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How to check your iPhone's battery health and cycle count

Apple offers built-in tools to monitor iPhone battery health and cycle count, aiding users in assessing device condition and timing for replacements, especially when buying used.

To check battery health, open the Settings app, tap Battery, and look for the Battery Health section. On older models such as the iPhone 13, this section is called Battery Health & Charging. This screen displays an estimate of the battery's capacity relative to when it was new.

The Maximum Capacity percentage indicates the overall condition of the battery. Apple states that a typical battery is designed to retain up to 80 percent of its capacity under normal conditions. For iPhone 15 and later models, this estimate is based on 1,000 full charge cycles, while older models are rated for up to 500 cycles before significant degradation. If the health drops below 80 percent, users will likely notice a decrease in battery life, though the iPhone may still function. In some cases, iOS enables performance management features to prevent unexpected shutdowns, and a warning will appear below the Peak Performance Capability section.

To preserve battery health, users can enable Optimized Battery Charging in battery settings. This feature learns daily charging routines and pauses charging at 80 percent until needed. On iPhone 15 and later, a maximum charge limit can also be set.

For cycle count, iPhone 15 and newer models display it directly in Settings under Battery > Battery Health. Older models do not provide this statistic natively, so users must rely on third-party apps like coconutBattery. One cycle represents expending 100 percent of battery capacity, not necessarily all at once. For example, using 50 percent, recharging, and using another 50 percent counts as one cycle.

Knowing the cycle count helps assess long-term lifespan. iPhone 15 models are rated for up to 1,000 cycles, while older models are rated for 500 cycles, which roughly translates to two to three years of use. Reaching these numbers does not mean the battery will fail immediately, but capacity will typically be lower. If battery health is below 80 percent or the cycle count reaches 1,000, users should consider replacement. Apple Support can arrange for a battery replacement.