If your iPhone battery is draining faster than expected, one of the first things to check is which apps or settings are consuming the most power. iOS includes built-in tools to help you identify high-drain apps and adjust settings that silently reduce your battery life. By understanding and optimizing these factors, you can extend your battery life and get the most out of every charge.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to check battery usage on your iPhone, the top settings that contribute to battery drain, and tips to reduce their impact.
How to Check Battery Usage by App
Apple makes it easy to see which apps are using the most battery.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Battery.
- Scroll down to Battery Usage by App.
- Switch between Last 24 Hours and Last 10 Days to view long-term trends.
You’ll see apps listed with their battery usage percentage. Tap on each app to see how much was consumed on screen versus in the background.
Tip: Apps that show high “background activity” may be running unnecessary processes when not in use.
Most Common Battery-Draining Apps
Certain types of apps are notorious for high battery consumption:
Social Media Apps
Apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat consume a lot of power due to:
- Constant background data syncing
- Location services
- Autoplay videos
Streaming Apps
Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Apple Music drain battery quickly due to:
- Video/audio playback
- High screen brightness
- Background downloads
Navigation Apps
Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze use:
- GPS constantly
- Background updates
- Cellular data
Gaming Apps
Games with 3D graphics (like PUBG, Genshin Impact) are extremely power-hungry due to:
- High CPU/GPU usage
- Real-time processing
- Network connections
Email and Messaging Apps
Apps like Mail, WhatsApp, and Messenger can drain battery if:
- Push notifications are on
- They’re checking for new messages constantly
Battery-Draining Settings to Watch Out For
Even if you’re not using apps excessively, certain system settings can silently consume battery in the background.
Background App Refresh
Allows apps to update content while you’re not using them.
- How to check:
Settings > General > Background App Refresh - Recommendation: Turn off for most apps, or limit to Wi-Fi only
Location Services
Many apps request access to your location—even when not in use.
- How to check:
Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services - Recommendation: Set apps to “While Using the App” or “Never”
Also go to System Services (at the bottom) and disable unnecessary features like:
- Location-Based Apple Ads
- Share My Location (if not needed)
Push Notifications
Apps that frequently push alerts keep your device active and lit.
- How to check:
Settings > Notifications - Recommendation: Turn off notifications for non-essential apps or disable sound/vibration.
Display Settings
The screen is one of the biggest battery drains.
- Adjust brightness manually or enable Auto-Brightness:
Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Auto-Brightness - Use Dark Mode:
Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark
If you have a Pro model, turn off Always-On Display:
Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display
Mail Fetch Settings
The default “Push” setting keeps your iPhone constantly connected to mail servers.
- How to check:
Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data - Recommendation: Set to Manual or fetch every 15–30 minutes.
Connectivity Features
Features like Bluetooth, AirDrop, Personal Hotspot, and 5G use power continuously.
- Turn off unused features from Control Center.
- On newer iPhones, switch from 5G On to 5G Auto or LTE:
Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data
Tips to Manage High Battery Usage
- Force Close Unused Apps
Double-tap the home button or swipe up from the bottom and swipe away unneeded apps. - Use Low Power Mode
Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode – Automatically reduces mail fetch, background tasks, and visual effects. - Restart Your iPhone Weekly
A soft reset can clear temporary glitches that may drain the battery. - Limit Widgets and Live Activities
Remove unnecessary Home Screen widgets and disable Live Activities (e.g., sports scores, timers).
When to Replace the Battery
If you’ve optimized settings but still experience rapid drain:
- Check Battery Health:
Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging - If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, consider a battery replacement.
- Also, check for messages like “Service Recommended” or performance throttling.
Summary
Your iPhone battery life is influenced by both apps and system settings. Social media, video, navigation, and messaging apps often lead the list of top battery users. Background processes like location tracking, app refresh, and push notifications also silently consume power. By identifying these drains and making smart adjustments, you can significantly improve your battery life without impacting your day-to-day usage.
Quick Action Plan:
- ✅ Check Battery Usage by App
- ✅ Disable Background App Refresh
- ✅ Limit Location Services and Notifications
- ✅ Use Dark Mode and reduce screen brightness
- ✅ Enable Low Power Mode when needed
Meta Description:
Find out which apps and settings are draining your iPhone battery the most. Learn how to check battery usage and optimize your device for longer battery life.
