How to Fix iPhone 16 Battery Drain After iOS 18 Update

Are you experiencing rapid battery drain on your iPhone 16 after updating to iOS 18? Many users are reporting iPhone 16 battery drain errors and iOS update issues, particularly due to excessive background app activity. This guide provides easy, step-by-step solutions to resolve these problems, even for beginners. Follow along to restore your iPhone’s battery life!


iPhone 16 battery settings screen showing usage details
< iPhone 16 Battery Settings Screen >


1. Why Does Battery Drain Increase After iOS 18 Update?

The iOS 18 update introduces new features but can lead to increased battery drain for several reasons:

  • Spotlight Indexing: After an update, your iPhone reindexes photos, notes, and app data, which is battery-intensive.
  • Background App Overactivity: Apps running in the background, especially unoptimized ones, consume significant power.
  • System Adjustment Period: The system needs time to adapt to new settings, temporarily increasing battery usage.

While battery drain may persist for 1-2 days post-update, the following methods can help resolve it quickly.


2. 7 Solutions to Fix iPhone 16 Battery Drain

Solution 1: Wait 1-2 Days

If battery drain occurs post-update, wait for Spotlight indexing to complete.

Tip: Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power to speed up indexing.

Solution 2: Enable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode reduces background activity and visual effects to save battery.

  • How to Enable:
    1. Go to Settings > Battery.
    2. Turn on Low Power Mode.
  • Note: It auto-disables when the battery reaches 80%.

Solution 3: Disable Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh allows apps to update in the background, draining battery. Disabling it can fix background app overactivity.

  • How to Disable:
    1. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
    2. Set it to Off or Wi-Fi.
    3. Optionally, disable for specific high-drain apps.
iPhone 16 Background App Refresh settings screen
< Background App Refresh Settings >

Solution 4: Check and Manage High-Drain Apps

Identify apps consuming the most battery and update or remove them.

  • How to Check:
    1. Go to Settings > Battery.
    2. View app usage for the last 24 hours or 10 days.
    3. Update or delete high-drain apps.
  • Tip: Update apps to iOS 18-compatible versions via the App Store.

Solution 5: Disable Location Services

Location Services can significantly drain the battery. Restrict access for non-essential apps.

  • How to Disable:
    1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
    2. Turn off completely or set to While Using for specific apps.
  • Tip: Allow location access only for essential apps like Maps.

Solution 6: Force Restart

A force restart can resolve minor software glitches causing battery drain.

  • How to Force Restart:
    1. Press and release Volume Up.
    2. Press and release Volume Down.
    3. Hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Effect: Fixes simple software bugs.

Solution 7: Use System Repair Tools

If issues persist, use tools like iMyFone Fixppo or Tenorshare ReiBoot to repair iOS 18 without data loss.

  • How to Use:
    1. Install the tool on your computer.
    2. Connect your iPhone 16.
    3. Select Standard Repair mode.
  • Benefit: Resolves issues without visiting a service center.
Computer screen showing iOS repair tool interface for iPhone 16
< iOS Repair Tool Interface >


3. Bonus Tips to Extend Battery Life

  • Adjust Screen Brightness: Enable auto-brightness or lower brightness. (Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Brightness)
  • Use Wi-Fi: Prefer Wi-Fi over 5G to save battery.
  • Stay Updated: Check for iOS updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Check Battery Health: If maximum capacity is below 80% in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, consider a replacement.


4. If the Problem Persists

If none of the above works, suspect a hardware issue:

  • Contact Apple Support: Reach out via Apple’s website or support center.
  • Visit a Service Center: Get your iPhone 16 checked at an Apple Authorized Service Provider.


5. Conclusion

Battery drain on iPhone 16 after iOS 18 is often caused by Spotlight indexing, background app overactivity, or system adjustments. The 7 solutions above, including Low Power Mode, disabling Background App Refresh, and force restarting, can resolve most issues. If you have other iOS 18 problems, leave a comment, and we’ll suggest more solutions! Share this guide if it helped you! 😊


References

  • Apple Support: iPhone Battery Drain Troubleshooting
  • iMyFone: iOS 18 Battery Drain Fixes
  • Tenorshare: Resolving iOS 18 Battery Issues


This article is based on the latest information and prioritizes simple, practical solutions for user convenience.