How to Check Battery Health? 10 Ways to Monitor Your Phone
Quick Answer: On an iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see your maximum capacity percentage. On Android, use the dialer code *#*#4636#*#* or download a dedicated app like AccuBattery to track wear levels and health metrics.
iOS Health Menu
Apple provides a direct "Maximum Capacity" percentage that serves as a benchmark for your battery's current ability compared to when it was brand new. This menu also includes a "Peak Performance Capability" section that tells you if your phone is being throttled due to a weak battery. If this number falls below 80%, the system will typically recommend professional service to restore full functionality. You can also toggle "Optimized Battery Charging" here to help prevent further degradation. It is the most user-friendly way to get a snapshot of your hardware status.
Android Dialer Codes
On many Android devices, you can enter a "secret" code into your phone app to access raw hardware-level diagnostics. Dialing *#*#4636#*#* usually opens a testing menu where you can find detailed information about battery health, voltage, and temperature. Note that these codes can vary by manufacturer and some carriers might disable them for safety reasons. If successful, you'll see a simplified "Health" rating such as "Good" or "Weak." It's a quick way to bypass the standard settings menu for deeper insights.
AccuBattery (Android)
AccuBattery is one of the most popular third-party tools for Android because it measures the actual current intake during charging sessions. Over the course of a few days, it calculates your battery's physical wear based on real-world energy flow rather than just software estimates. It also includes an alarm to notify you when you reach the healthy 80% mark. The app provides a deep dive into which apps are consuming the most power per minute. It is an essential tool for users who want to manage their battery with scientific precision.
Samsung Members App
Galaxy owners have access to a native diagnostic suite hidden within the Samsung Members app. Under the "Get Help" or "Diagnostics" tab, you can run a specific test for your battery status. The app will provide a clear rating of "Normal," "Action Required," or "Weak," along with the current life percentage. This tool is specifically optimized for Samsung's hardware and is more reliable than generic third-party apps. It can also detect if your charging port is functioning correctly or if there are any current leaks.
CoconutBattery (Desktop)
Connect your iPhone to a Mac and run CoconutBattery to see information that is hidden from the standard iOS interface. This desktop tool reveals the original manufacture date of the battery and its total "cycle count." Knowing how many times your battery has been fully charged and discharged is a much better indicator of wear than the health percentage alone. It also tracks how your battery health fluctuates over time with a historical graph. This is the preferred method for tech enthusiasts who want the full technical report of their Apple devices.
Monitor Cycle Count
Most smartphone batteries are only designed for 500 to 800 full cycles before their physical capacity begins to fall off a cliff. A cycle is defined as a total discharge of 100% of the battery's capacity, which can happen over several days of light use. On Android, apps like DevCheck can reveal this number, while iPhone users can find it in their Analytics logs. If your cycle count is over 1000, your battery is statistically near the end of its life regardless of what the "health" percentage says. Keeping an eye on this number helps you plan for an eventual replacement before the device fails.
Physical Inspection
A failing battery often provides physical clues that you can see without any software tools. Check for any "lifting" of the screen or bulging of the back casing, which are signs of a dangerous, swollen battery cell. You can also place your phone on a flat surface and try to spin it; if it spins like a top, the battery is likely warped. Any physical change in the device's shape is a significant safety hazard and requires an immediate professional swap. Never attempt to use a phone with a physically compromised battery, as it could lead to a fire.
Check Operating Temperature
A healthy battery should stay relatively cool during light tasks like browsing or messaging. If your device regularly exceeds 40°C (104°F) while just sitting in your hand, the internal resistance of the cells is likely very high. This heat is a byproduct of inefficient chemical reactions and is a classic symptom of a worn-out battery. You can use apps like CPU-Z or internal system monitors to track your real-time temperature. Persistent overheating not only drains your battery faster but also damages other sensitive internal components like the display.
Usage Graph Cliffs
Take a close look at the battery usage graph in your system settings to see if there are any vertical "cliffs" in the line. A healthy battery should show a smooth, gradual decline throughout the day as energy is consumed. If you see sudden drops where the percentage falls from 40% to 10% in a matter of seconds, your battery's voltage is unstable. This usually happens when the internal cells can no longer provide a consistent flow of power under load. These "cliffs" are a definitive signature of poor chemical health and hardware failure.
Performance Throttling Check
Check your system notifications for any messages regarding "Performance Management" or "Peak Power Capability." If your phone has recently experienced an unexpected shutdown, the OS will automatically throttle your processor speed to prevent it from happening again. You might notice that your apps feel sluggish or that your frames are dropping in games. This software intervention is a direct result of the battery's inability to provide enough current. If you find your phone is significantly slower than it was a year ago, the battery is the most likely culprit.