Battery Life for iPhone 8 Plus: Proven Essential

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Quick Summary:
Maximize your iPhone 8 Plus battery life with simple, proven tips. Learn to manage settings, optimize app usage, and understand charging habits to keep your phone powered longer each day. Essential for anyone wanting reliable iPhone 8 Plus battery performance.

iPhone 8 Plus Battery Life: Proven Essential Tips to Keep You Going

Does your iPhone 8 Plus battery seem to drain faster than it should? It’s a common frustration. You rely on your phone for everything, from calls and texts to navigating your day and staying connected. When the battery icon turns red too soon, it can really throw a wrench in your plans. Don’t worry, though! Getting the most out of your iPhone 8 Plus battery life is totally doable. We’ll walk through easy, practical steps to help you keep your phone charged and ready when you need it most. Ready to boost your battery power?

Understanding Your iPhone 8 Plus Battery

Your iPhone 8 Plus uses a lithium-ion battery. These are great because they’re lightweight and hold a lot of power. However, like all batteries, they don’t last forever. Over time, batteries naturally lose some of their capacity. This means they can’t hold as much charge as they did when they were new. There are also things you can do to help keep your current battery healthy and performing its best for as long as possible.

How Battery Health Affects Performance

Your iPhone has a feature called “Battery Health” that shows you how well your battery is performing compared to when it was new. You can find this in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. A lower maximum capacity means your battery won’t hold as much charge.

When your battery’s maximum capacity gets significantly low, your iPhone might start to slow down to prevent unexpected shutdowns. This is a safety feature. Keeping an eye on Battery Health can help you understand if your battery might be the reason for performance issues.

Proven Ways to Extend iPhone 8 Plus Battery Life

Let’s dive into the most effective ways to make your iPhone 8 Plus battery last longer throughout the day. These are simple changes you can make right away.

1. Optimize Screen Brightness

Your screen is one of the biggest battery drainers. Making it a little dimmer can save a lot of power.

  • Auto-Brightness: Turn this on. Your iPhone will adjust the brightness based on your surroundings. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and toggle on Auto-Brightness.
  • Manual Adjustment: Swipe down from the top right corner (or swipe up from the bottom on older iOS versions) to access the Control Center and manually lower the brightness slider.

2. Manage Background App Refresh

Some apps update their content even when you’re not actively using them. This uses battery power.

  • Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
  • You can turn it off completely, or choose specific apps you want to allow to refresh. It’s best to turn it off for apps that don’t need constant updates, like social media or games you rarely use.

3. Limit Location Services

Apps that use your location can consume a lot of battery. Be selective about which apps can access your location.

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
  • For each app, choose “While Using,” “Never,” or “Ask Next Time.” Only “Always” should be used for apps that absolutely need it. Many apps don’t need constant access.

4. Reduce Fetch New Data

Your iPhone can check for new emails and other data automatically or manually.

  • Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
  • Tap “Fetch New Data.”
  • Under “Fetch,” select “Manually” or choose a longer interval (like every 30 minutes or hourly) instead of “Automatically.” This stops your phone from constantly checking for updates.

5. Turn Off Push Notifications

Every notification wakes up your screen and uses power. Reduce non-essential alerts.

  • Go to Settings > Notifications.
  • Tap on each app and decide if you really need to be notified. You can turn off “Allow Notifications” for apps that aren’t urgent. Even sound and vibration for notifications use power.

6. Use Wi-Fi Instead of Cellular Data

Wi-Fi generally uses less power than cellular data, especially if the cellular signal is weak.

  • When you have access to a trusted Wi-Fi network, connect to it.
  • You can turn Wi-Fi on and off in the Control Center or in Settings > Wi-Fi.

7. Disable “Hey Siri”

If you don’t use “Hey Siri” often, turning it off can save battery. Your iPhone constantly listens for this phrase when the feature is enabled.

  • Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
  • Toggle off “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’.”

8. Enable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode is a lifesaver when your battery is getting low. It reduces background activities like mail fetch, “Hey Siri,” and some visual effects. It also dims the screen brightness.

  • Go to Settings > Battery and toggle on “Low Power Mode.”
  • Your iPhone will automatically offer to enable Low Power Mode when your battery reaches 20%, but you can turn it on anytime.

9. Update Your Apps and iOS

Apple and app developers often release updates that include battery performance improvements.

  • iOS Updates: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • App Updates: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and tap “Update All” or update individual apps.

10. Manage Battery-Draining Apps

Some apps are notorious for using more battery than others. You can check which apps are using the most power.

  • Go to Settings > Battery.
  • Scroll down to see a list of apps sorted by battery usage. If an app is using a lot of power and you don’t need it running constantly, consider adjusting its settings or uninstalling it.

Understanding Charging Habits for Better Battery Health

How you charge your iPhone 8 Plus also plays a role in its long-term battery health.

Charging Best Practices

  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t leave your iPhone in a hot car or direct sunlight. Batteries don’t like heat.
  • Don’t Always Charge to 100%: While it’s okay, constantly charging to 100% and letting it sit there can put a bit more stress on the battery. It’s often fine to unplug it when it reaches around 80-90%.
  • Avoid Complete Drain: Try not to let your phone die completely regularly. Charging it when it gets down to around 20-30% is generally better for the battery’s lifespan.
  • Use Authentic Chargers: Always use Apple-certified or reputable third-party chargers and cables. Cheap, uncertified chargers can damage your battery or phone and aren’t safe. You can check for Apple-certified accessories at Apple’s official site.

The Role of Power Banks

A power bank is a portable battery. It’s great for giving your iPhone 8 Plus an extra boost when you’re away from a power outlet. When choosing a power bank, look for one with a good capacity (measured in mAh) and reputable safety features.

What About Wireless Charging?

Your iPhone 8 Plus supports wireless charging. While convenient, it can sometimes generate a little more heat than wired charging, and heat isn’t great for batteries. If you’re concerned about long-term battery health, wired charging might be slightly better when an outlet is available, but wireless charging is perfectly acceptable for everyday use.

When It Might Be Time for a New Battery

Even with the best care, batteries degrade over time. If you’ve tried all these tips and your iPhone 8 Plus battery still dies quickly, it might be time for a replacement.

Sign Your Battery Might Need Replacing What It Means
Battery Health below 80% Your battery has significantly lost capacity and may not hold a full charge. Your iPhone might also suggest service.
Phone shuts down unexpectedly Even when the battery percentage is still high, the phone might turn off. This indicates the battery can’t supply enough power.
Very rapid battery drain The battery drains extremely fast, even with minimal usage and optimized settings.
Phone overheats unusually While some warmth is normal during heavy use or charging, excessive heat could signal a battery issue.
Battery percentage jumps The battery percentage might drop suddenly or even jump up.

If you see these signs, consider getting your battery serviced. Apple offers battery replacement services. You can find information on their official support page.

For those comfortable with DIY, there are reputable guides available for how to replace an iPhone battery, though it requires care and the right tools. Companies like iFixit provide detailed instructions and parts. Always prioritize safety if you choose a DIY route.

Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone 8 Plus Battery Life

Q1: How long should an iPhone 8 Plus battery last on a full charge?

A: Apple rated the iPhone 8 Plus for up to 13 hours of internet use or up to 21 hours of video playback. Real-world usage varies greatly depending on screen brightness, app activity, and signal strength.

Q2: Can I use my iPhone 8 Plus while it’s charging?

A: Yes, you can use your iPhone while it’s charging. However, heavy use during charging can cause the device to heat up, which is not ideal for battery longevity. It’s best to let it charge undisturbed when possible.

Q3: Does fast charging hurt my iPhone 8 Plus battery?

A: The iPhone 8 Plus supports fast charging. While fast charging can generate more heat than standard charging, Apple’s software manages the charging process to minimize battery damage. Using it occasionally is fine.

Q4: What should I do if my iPhone 8 Plus battery drains overnight with no apps open?

A: This could be due to background activity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth scanning, or a system process. Check Settings > Battery to see if a specific app is unusually high. Ensure Background App Refresh is off for non-essential apps and consider turning off “Hey Siri.” If the problem persists, a software check or battery service might be needed.

Q5: Is it bad to charge my iPhone 8 Plus to 100% every night?

A: For most users, charging to 100% every night is perfectly fine. iPhones have optimized battery charging that can learn your routine and slow down charging past 80% overnight. However, avoiding leaving it plugged in at 100% for extended periods when not needed can slightly improve long-term battery health.

Q6: How much does an iPhone 8 Plus battery replacement typically cost?

A: The cost can vary. Apple’s official battery replacement service is usually a set price. Third-party repair shops may offer lower prices, but it’s important to use reputable services and quality parts. Check Apple’s support website for the most current pricing.

Conclusion

Keeping your iPhone 8 Plus battery performing well is all about making smart choices in how you use and charge your device. By tweaking simple settings like screen brightness, background activity, and notifications, you can significantly extend how long you stay powered up between charges. Remember that managing your charging habits, like avoiding extreme temperatures and using reliable chargers, also contributes to the long-term health of your battery. If you start noticing a significant drop in performance or the battery health indicator is low, it might be time to consider a replacement. With these tips, you can enjoy your iPhone 8 Plus for longer!

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