Your phone was at 100% this morning, and by 3 pm it’s begging for a charger. You don’t need a new phone or a battery case to fix that. A handful of settings make a real difference, and most people never touch them.
These work on both iPhone and Android. Menu names on Android vary a little by brand, so if you can’t find something, use the search bar at the top of Settings.
1. Let Brightness Adjust Itself
The screen is usually the biggest battery user. Turn on auto-brightness so your phone dims itself indoors.
- iPhone: Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Auto-Brightness.
- Android: Settings > Display > Adaptive brightness.
2. Use Dark Mode
On phones with OLED screens, which includes most recent iPhones and many Android phones, dark pixels use less power. Dark mode helps most when you spend a lot of time in apps that support it.
3. Shorten the Screen Timeout
Set your screen to turn off after 30 seconds or 1 minute of inactivity. On iPhone, it’s under Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock. On Android, look for Screen timeout under Display.
4. Limit Background App Refresh
Many apps keep refreshing in the background even when you’re not using them. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off for apps that don’t need it. On Android, check Settings > Battery for background usage limits per app.
5. Change Location Access to “While Using”
Apps tracking your location all day drain the battery quietly. On iPhone, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. On Android, go to Settings > Location > App location permissions. Switch most apps to While Using the App or Never.
6. Cut Down on Notifications
Every notification wakes your screen and often your phone’s radio. Turn off notifications for shopping, games and apps that just want your attention. You’ll save battery and get some peace and quiet too.
7. Use Low Power Mode or Battery Saver Earlier
Don’t wait until 10%. Turning on Low Power Mode (iPhone, under Settings > Battery) or Battery Saver (Android) at around 40% on a busy day can stretch your phone into the evening.
8. Set 5G to Auto
5G is fast, but it can use more power, especially where the signal is weak. On iPhone in the US, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and choose 5G Auto. In the UK and Australia, this menu is called Mobile Data. Many Android phones have a similar option under network settings.
Note: Features and policies may vary by plan, region and app version, and can change at any time. Check the official help center for the latest information.
9. Turn Off the Always-On Display
Newer phones can keep the clock and notifications visible on a dimmed screen all the time. It’s handy, but it costs battery. Look for Always On Display in your display settings.
10. Check What’s Actually Draining It
Go to Settings > Battery on either phone. You’ll see which apps used the most power in the last day. If one app is using far more than it should, update it, limit its background activity, or remove it.
Bonus: Protect Your Battery for the Long Run
Batteries wear out faster when they sit at 100% for hours or get very hot. Turn on your phone’s charging protection, called Optimized Battery Charging or an 80% charge limit on many iPhones, and Adaptive Charging or battery protection on many Android phones. Avoid leaving your phone in a hot car or charging it under a pillow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing apps save battery?
Not really. Phones manage background apps well, and reopening a closed app can actually use more power. Limiting background refresh works better.
Is it bad to charge my phone overnight?
Modern phones handle it fine, especially with optimized charging turned on.
Why did my battery get worse after an update?
After big updates, phones often re-organize files in the background for a few days, which uses extra power. It usually improves within a week.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need all ten. Start with brightness, background refresh and location settings. Those three alone can add hours to your day.
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- iPhone Storage Full After iOS 27? 10 Easy Fixes That Actually Work
- How to Back Up Your iPhone (iCloud and Computer Methods)
Explore more in our Tech Tips for Beginners hub.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is based on details available at the time of writing. Prices, plans, features, release dates, policies and availability can change at any time and may vary by country. Please verify the latest information on the official website of the company or product mentioned before making any decision or purchase. Next DigiTech is an independent website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the companies mentioned; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. We are not responsible for any loss or decisions made based on this content.
