TIP: Recalibrating the battery of your iphone or ipad

Lithium-ion batteries wear out as they are charged, discharged and age. The battery consists of a cell(s) and a circuit board with a connector attached to it to connect the battery to the motherboard. Apple uses these batteries because of their high energy density (as much storage capacity as possible in the smallest space possible). As the battery ages, the iOS operating system cannot properly calculate battery wear. By calibrating the iPhone battery, iOS can recalculate the current state of the battery to properly display it.

So calibration is particularly useful when you think your battery percentage is incorrect. The calibration process allows your phone or tablet to better estimate what percentage your battery has left, but there is no evidence that calibration actually makes the battery last longer. In fact, it is normal for an iPhone battery to drain faster and faster.

Battery calibration is meant to fix an incorrect battery meter,
for example, if the percentage suddenly jumps, or if the iPhone unexpectedly shuts down while there are still percent left.
Do this only if you really experience this kind of metering problem, because fully draining is harder on the battery than normal use.

Schedule this at a time when you have time, such as weekends, and preferably use an original or MFi certified cable and charger.

Calibrate your iPhone battery in 6 steps

1. Update iOS via Settings, General, Software update.
   Sometimes battery metering problems disappear even after an update and a few normal charge cycles.
2. Charge to 100% via a wall outlet.
   Then leave the iPhone plugged in for 30 to 60 minutes without intensive use.
3. Use the iPhone normally until it turns off by itself due to a low battery.
   If necessary, turn off power saving mode to ensure consistent behavior, but do not adjust anything else.
4. Leave the iPhone off and wait at least 30 minutes.
   This helps to lower the last residual charge so that the next charging session starts from truly empty.
5. Then charge to 100% in one go.
   Try not to recharge in between, and use the iPhone as little as possible while charging.
   Leave it on the charger for 60 to 90 minutes after 100%.
6. Force restart only if you still see a jumping percentage after the cycle,
   or if the iPhone sticks.
   Follow the steps below, they vary by model.

Force restart by iPhone model

Done, after these steps the battery gauge is usually stable again.
If the problem keeps recurring, or the iPhone still unexpectedly drops out,
then chances are it is battery wear and testing or replacement makes more sense than recalibrating.

Are your symptoms not resolved with the calibration? Then you may need a new battery. In our Knowledge Base you can read when the battery needs replacement.

Are you sure it’s the battery? Many repair and/or phone stores sell new batteries, but beware! They often offer the same service, but don’t always work with original parts. At ThePhoneLab you can make an appointment online, call us at 020 737 29 42 or drop by. We’ll replace your battery (with only original batteries!) or perform another repair in no time. And by!

Will calibrating an iPhone battery still be necessary in 2026?

Since newer versions of iOS, battery management of iPhones has been greatly improved. The software automatically analyzes charging behavior and battery condition. As a result, manual calibration is needed less often than before. It can still be useful when the battery percentage is not correct or when your device fails unexpectedly.

Notice that your battery drains quickly, your iPhone gets warm or the maximum capacity is below 80%? Then calibration is usually no longer a solution and battery replacement is often the best choice. In doubt? Stop by ThePhoneLab for a free diagnosis. That way you’ll know immediately where you stand.

A new iPhone battery is cheaper than you think!

Check out the table below and click on the price to schedule an appointment right away.