How to Check iPad Battery Health and make your device live longer?

Want your iPad to last? Take care of its battery! My old iPad used to die so fast. After all, batteries get tired and old (kinda like us).

Sometimes apps get super slow. BOOM – your iPad shuts off! Not fun at all.

Have you ever noticed your iPad dying faster than before? That’s totally normal, but we can help! Look, I’ll make this super easy. Think of your iPad like a pet – it needs love and care to stay happy.

“But how do I check my battery health on iPad?” Don’t worry! I’m gonna show you some cool tricks – both for new iPads and the older ones you might have lying around.

It’s actually pretty simple! Just like checking your car’s gas tank, you can check your iPad’s battery health too. And hey – if your battery is getting too old, I’ll help you figure that out as well. So, let’s conduct this iPad battery health check.

How to Check Battery Health on Modern iPads

So, how to check iPad battery health? Modern iPads (2024 models and later) running iPadOS 17 or newer include a built-in battery health monitoring tool, similar to iPhones. This tool is designed to give users essential information about their battery’s condition, helping to manage its performance effectively. Here’s how to access it:

1. Open Settings > Battery: Want to see what’s eating your battery? Just tap Battery! The screen shows you exactly how long you used your iPad. Guess what? You can even see which apps are battery hogs! Some apps are super greedy. Did you know TikTok was using THAT much power? So now you can be smart about which apps you use. Maybe that game that drains half your battery isn’t worth it? Easy fix – just change some settings or delete the power-hungry apps!

2. Tap Battery Health: This section is exclusive to newer models and offers critical insights into your battery’s condition. The information provided here is essential for understanding whether your battery is performing optimally or if it requires attention.

3. View key metrics:

• Maximum Capacity: This percentage reflects the battery’s current capacity relative to its original state. For example, a reading of 95% means it holds 95% of the charge it did when new. Batteries naturally degrade over time due to chemical aging, with typical loss rates of 1–2% per year under normal use conditions. Apple considers a battery “consumed” and eligible for replacement when its capacity drops below 80%, indicating a significant loss of performance;
• Peak Performance Capability:This metric indicates whether the battery can deliver power efficiently during demanding tasks. If the battery is degraded, iPadOS may throttle performance to prevent unexpected shutdowns. For instance, a message like “Performance management applied” means your iPad is limiting processor speed to maintain stability during usage;

4. Check out Additional Features:

• Optimized Charging: You know what’s really cool about newer iPads? They’re pretty smart about charging! Picture this: your iPad actually learns when you charge it. Like if you’re anything like me and plug it in before bed every night, it picks up on that pattern. Pretty neat, right? Here’s the clever part: instead of rushing to 100% right away, your iPad takes its time. It stops at 80% and thinks. This means less stress on your battery (just like how we need rest!)
• Usage Tips: iPadOS intelligently analyzes your habits and may suggest actions to improve battery performance, such as reducing screen brightness, disabling background app refresh, or enabling Auto-Lock sooner. Implementing these adjustments can lead to noticeable improvements in daily iPad battery life;
  

Regularly monitoring these metrics helps you understand how your usage habits impact the battery’s health. 

How to Check iPad Pro 2024 Battery Health

When it comes to assessing battery health, iPad Pro released in 2024 integrates advanced battery analytics, leveraging its M3/M4 chip for precision diagnostics. These enhancements allow for a deeper understanding of battery health, facilitating informed decisions about usage habits and potential replacements. Follow the same steps as above, but with these model-specific notes:

1. Enhanced Diagnostics: The Pro model displays cycle count, which tallies how many full charge cycles the battery has undergone. A charge cycle is counted when you use 100% of the battery’s capacity, which can occur over multiple charges (for example, draining 50% twice equals one full cycle). Apple claims an average iPad battery retains up to 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles. If your cycle count nears this threshold, it may be time to consider a replacement to maintain optimal performance.

2. Performance Metrics: The M3/M4 chip’s energy efficiency data is linked to battery health trends. When easy stuff makes your iPad work too hard, something’s wrong. Want to catch problems early? Keep an eye on your battery. Simple things shouldn’t make your iPad sweat. Watch for the signs – they’ll tell you if your battery needs help.
3. Pro Tips: Enable Low Power Mode to temporarily disable background processes and reduce power consumption. Just go to Settings, then Display & Brightness. BOOM – one tap, and your iPad sips battery instead of gulping it! Some stuff (like reading) doesn’t need a super-fast screen anyway.

How to Check iPad Air 2024’s Battery Health

The 2024 iPad Air mirrors the Pro’s battery health tools but omits cycle count details, focusing on user-friendly metrics that are straightforward to interpret. To check the battery health:

1. Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, Here, you’ll see Maximum Capacity and whether optimized charging is active. This information helps you gauge the health of your battery and take appropriate actions if necessary. If capacity is below 90%, you might want to recalibrate the battery: Drain the battery completely to 0% until the iPad shuts down. Then, charge it uninterrupted to 100% using an Apple-certified charger. This process resets the battery’s software calibration, improving the accuracy of the battery’s reported capacity.

2. Why Recalibrate?: Sometimes your iPad gets confused about how much battery it has left. You know how your brain needs sleep to reset? Your iPad’s battery needs that too! GUESS WHAT? We can help it remember the right numbers! It’s like teaching your iPad to count its battery power all over again.

3. Usage Advice for iPad Air: Thinking about using a wireless charger for your iPad? Hold that thought. Sure, they’re trendy and clutter-free, but here’s the thing: they can turn your device into a mini radiator. Heat? That’s battery kryptonite—it sneaks up and zaps lifespan faster than you’d think. Picture this: Your iPad’s battery is like an ice cream cone on a summer sidewalk. Melts away, right? I learned this the hard way when mine started doubling as a hand warmer during a Netflix binge. Here’s the deal: Wireless pads are great for quick top-ups, but for full charges? Grab the cable. Your battery will thank you later. Why? Heat buildup from wireless charging stresses components over time. Cable charging is cooler, simpler, and kinder to your device’s longevity. Next time you reach for that sleek pad, ask yourself: Is the convenience worth the slow fade of my battery? Sometimes, old-school plugs are the real heroes. 

Assessing Battery Health on Older iPads

Want to conduct an iPad battery test on an older device? That might be a little tricky. For iPads released before 2024 (e.g., 2018–2023 models), Apple doesn’t provide a built-in battery health tool. However, you can use these alternatives to assess your battery’s condition:

Method 1: Apple Support App

1. Download the Apple Support app from the App Store.

2. Tap Device Performance > Battery Health: The app runs remote diagnostics, checking for hardware issues like swollen batteries or faults in the charging circuit. This can help you identify potential problems early. If no report is available, use the chat feature to request a battery health analysis from an Apple advisor. This direct line to support can provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Method 2: Contact Apple Support

Visit Apple’s Battery Service Page and follow the instructions for mail-in diagnostics. Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label for convenience. Once received, their technicians will test the battery and email you a report within 3–5 business days, allowing you to understand your battery’s health status without needing to visit a store.

Method 3: System Settings (Advanced Users)

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements > Analytics & Improvements> Analytics Data.

Look for logs starting with “Analytics-YYYY-MM-DD”

2. Search for “BatteryHealth” or “MaximumCapacityPercent” to find entries like this: 

This raw data reveals your battery’s current capacity. Note that parsing these logs requires patience and technical familiarity, so it may not be suitable for all users.

3. Workaround for Older Models: Consider installing a free app like Battery Life Doctor (available in the App Store) to estimate health via voltage readings. While these results may be less accurate than Apple’s diagnostics, they can still offer a general idea of your battery’s condition.

Check iPad Battery Health Using Specialized Software

For those with older models, third-party apps can provide detailed insights into iPad battery health:

Checking iPad battery health via coconutBattery (Mac)

1. Install coconutBattery: This trusted tool has been used for over a decade to analyze Apple device batteries and is popular among Mac users.

2. Connect your iPad via USB: Trust the computer on your iPad when prompted to establish a secure connection.

3. View Design Capacity (it refers to the intended iPad battery capacity) versus Full Charge Capacity, cycle count, and temperature. A temperature reading above 95°F (35°C) during charging indicates potential overheating issues, which can negatively impact battery health.

Checking iPad battery health via iMazing (Windows/Mac)

1. Download iMazing: This paid app offers a free trial with full battery diagnostics, making it accessible for users who want to test its features.
2. Connect your iPad and select it in the app.
3. Navigate to Devices > Battery for metrics like wear level and voltage.iMazing also logs historical data, allowing you to track battery performance and degradation over months, helping you make informed decisions about usage and potential replacements.

Checking iPad battery health via 3uTools (Windows)

1. Install 3uTools: This Windows-only software is popular for iOS device management and provides battery health insights.

2. Connect your iPad and click Battery Details: The “Battery Life” section estimates the remaining lifespan based on charge cycles, giving you an idea of how much longer your battery might last before needing a replacement.

Limitations

These tools rely on iOS APIs and may not reflect Apple’s internal diagnostics accurately. For example, coconutBattery’s readings can vary by ±3%, so while they can provide useful insights, they should be cross-referenced with Apple’s official diagnostics for the most accurate assessment.

When Do I Need to Replace My iPad’s Battery?

Apple recommends replacement when maximum capacity drops below 80%. This threshold indicates that the battery is no longer performing optimally. Additional signs that your battery may need replacement include:

1. Shorter Usage Time: If you find yourself needing multiple charges daily despite maintaining similar usage patterns, it could be a sign of battery degradation.

2. Unexpected Shutdowns: If your iPad turns off at 20–30% charge, it indicates that the battery can’t deliver stable voltage, which could lead to interruptions during use.

3. Slow Charging: If your iPad takes longer than 6 hours to charge fully (normal charging times range from 2–4 hours), this may indicate a failing battery.

4. Overheating: Excessive heat during charging or light use can signal a failing battery, which may pose risks to the device’s overall health and safety.

Replacement Options

1. Apple Store/Authorized Service: Includes a 90-day warranty on the new battery. Choosing this option ensures that you receive genuine parts installed by certified technicians, providing peace of mind.

2. Mail-In Service: Apple provides a prepaid shipping box for convenience. Turnaround time is usually 5–7 business days, allowing you to have your battery replaced without needing to visit a physical location.

3. Third-Party Repair: A valid option, but there are risks associated with using non-genuine batteries or improper installation methods. But watch out – some repair shops use fake batteries! “But it’s cheaper!” Yeah, but bad batteries can hurt your iPad. Some shops try to sell you old, tired batteries. These batteries might work today… but tomorrow? Uh-oh! Don’t let someone put yucky parts in your iPad!

4. Post-Replacement Care: After replacing the battery, it’s recommended to avoid draining it below 20% for the first week to stabilize the new cells. This practice helps to ensure the battery forms optimally and performs well over time. Use Apple’s 20W USB-C charger for optimal charging speed and safety, as using non-certified chargers can lead to inefficient charging and potential damage to the battery.

Conclusion

The simple truth is: if you check battery health, iPad works better. But how to check battery health on iPad depends on the device. New iPads make checking the battery super easy – just tap and look!

Got an old iPad? We gotta be sneaky and find other ways.

FAQ