If you experienced a quick battery drain on your iPhone or iPod touch, then this tip would definitely proof useful. This came about after reading TheAppleBlog’s quick take on calibrating as well as prolonging battery life on MacBooks.
For a start, try checking to see if there’s any new firmware updates for you device. For the iPhone and iPod touch, this is usually the software update – with the latest software update for both devices being at version 2.2.1. If you experience a shorter than desired battery life on your device, then an update may be helpful.
Next, proper care should be taken when using your device. One should not let the battery drain completely before charging. On modern devices using battery technologies like lithium-ion, completely discharging the battery may be very bad for it’s circuitry and usually contributes to a shorter lifespan. I would suggest that you charge your device as often as possible.
Since most batteries are rated to last for about 500 complete cycles, what I do most of the time is to charge the device as soon as it has depleted by ten percent (10%). This way, my battery would only deplete for one whole complete cycle after ten such charges.
Also, as a rule of thumb, you should perform some ritual (grins) called calibrating on your batteries to ensure that it always performs at its best. Calibrating, the process of charging and discharging the battery is quite simple. First, plug your device into a charger and let it charge fully – leave it charging for another hour or two after its fully charged. Then, remove from the charging source and use your device like normal. Do not plug it into a charging source, but use it until the device decides to power itself off due to low battery. When that happens, plug in your device into a charging source and let it charge fully. During this time, it is completely safe to use your device.
Performing the calibration ritual on your batteries once every few months (I usually perform calibration for my devices one every month) helps ensure that you get the best life out of it. Take a look at the screenshot below taken from my MacBook, which I’ve had for six months now – and had the calibration process done ritually. The battery’s maximum capacity is higher than original. Application name is coconutBattery. Get it for free here if you own a Mac.
No, there’s no such software for the iPhone or iPod touch that I know of currently. Apple currently does not allow apps to check the battery’s percentage reading – but there’s an app called Free Memory which managed to slip under the radar.
Tip on a tip: Read more about your iPhone or iPod touch‘s batteries, straight from Apple, then mark your calendar so as to remind yourself to perform calibration. Even if you own a PC, Apple’s battery information page for notebooks may be useful as they both share a common battery technology. Check it out.
UPDATE: As of iPhone OS 3.0 and above, Apple has provided developers with the ability to read the device’s battery percentage, albeit at every 5% intervals. I have released an app called BattPowr into the iTunes App Store. Check it out if you own an iPhone or iPod touch. P/S: An update is coming soon, with more readings and features – pending approval by the App Store review team.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:43 pm
My 3GS iPhone battery was draining extremely quickly. I knew something was wrong because it would also re-charge way too fast (30 minutes or so).
I decided to do follow the calibration procedure above and it’s made a world of difference. Thanks for the tips.
December 18th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
How does one get ur app.also do u know if jailbreaking an iPhone hurts it if not a website or how it’s done. Thanks & Merry Christmas Happy holidays
June 25th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Draining your battery then charging it up is very beneficial.
When charging your battery at, suppose 70% many of the electrons get over charged, by the current, but at 5% when the current come in the electrons go for the charge and it can even rejuvenate dead electrons. So for best results you should always drain your battery under 20% then charge it up as much as you can. If you can only end up charging to, lets say 60% you should wait until it drain under 20% to charge again. Although there won’t be a significant difference in the battery if you happen to charge it at over 20% once in a while.
July 26th, 2011 at 9:39 am
I need to know how to calibrate my Iphone. It happens every now and again where when I tap a letter on my keyboard it gives me, lksdfshdfksldhfiosdiosd. As a for intance. Or is I am trying to dial a number it flips between different contacts and starts dialing random contacs. It last for hours and sometimes entire days…. What gives? I NEED to know how to fix this!!
September 1st, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@ahedj – Dude! Take a science class! That way you can avoid spouting nonsensical trash. The discharge is nearly complete when the battery is between 10 and 20%. That is the reasoning behind manufacturers setting the 10-20% warning into their hard/software. Other than to calibrate a LiON battery, you need not run it below this level. LiON batteries are memory-free and, therefore, complete discharge is typically not necessary as with NiMH, NiCad, and several other older technologies.
Overcharged and dead electrons…LMAO
September 14th, 2011 at 1:55 am
@Rosie: the reason for that is simple: you or (someone w/o your knowledge) damaged your screen.