How to Extend the Battery Life of Your iPod or iPhone

To maximize the life of your iPod or iPhone battery, you should calibrate the battery once soon after you get your device. You do this by running your iPod or iPhone's battery all the way down (a full discharge) and then charging it all the way up (which takes four hours). Although this doesn’t change battery performance, it does improve the battery gauge so it displays a more accurate reading.

The iPod or iPhone built-in, rechargeable battery is, essentially, a life-or-death proposition. After it’s dead, it can be replaced, but Apple charges a replacement fee plus shipping. Some services may charge less than Apple, especially for older iPod models. If your warranty is still active, you should have Apple replace the battery under the warranty program (which may cost nothing except perhaps shipping). Don’t try to replace it yourself because opening your iPod or iPhone invalidates the warranty. If your warranty is no longer active, compare Apple’s prices and service to others.

Unlike nickel-based batteries that require you to fully discharge and then recharge in order to get a fuller capacity, an iPod or iPhone battery prefers a partial rather than a full discharge, so avoid frequent full discharges after the initial calibration. (Frequent full discharges can reduce battery life.)

Lithium-ion batteries used in iPods and iPhones typically last three years or more and are vulnerable to high temperatures, which decrease their life spans considerably. Don’t leave your iPod or iPhone in a hot place, such as on a sunny car dashboard, for very long.

For a complete description of how Apple’s batteries work, see the Apple Lithium-ion Batteries page.