Why You're Using Power Saving Mode Wrong
Your iPhone is almost dead again. Halfway through the day already. You know the feeling: that red battery icon, the search for a charger, or your AirPods suddenly not working anymore. Low Power Mode seems like the solution. One tap and your battery will last longer.
But most people use it wrong . They only turn it on when their battery is almost dead. Or they think it will slow their phone down. Nonsense. Tests show that your battery lasts up to 38% longer without you even noticing. In fact, used wisely, you can go all day without a charger.
The secret isn't in when you turn on the mode, but in which accessories and settings you combine. Time to take a fresh look at that yellow battery icon.
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What exactly does energy saving mode do?
Low Power Mode on your iPhone or iPad is a smart feature that extends battery life by temporarily disabling certain background processes. The device continues to operate, but uses less energy by pausing non-essential tasks.
When you enable this mode, the device automatically applies six important adjustments:
- Notifications are limited to the most important notifications
- Apps no longer automatically refresh in the background
- Emails are no longer retrieved automatically
- Automatic downloads such as updates are paused
- Photos no longer syncing to iCloud
- The screen brightness is dimmed automatically
When is the best time to turn on the mode?
Many users wait until their battery is almost empty before activating power saving mode. However, this isn't the smartest approach. Tests show that your battery lasts up to 38% longer when you use this feature preventatively.
The best times to enable this mode:
- In the morning when you know you have a long day ahead without a charger
- For a flight or long train journey
- During festivals or events where charging is difficult
- With intensive use of navigation apps
- When your battery percentage drops below 50% and you still have hours to go
Three ways to activate the function
Via settings
Navigate to Settings > Battery and turn on the switch for Power Saving Mode. This method also gives you immediate insight into your battery usage.
Via the control panel
Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen. Tap the battery icon to enable the mode directly. This is the fastest method for everyday use.
Via Siri
Simply ask, "Hey Siri, turn on power saving mode." Handy when your hands are full or while driving.
You can recognize an active power saving mode by the yellow battery icon in the top right corner of your screen. The system automatically disables the mode when your device is charged above 80%.
Apps That Secretly Drain Your Battery
Under Settings > Battery, you'll find an overview of the apps that use the most energy. This overview shows the usage over the past 24 hours or 10 days. Surprisingly often, you'll find apps you rarely use, but that run constantly in the background.
Typical energy guzzlers are:
- Social media apps that constantly load new content
- Navigation apps that continue to track your location
- Streaming services with autoplay
- Games with many graphic effects
- News apps with push notifications
Consider removing apps that consume a lot of power but add little value. This not only saves battery life but also storage space.
Additional tips for optimal battery life
Adjust your screen brightness
Your screen is often the biggest energy consumer. Use automatic brightness or set it lower manually. You'll need less brightness, especially in the evening.
Use Wi-Fi where possible
Mobile data uses more energy than Wi-Fi. Automatically switch to known networks and turn off mobile data when you don't need internet.
Limit background refresh
Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Turn this off for apps you don't need to keep updated.
Use location services intelligently
Many apps request access to your location, but they don't need it constantly. Set each app to never, only while in use, or always be allowed to use your location.
Update your software regularly
Apple optimizes energy efficiency with every update. Therefore, always install the latest iOS or iPadOS version for better battery performance.
When is it time for a new battery?
Even with all the energy-saving tips, a battery doesn't last forever. After about 500 charge cycles, its capacity begins to noticeably decrease. Check your battery's maximum capacity under Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
Is it below 80%? Then you'll probably notice your device draining its battery faster and possibly shutting down unexpectedly. In that case, there are three options:
- Have the battery replaced at a service point
- Living with power banks and chargers
- Switching to a newer model
Regarding the last point, a refurbished device can be a smart choice. These devices have been thoroughly checked, often have a new battery, and cost considerably less than new models.
Myths about energy saving mode
There are several misconceptions about this feature. Time to debunk them:
"It slows down your phone" - Not true. The processor runs at normal speed. Only background tasks are restricted.
"Apps no longer work properly" - Incorrect. All apps function normally when you open them. They just don't refresh automatically in the background.
"You should only turn it on when the battery is at 20%" - This is actually not smart. Preventative use will save much more battery life.
“It damages your battery” – On the contrary, fewer charge cycles through more efficient use actually extends the lifespan of your battery.
Power saving mode is a powerful feature that many users underuse. With smart use, you can forget about the daily search for chargers and simply enjoy your device.
Battery full all day: here's how
Power Saving Mode isn't a stopgap solution for a dead battery, but a smart way to get through the day without a charger. By enabling the feature preventatively, tackling power-hungry apps, and optimizing your settings, your battery will last up to 38% longer . And all without slowing down your device or missing any features.
If your battery really needs replacing, a refurbished iPhone with a new battery offers an affordable alternative. This way, you can stay connected without constantly searching for a power outlet.
