Your Android phone's battery is a crucial component, powering everything you do on your device. Over time, like any battery, it degrades - you may find that the battery drains quicker than it used to. Checking its health helps you understand its performance and plan for potential replacements. Here's how you can easily check your Android battery health.
Understanding Battery Health
Before diving into the methods, it's important to understand what battery health signifies. A healthy battery efficiently holds a charge and provides power consistently. As a battery ages, its capacity decreases, meaning it won't hold as much charge as it did when new. This leads to shorter battery life (you may not be able to get through the full day like you used to) and potentially unexpected shutdowns. Factors like charging habits, temperature, and usage patterns all contribute to battery degradation.
Using the Built-In Dial Pad Code
One of the quickest ways to access battery information on many Android devices is through a hidden dial pad code. Here's how to use it:
1. Open your phone's dialer app (the app you use to make calls).
2. Enter the following code: *#*#4636#*#*
3. After entering the code, a testing menu should automatically appear.
4. Look for "Battery Information" or a similar option.
5. Tap on it to view details about your battery's health, voltage, temperature, and more.
Keep in mind that this method might not work on all Android devices. Some manufacturers disable this code, or the information displayed may vary. If this method doesn't work for you, don't worry, there are other options.
The Samsung Members App
If you own a Samsung device, the Samsung Members app offers a convenient way to diagnose your phone's battery health. This app comes pre-installed on many Samsung phones and provides various diagnostic tools. Here's how to use it:
1. Open the Samsung Members app. If you don't have it, you can download it from the Google Play Store.
2. Navigate to the "Diagnostics" section. This might be labeled as "Phone Care" or similar, depending on your app version.
3. Look for a "Battery" test option and tap on it.
4. The app will run a diagnostic check on your battery and provide you with a health status. It may also offer suggestions for optimizing battery usage.
This method is generally reliable for Samsung devices and provides a user-friendly way to assess battery health. In addition to battery health, the Samsung Members app also offers tools to optimize battery usage, which can help extend your phone's battery life.
Other Methods and Considerations
While the dial pad code and Samsung Members app are direct methods, other approaches can help you gauge your battery health:
- Monitor Battery Usage: Pay attention to which apps consume the most battery. If you notice a sudden increase in battery drain from an app, it could indicate a problem.
- Observe Charging Patterns: Note how long it takes to charge your phone fully. A significantly longer charging time than usual can be a sign of battery degradation.
- Check for Swelling: Although less common, a physically swollen battery is a serious issue. If you notice any swelling, immediately stop using the phone and get it looked at by a repair shop or a service centre.
Remember, battery health is relative. A phone that's a year or two old will naturally have a battery that's not as strong as a brand-new one. Consistent fast charging, extreme temperatures, and keeping your phone at 100% charge for extended periods can all accelerate battery degradation. Consider adjusting your habits to maximize battery lifespan.
There are solutions if you're finding that your battery life isn't living up to what it used you. You could opt for a battery replacement from a cell phone repair shop. Or, you could take a look at purchasing another device - whether that's a new one or a fully tested, refurbished device (like from us).