maintain Battery Health
- Avoid letting the battery drop to 0% regularly
- Use Optimized Battery Charging (Settings > Battery > Battery Health)
When to Seek Professional Help
Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider if:
- Battery health is under 80%
- Charging only works intermittently
- Phone continues to drain when idle and plugged in
- You see battery swelling or physical damage
Summary
If your iPhone drains battery while plugged in, the most likely causes are low-powered charging equipment, heavy app usage, or overheating. In most cases, the issue can be resolved with simple fixes—like using the correct charger, limiting background apps, or cooling down your device.
Quick Fix Checklist:
- ✅ Use a fast charger (20W or more)
- ✅ Avoid power-hungry apps while charging
- ✅ Enable Low Power Mode
- ✅ Check and clean charging port
- ✅ Update iOS and restart the device
Meta Description:
iPhone battery draining while charging? Discover the reasons behind slow or negative charging and how to fix it—from faulty chargers and overheating to heavy app usage and battery health issues.
