Worn-out battery: How to know when it's time to replace it?
Do you suspect your phone battery is worn out, but you're not sure? Over time, it's natural for the battery to lose capacity and stop performing as it did initially. When this happens, your phone starts showing some warning signs that you shouldn't ignore. If you want to understand what these signs are and when it's the right time to replace the battery, this article will clarify all your doubts.
What does it mean to have a worn-out battery?
A battery is considered worn out when it no longer holds a charge for as long as it initially did, loses capacity, or starts behaving erratically. This happens because lithium-ion batteries, used in most smartphones, have a limited number of charging cycles. As they degrade, they directly affect the phone's overall performance.
7 signs of a worn-out battery
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Battery life decreases steadily
If your phone used to last a full day and now needs to be charged multiple times, even with the same usage, it's one of the most evident signs of a worn-out battery. -
The smartphone shuts down unexpectedly
Does your battery die even when the indicator shows 20% or 30%? This happens when the battery can no longer provide enough power to the components.
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The phone heats up for no apparent reason
It's normal for the device to heat up with demanding apps, like games, but if this happens during simple tasks or while charging, the battery might be damaged. -
Charging the battery takes much longer than usual
If you've already tried another charger and the problem persists, it's likely that the battery is no longer absorbing energy efficiently. -
The battery percentage changes rapidly
Unexpected fluctuations in battery level are a typical characteristic of degraded batteries.
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Maximum capacity below 80% (iPhone)
On iPhone, you can check this value in: Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the capacity is below 80%, Apple recommends replacing the battery to avoid performance issues.
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The phone becomes slower
If your phone is getting very slow, it's another sign that the battery is worn out. When this happens, apps take longer to open, certain features become less responsive, and some elements – like screen brightness or volume – lose intensity. In some cases, components like the flash, camera, or GPS may also experience sudden failures.
Learn more about Phone Repair: Which parts can be replaced?
Can a worn-out battery damage the phone?
Yes. When the battery operates erratically, the phone tends to heat up more, can become slower, and even force other components to work harder than normal. When it shuts down unexpectedly, it can also cause you to lose important files or data. Therefore, it's important to identify and correct the problem as soon as possible.
How to prevent the battery from wearing out?
Although all batteries age over time, some precautions can delay their degradation:
- Avoid letting the phone discharge completely;
- Don't leave it connected to the charger after it reaches 100%;
- Use certified chargers;
- Keep the device away from direct sunlight or very hot environments;
- Keep the software updated.
To learn more: How to save battery on iPhone?
When should you replace your phone's battery?
Ideally, you shouldn't wait for the problem to worsen. If your phone has lost battery life, heats up more than it should, shuts down on its own, or no longer performs the same way, it's probably time to replace the battery.
An analysis by specialized technicians is the safest way to confirm the problem and ensure that the solution applied is the most appropriate.
Also discover: Everything you need to know about refurbished iPhone batteries
Where to replace your smartphone battery?
At iSell & Repair, we replace your phone's battery with complete transparency and quality. We use tested parts, have specialized technicians, and offer a warranty on the intervention.
You can get the repair done directly at our stores in Torres Vedras and Lisbon or remotely, from anywhere in the country.
If you suspect your battery is worn out, we can help. Book your repair now!