Is your iPhone not charging past 80%? This is usually due to the Optimized Battery Charging feature or overheating issues. This article will explain why your iPhone won’t charge past 80 and what you can do to fix it.
Key Takeaways
Optimized Battery Charging stops your iPhone from charging past 80% to reduce battery aging by learning your charging habits and delaying full charges.
Overheating can prevent charging past 80%; mitigate this by charging in cool locations, removing cases, and unplugging when your phone gets warm.
To disable Optimized Battery Charging, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, but remember this feature helps extend your battery’s lifespan.
Why Your iPhone Won’t Charge Past 80%

One of our top repairs at our shop is batteries. We have so many customers that come in daily complaining of charging and battery issues. Of course there are a few reasons why your iPhone might stop charging at 80%, and understanding these can help you manage your phone better. The Optimized Battery Charging feature, which Apple introduced with iOS 13, is designed to slow down battery aging by reducing the time your iPhone spends fully charged. This feature uses on-device machine learning to predict your charging patterns and limits charging past 80% until it’s needed.
Some factors to consider for managing your iPhone’s battery health, which is crucial for maintaining your iPhone’s battery health, are:
Optimizing charging patterns to prevent overcharging
Avoiding extreme temperatures that can cause overheating
Keeping your battery at optimal levels to maintain its overall health and extend your iPhone’s lifespan.
We will delve deeper into these reasons and discuss potential solutions.
Understanding Optimized Battery Charging
The Optimized Battery Charging feature is a smart addition to Apple’s battery optimization toolkit, including the battery optimization feature. It learns your daily charging routine using machine learning and delays charging past 80% until it predicts you’ll need a full charge. This means if you usually charge your phone overnight, the feature will hold off on charging past 80% until just before you wake up, reducing the time your battery spends at 100% and thereby slowing down the aging process.
When this feature is active, a notification on your lock screen will let you know when your phone is expected to be fully charged. The information about your charging habits is stored only on your device, ensuring your privacy while helping to extend your phone’s battery life.
Overheating Prevention
Overheating is a significant factor that can prevent your iPhone from charging past 80%. High temperatures can cause the iPhone to limit charging to protect the lithium-ion battery from damage. Running resource-intensive apps or charging in high ambient temperatures can generate excess heat, causing the phone to stop charging at 80%.
To avoid overheating, try the following:
Charge your iPhone in a cooler location
Remove any cases that might trap heat
If your iPhone gets too warm, unplug it and let it cool down before plugging it back in
These steps can help maintain optimal charging conditions for lithium ion batteries and extend your battery life.
Battery Health Management:
The objective of battery health management is to keep your battery levels optimized to extend its lifespan. Stopping charging at 80% helps prevent wearing out the battery too quickly, ensuring it stays healthy for longer. Battery optimization features aim to reduce chemical stress and preserve the battery’s health and longevity.
Disabling these features might lead to faster battery wear and a shortened lifespan. Thus, comprehending the trade-offs before adjusting your battery settings is vital.
How to Disable Optimized Battery Charging
If you find that the Optimized Battery Charging feature is more of a hindrance than a help, you can easily disable it. This might be useful if you need a full charge sooner than your iPhone predicts or if you frequently change your charging patterns.
To disable Optimized Battery Charging on iPhone 14 models and earlier, navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and toggle the feature off. While disabling it can give you more immediate control over your charging, remember that this feature helps extend the overall lifespan of your battery.
Steps to Turn Off Optimized Battery Charging
Here are the step-by-step instructions to turn off Optimized Battery Charging. First, open the Settings app, then tap on Battery.
Next, go to Battery Health & Charging. Toggle off the switch next to Optimized Battery Charging. This will help preserve your battery’s long-term health.
Once this feature is turned off, your iPhone stops charging at 80% and will charge to 100% without pausing, giving you a full battery whenever you need it.
When You Should Leave It On
It’s generally a good idea to leave Optimized Battery Charging enabled if you charge your phone overnight or have a consistent charging routine. This feature is particularly useful for extending the overall lifespan of your iPhone’s battery and maintaining its health.
Other Solutions to Fix Charging Issues
If disabling Optimized Battery Charging doesn’t solve your problem, there are other solutions you can try. Here are some potential fixes that can help resolve charging issues:
Restart your iPhone.
Check your charging accessories.
Clean the charging port.
Update iOS.
We’ll examine each of these solutions more thoroughly.
Restart Your iPhone: iPhone Won’t Charge Past 80
A simple restart of your iPhone can often fix temporary charging problems. Here’s how to restart your iPhone based on the model:
For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the side button and the volume down button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the side button and the Home button until the Apple logo appears.
This quick restart can often resolve minor software glitches that might be affecting your iPhone’s charging behavior.
Check Your Charging Accessories
It’s vital to use certified chargers and cables for the maintenance of your iPhone’s battery health. Ensure you’re using Apple-certified accessories, as non-standard or uncertified accessories can lead to charging problems. Check your charging cable and USB adapter for any signs of damage, such as breakage or bent prongs.
Make sure all connections are firm between your charging cable, USB wall adapter, and wall outlet. If necessary, try using a different outlet or getting replacement Lightning cables from reputable sources.
Clean the Charging Port
Debris in the charging port can cause iPhone charging issues. Use a dry, soft brush or a clean, dry toothbrush to remove any debris from the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone.
This simple cleaning can often fix charging problems caused by blockages.
Update iOS
Keeping your iPhone updated with the latest iOS version can resolve software-related charging issues for iPhone users. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates.
Best Practices to Maintain Battery Health
A few best practices are required to maintain your iPhone’s battery health. Avoiding extreme temperatures, unplugging after a full charge, and regularly monitoring your iPhone battery health are essential steps to prolong the life of your iPhone’s battery, ultimately enhancing your iPhone’s battery life.
We’ll delve into these practices in greater depth.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can significantly impact your iPhone’s battery life. The ideal ambient temperature range for your iPhone is 62° to 72° F (16° to 22° C). Charging or storing your device in an environment over 95° F can permanently damage the battery.
Should your iPhone cease charging at 80% because of overheating, relocate it to a cooler spot and take off any cases that could retain heat. Keeping your iPhone within the recommended temperature range can help extend its battery life.
Unplug After Full Charge
It’s a good practice to unplug your iPhone once it reaches a full charge. Keeping your battery above 20% and below 90% helps maintain its health and prolongs its lifespan.
Regularly Monitor Battery Health
Keeping a close eye on your battery health can assist in early detection and resolution of potential issues. You can view battery usage information in the Settings app to manage battery life effectively.
Regular checks and addressing any detected issues can help maintain your battery’s capacity and overall health. Once a lithium battery reaches the end of its life it can also start to act erratic, so keep a look at the battery health percentage and once it starts to get close to 80% it will likely need replacing.
Summary
Understanding why your iPhone stops charging at 80% and knowing how to address it can save you a lot of frustration. The Optimized Battery Charging feature, overheating prevention, and battery health management are all designed to prolong your iPhone’s lifespan. However, if needed, you can disable the feature and try other solutions like restarting your phone, checking accessories, cleaning the charging port, and updating iOS.
By following the best practices for maintaining battery health, such as avoiding extreme temperatures, unplugging after a full charge, and regularly monitoring your battery health, you can ensure your iPhone stays in top shape for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone stop charging at 80%?
Your iPhone stops charging at 80% in order to prevent overcharging and extend the overall battery lifespan. These features help maintain the health of your battery.
How do I disable Optimized Battery Charging?
To disable Optimized Battery Charging, go to Settings, then Battery, and toggle off the feature in Battery Health & Charging.
What should I do if my iPhone won’t charge past 80%?
Try restarting your iPhone, checking your charging accessories, cleaning the charging port, and updating iOS to solve the issue of your iPhone not charging past 80%.
How can I prevent my iPhone from overheating while charging?
To prevent your iPhone from overheating while charging, make sure to charge it in a cooler location, remove any cases that trap heat, and avoid charging in high ambient temperatures.
What are the best practices to maintain my iPhone’s battery health?
To maintain your iPhone’s battery health, avoid extreme temperatures, unplug after a full charge, and regularly monitor your battery health. These practices can help prolong your battery’s lifespan.