Nothing interrupts your day quite like the dreaded “Battery Low” notification. But did you know that enabling Low Power Mode can help you squeeze every bit of juice out of your iPhone’s battery? Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone just trying to make it through the day without their phone dying, this guide is for you.
We’ll walk you through how Low Power Mode works, how to enable it, and even a trick to keep it on permanently. Plus, we’ll explore how it impacts your phone’s performance and battery health. Let’s get started!
What is Low Power Mode?
Low Power Mode is an iPhone feature designed to conserve battery when it’s running low. When your charge dips to 20%, your iPhone prompts you to activate Low Power Mode. It asks again at 10% if you haven’t turned it on. Once enabled, your battery icon turns yellow, signaling that the feature is active.
Low Power Mode works by disabling or reducing certain functions to preserve battery life. Features such as background app refresh and automatic downloads get paused, while screen brightness and performance are dialed down. When your phone charges back to 80%, Low Power Mode automatically turns off.
How Does Low Power Mode Work?
According to Apple, Low Power Mode adjusts your iPhone’s settings to reduce power usage. Here’s a quick breakdown of what changes when it’s active:
- 5G Usage: Turns off 5G (except for video streaming) on newer iPhone models.
- Display Adjustments: Dims your display and reduces refresh rates on ProMotion screens.
- Background Activity: Stops email fetch and background app updates.
- Performance: Reduces CPU and GPU activities to save power.
- Visual Effects: Limits certain visual enhancements to reduce stress on the battery.
- iCloud Photos & Downloads: Pauses syncing to conserve energy.
All these changes work quietly in the background, so you likely won’t even notice a major difference during casual usage.
Benefits of Low Power Mode
Activating Low Power Mode can help in various scenarios:
- Extend your phone’s battery life when charging isn’t an option.
- Reduce energy consumption during long trips or outdoor activities.
- Maintain certain essential functions, like calls and texts, while disabling non-critical processes.
It’s not a permanent solution, but it’s a helpful tool to buy you time when your battery is running low.
How to Turn On Low Power Mode Manually
Low Power Mode is easy to enable. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Battery.
- Toggle the switch for Low Power Mode.
Alternatively, you can activate it via Control Center:
- Swipe down to open the Control Center.
- Tap the “Battery” icon if you’ve added it as a shortcut.
You can also ask Siri to turn it on for you by saying, “Hey Siri, turn on Low Power Mode.”
Automate Low Power Mode to Stay On Permanently
Want to keep your iPhone on Low Power Mode all the time? You can create a personal automation using the Shortcuts app. Here’s how:
- Open the Shortcuts app and tap Automation on the bottom menu.
- Tap the “+” sign and select Create Personal Automation.
- Choose Battery Level and set the slider to activate Low Power Mode when battery falls below 100%.
- Add the Set Low Power Mode action.
- Toggle off Ask Before Running to automate the process.
By setting this up, your phone will automatically go into Low Power Mode whenever it’s not fully charged.
Checking iPhone Battery Health
While Low Power Mode can extend battery life, it’s not a substitute for a healthy battery. To check your iPhone’s battery health:
- Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- Check your battery’s Maximum Capacity, which indicates its current performance compared to when it was new.
If your maximum capacity dips below 80%, it’s time to consider a battery replacement.
Final Thoughts
Low Power Mode is a lifesaver for those “battery low” moments, providing an easy and effective way to keep your iPhone running longer. Whether you’re navigating a busy workday or exploring the great outdoors, this feature lets you stay connected when it matters.
Looking to optimize your battery even further? Follow our tips on creating custom automations and checking battery health to keep your device performing at its best.
Want more tech insights? Explore our latest tutorials and stay ahead in the digital game.
