iPhone Battery Draining Fast After iOS Update? Fix It (2026 Guide)

iPhone Battery Draining Fast After iOS Update? You’re Not Alone

Did your iPhone battery start draining fast after an iOS update?
Many users notice sudden battery drops right after updating iOS — even when they are not using their phone much.

The good news?
👉 This is very common
👉 And it is usually fixable

Follow the steps below before worrying about battery replacement.

Why iPhone Battery Drains After an iOS Update

After an update, your iPhone runs many background tasks.

Common reasons include:

• Background indexing after update

• Apps not optimized for the new iOS version

• Increased background activity

• System services recalibrating battery data

• Settings reset during update

💡 This usually lasts 1–3 days, but sometimes needs manual fixes.

🔋 Quick Check (Do This First)

Before trying fixes:

• Has it been less than 24 hours since the update?

• Is your phone warm even when idle?

If yes, try the fixes below.

✅ Fix 1: Restart Your iPhone

Simple but effective.

• Restart your iPhone once

• This clears background update processes

• Many users see instant battery improvement

👉 Always try this first.

✅ Fix 2: Update All Apps

Old apps can drain battery after a new iOS update.

1. Open App Store

2. Go to Updates

3. Update all apps

Apps not optimized for the latest iOS are a major battery drain cause.

✅ Fix 3: Check Battery Usage (Very Important)

This tells you what’s draining power.

1. Settings → Battery

2. Scroll down to see app usage

Look for:

• Apps using battery in background

• Apps you rarely use but consuming power

👉 If one app stands out, update or limit it.

✅ Fix 4: Turn Off Background App Refresh

Background refresh drains battery silently.

1. Settings → General → Background App Refresh

2. Set to Wi-Fi only or Off

This alone can save a lot of battery.

✅ Fix 5: Reduce Location Services

Location services are heavy battery users.

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services

2. Change apps from Always to While Using

3. Disable location for apps you don’t need

Your battery will last longer immediately.

✅ Fix 6: Disable Unnecessary System Features

After updates, some features turn on automatically.

Turn off if not needed:

• Bluetooth

• AirDrop

• Background Siri suggestions

• Live Activities (if rarely used)

👉 Small changes = big battery savings.

✅ Fix 7: Enable Low Power Mode

This is a safe temporary fix.

• Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode reduces background activity and improves battery life quickly.

✅ Fix 8: Reset All Settings (Safe Option)

If battery drain continues after several days:

1. Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone

2. Tap Reset → Reset All Settings

⚠️ This does NOT delete data
It only resets system settings

This often fixes stubborn battery drain issues.

❓ How Long Does Battery Drain Last After iOS Update?

For most users:

• 1–3 days after update

• Battery improves automatically

If it continues after 5–7 days, manual fixes are recommended.

❓ Is Battery Drain a Sign of Battery Damage?

Usually, no.

If:

• Battery health is above 80%

• Phone worked fine before update

Then the issue is software-related, not hardware.

❓ Should I Downgrade iOS Because of Battery Drain?

Downgrading is not recommended for most users.

Battery drain issues are usually fixed through:

• App updates

• Minor iOS patches

• System optimization over time

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my iPhone battery draining fast after iOS update?

Because iOS runs background tasks and apps may not be optimized yet.

How long does battery drain last after iOS update?

Usually 1–3 days, sometimes up to a week.

Does Low Power Mode help after iOS update?

Yes, it significantly reduces background activity.

Will Apple fix battery drain issues?

Apple often releases minor updates to improve battery performance.

Final Thoughts

Battery drain after an iOS update is normal, but it shouldn’t last forever. Restarting your phone, updating apps, and adjusting a few settings usually fixes the problem.

👉 Give your iPhone some time, and use the fixes above for best results.