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Published on: 29.02.2024 | updated on: 02.04.2024
If your iPad is struggling with poor battery health, don’t be upset. It is natural for batteries to lose their peak capacity over time. While a poor battery life can be pretty annoying and limiting as to what you can do with your iPad, there are certain temporary and permanent fixes that can help increase the battery life. Be it tweaking settings to make batteries last longer, replacing the battery, or upgrading the device entirely, we will walk you through all the possibilities of what you can do if you have a broken iPad battery.
A broken iPad battery can be a nightmare, especially if you rely on your device for day-to-day tasks. There can be many reasons behind damaged iPad batteries, such as overheating, aging, glitches, and hardware failure. However, batteries’ health can be prolonged by following some easy preventive measures such as adjusting the brightness, not using an iPad while on charge, and not exposing your device to extreme temperatures. In case of severe damage, it’s better to get the battery replaced by a skilled professional.
Like all electrical devices, you may notice your iPad lasts less between charges as time passes. Though inconvenient, it is pretty natural for batteries to degrade. However, these are some of the things that can kill your iPad battery health:
Using iPad in extreme temperatures: Exposure to very high or low temperatures can damage the iPad's battery.
Using the iPad while it is charging: This can generate excess heat and damage the battery. Moreover, heat accelerates battery degradation, diminishing its health over time.
High brightness: Operating the iPad at maximum brightness consumes more power and generates additional heat, both of which can harm the battery's long-term performance and health.
iOS glitches: Software bugs or glitches within iOS can cause abnormal battery drain, stressing the battery by forcing it to work harder than necessary, thereby affecting its longevity.
Using location services: Continuously using GPS and location services leads to faster battery drain and increased charging cycles, which degrades the battery.
Background applications and refresh: Apps running in the background or updating content automatically can continuously drastically drain power.
Using inferior quality chargers: Using low-quality third-party chargers can potentially cause damage to the battery through improper voltages or currents.
As batteries degrade, you might notice different signs of a broken iPad battery. These signs may also worsen over time if the issue is not fixed timely. Listed below are some common signs that you should be on the lookout for;
Rapid draining: If your iPad battery time has significantly decreased, it may hint towards a degraded battery.
iPad shutting down unexpectedly: Your iPad may shut down unexpectedly due to a damaged battery, leading to poor performance and reliability.
Overheating: If your iPad is overheating excessively, it may be a sign that there is something wrong with the battery.
To check your iPad’s battery health, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Here, you'll see the Maximum Capacity, which shows what percentage of the original capacity your battery can still hold. As the iPad ages, this maximum-capacity degrades, and a worn-out battery may show less than 80% of maximum capacity.
The in-built iOS battery metrics not only help users keep a tab on their battery health but also;
View what applications are draining the battery the most by showing hours and percentage consumed.
Display a chart of battery level and activity on an hourly basis.
Help users make actionable decisions to reduce battery strain and improve battery life.
If the battery is severely degraded, you will also see a notification that your battery needs to be serviced. In this case, you should consider optimizing your iPad settings if your usage patterns drain your battery faster than usual by reducing screen brightness, disabling location services, and taking other actions
If you suspect a damaged iPad battery, here are some immediate steps that you should take right away:
Back up your iPad data immediately through iCloud or iTunes.
Consider switching on Low Power Mode to temporarily squeeze extra life out of an aging iPad battery, buying yourself some extra time before you’re able to get the battery replaced. However, keep in mind that this may disable background processes.
If you notice swelling in the case or battery area, immediately stop using and charging the iPad. Similarly, if the device is overheating, let it cool down as a physically damaged battery deteriorates quickly.
Contact Apple Support or visit your local repair store for correct diagnosis and repair.
Since degraded batteries last awfully less, battery conservation to extend their life becomes a major concern for users. Here is what you can do to optimize your iPad settings for battery conservation;
Analyze battery metrics from the battery health to understand what applications are draining the most battery.
Reduce Screen Brightness or turn on the Auto-Brightness from settings.
Turn off Location Services and Background App Refresh unless needed, as these drain the battery running in the background.
Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use since connectivity tools constantly search for networks and consume battery.
Force close all apps from the background that you are not using.
Enable Low Power Mode to temporarily slow background activity such as mail fetch and visual effects to extend life.
A damaged iPad battery drains more quickly and can leave you stranded without power. Carrying external power sources ensures you can continually operate and use your iPad, even when the internal battery gives out far sooner than expected. Here are some external power sources you can rely on;
USB power banks: Compact and affordable power banks with 5,000 - 30,000 mAh capacity can recharge your iPad multiple times. They can be carried on the go and last for days without needing to recharge.
Battery cases: Protective iPad cases with integrated batteries can more than double your iPad usage time per full charge. These are very convenient for users who do not want to carry a bulky power bank. However, these cases do not last as long as power banks and add extra weight to the device.
Higher-wattage wall chargers: Using higher-wattage USB-C iPad wall adapters can charge your iPad faster when an outlet is available, getting you back up to 100% as quickly as possible.
Activating Low Power Mode controls background activity, connectivity, and visual effects to prioritize battery life for active apps in use. You can enable it by going to Settings > Battery and clicking on Low Power Mode or by adding the Low Power Mode button to Control Center for quick access.
By limiting background functions, Low Power Mode directs power for essential tasks you directly interact with on the screen. This helps prevent battery drain and extend the life of the device.
You can identify apps draining your battery through Settings > Battery > Battery Usage and view battery levels over the last 24 hours or 7 days. You can also check for apps using higher battery percentages in the background and cross-reference their usage against battery health metrics.
Through these metrics, you can make actionable decisions such as;
Force quit apps when not in use
Disable unnecessary location/cellular settings
Delete rarely used apps.
DIY battery replacement in an iPad is a challenging but rewarding task for people on a budget. However, for a DIY to be successful, it’s imperative to have the right skills and experience to open the device, remove the battery, and install a new one. It's a cost-effective solution for extending the life of your iPad, provided you have the right tools and follow safety guidelines. It is also recommended to go through the online guides for damaged iPad battery replacement before performing the DIY.
Before starting, discharge the battery and power off your iPad to prevent any damage.
You'll need a set of precision screwdrivers, a spudger, a suction cup, and a replacement battery.
Use the suction cup to lift the screen gently and carefully insert the spudger to pry open the case. Work slowly around the edges to avoid cracking the screen.
Disconnect the digitizer cable and the ambient light sensor cable carefully using the plastic spudger.
Remove the screws securing the logic board, then carefully lift it out of the frame.
Disconnect the speaker assembly by unscrewing and gently pulling it free from the glue or adhesive.
Use the spudger to disconnect it from the motherboard, but be gentle to avoid damaging the connector.
Remove the old battery by applying a small amount of heat with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive. Then, use the spudger to gently pry the battery free.
Now, place the new battery in the same position as the old one and gently press it down to secure it with the adhesive.
Reconnect the battery connector to the motherboard.
Carefully place the screen back onto the iPad frame, ensuring no cables are pinched.
Press down gently around the edges to seal the device.
Power on your iPad to test the new battery
Opening your iPad will void any remaining warranty. Consider this before proceeding.
There's a risk of damaging your iPad if not appropriately handled.
Dispose of the old battery properly according to local regulations to prevent environmental harm.
To perform the DIY iPad battery replacement, you’ll need the following tools:
New iPad battery compatible with your model
T5 Torx Screwdriver
Suction cup
Metal Spudger
Triangle plastic opening pick
Tweezer
The most crucial factor for iPad battery replacement is having the right tools to ensure the process is done smoothly and there’s no room for error. That’s why it’s important to invest in a professional repair tool kit specifically designed to replace the battery on your iPad. The price of a battery replacement kit for an iPad starts from $28.99. However, it may vary depending on the model of your iPad.
Buying a tool kit and replacement parts is a cost-effective alternative to replacing the iPad’s battery and can save you money on labor costs that are associated with professional repairs.
Depending upon your experience with the electronics and your skills, you can easily replace the iPad battery by yourself within 1-2 hours. However, if it's your first time or you don’t have enough experience, it will take you longer to replace the battery, factoring in the time to learn the process and perform the process slowly. Either way, it is important to conduct the procedure gently to avoid damaging the other components.
DIY repairs are indeed more cost-friendly, but with the risk of irreversible damage, professional services are the option for an iPad battery replacement. Here is why;
Professionals have the necessary skills and experience to handle complex electronic repairs.
Professionals have access to genuine or high-quality, industry-compliant replacement batteries.
Getting your battery replaced by a certified service ensures that your device's warranty remains intact.
Technicians follow industry-standard safety protocols to prevent any risk of injury from battery mishandling.
Professional service saves you time and effort; technicians can complete the replacement efficiently and timely.
Professional repairs often come with a service warranty, offering you a free fix in case of future issues after repair.
Professionals can also perform a full diagnostic check to identify any other potential issues with your device.
Here are some tips for choosing the right iPad battery repair service;
Check reviews and complaints of the iPad repair store for validity.
Look for experienced, specialized iPad and iOS device repair technicians.
Ask about warranties covering damages after repair.
Inquire if they offer pickup/drop-off mail-in services if you cannot visit the physical store.
Request an estimate beforehand so you have an idea about the total cost.
Confirm availability of same-day appointments and turnaround times.
The cost to replace an iPad battery by professionals depends on factors such as your iPad model, how severe the damage is (whether the damaged battery has affected other components that’ll also need repair), and the type of repair service you use.
On average, it costs $111.86 to get the battery replaced by Apple. However, local repair stores such as Simply Fixable charge $119.25 on average to replace the iPad’s battery with 90-day warranty coverage after repair.
The lifespan of a replacement iPad battery depends on the following factors;
Use & charging patterns: Your usage and charging patterns can affect the battery life. Frequent charging, using power-intensive apps while charging, and turning services such as WiFi and location ‘on’ at all times can degrade the battery life faster than usual.
Model: Newer models with updated processors and optimized software tend to last longer.
Quality of replacement part: OEM parts will generally last you longer than third-party battery replacements.
Exposure to high heat: Leaving iPads charging in hot cars or direct sunlight can affect their lives.
On average, users can expect 1-3 years of usable life from iPad replacement batteries before capacity drops back below 80%. Here is what you can do to maximize the lifespan of your new battery;
Update to the latest iOS
Monitor battery health metrics regularly
Avoid exposing iPad to temperature extremes
Do not let the iPad charge excessively or drain to 0% fully
Do not run heavy applications in the background or while charging
Although iPad batteries cannot be repaired, it is a smart idea to replace them to extend the lifespan of the device. However, replacing the iPad battery is not always the solution.
Here are some factors to consider before deciding to replace the battery;
Age of iPad: If the iPad is older than 5 years and has outdated technology, replacing it with a new iPad is a much wiser choice.
Cost of battery service vs new iPad: Compare the battery replacement costs against the cost of a new iPad. If your device is older and severely damaged, consider upgrading the device.
Software compatibility: Older iPads may lose iOS update support, limiting features/security.
Device condition: if the device is new and in good condition, replacing the battery can significantly extend its life.
Apple iPad batteries can retain up to 80% of their original capacity at 1000 complete charging cycles. It means your iPad battery may last 2 to 3 years with careful usage.
Yes. iPads can slow down over the years due to factors such as outdated software, low storage space, or damaged hardware.
If your old iPad is working fine and meeting all your requirements, then it’s worth getting its battery replaced for improved performance.
If your iPad is old, overcharging may affect the battery life. However, the newer Apple products, including the iPad, have built-in protection against overcharging. Your iPad will automatically stop charging after 100%, even if it’s still connected to the charging cable.
Yes, keeping your iPad plugged in excessively, even when not needed, can reduce its battery life. However, the newer iPads have built-in charging protection that regulates their charging level.
No. It’s not necessary to shut down your iPad every night. However, you can close the background applications and turn off the internet and location to avoid consuming battery overnight.
No. It’s not necessary. You can even charge it to 50% as long as it serves your purpose. But don’t let the battery charging go below 20% for optimal performance.
Nothing will happen because Apple has a built-in charging protection feature in its devices that protects your iPad against overcharging.
It depends on your usage and settings. However, in the case of minimal tasks, 30% can last up to 2 hours.
A broken iPad battery can significantly disrupt usage and reliability, which is why it is essential to be observant of the signs of a degraded battery. While optimizing settings and using external power sources offer a temporary fix, battery replacement is the ultimate solution. However, when exploring the replacement options, weigh the risks and benefits of DIY versus professional service and also consider your technical skill before making the ultimate decision.
A DIY fix can be less costly but risks damaging the device. Authorized service, on the other hand, reduces the risk of damage and assures peace of mind. Battery replacement is an excellent option for devices that are relatively new, but for devices that are significantly old, replacing the batteries can only prove beneficial to an extent before they start losing software updates and becoming obsolete. In this case, consider upgrading your device.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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