Why Is My iPhone Shutting Off With Battery Left?

Battery issues are genuinely one of the most frustrating problems iPhone users experience, especially as their phone gets older. However, even new iPhone users can face similar issues.

Are you wondering why your iPhone shuts off even though it still has battery left? This is a common issue, but it can be concerning. So, what should you do in a situation like this?

Many people would rush to the Apple Store for help, but we have some tips and tricks that can help you fix this issue from home. In this guide, we'll explain why your iPhone may be shutting off unexpectedly and how to fix it.

Let's get right to it.

Reasons Why Your iPhone Shuts Off With Battery Left

Here are a few common reasons why this issue might happen:

Temperature Problems

Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can cause your iPhone to shut down to protect itself. If your iPhone gets too warm or too cold, it may turn off even if the battery isn't fully drained.

Aging Battery

All batteries lose their capacity over time. An old battery might struggle to hold a full charge, leading to your phone shutting off unexpectedly.

Battery Health

Battery health refers to the battery's capacity and its ability to deliver peak performance. If the battery is significantly degraded, it can cause your iPhone to shut off unexpectedly.

Outdated Firmware

The first thing to check is whether your firmware is up to date. Outdated firmware may not be compatible with newer technology and could cause issues like sudden shutdowns.

Software Compatibility Issues

Sometimes, updates to the operating system or individual apps might not work smoothly with the existing firmware, causing conflicts and unexpected shutdowns.

Background Apps Overload

Some apps running in the background may use more power than your iPhone's system can handle, causing irregular battery drain and potential shutdowns.

How to Fix iPhone Shutting Off With Battery Left?

Check the Temperature

According to Apple, the ideal operating temperature for an iPhone is between 0º and 35º C (32º to 95º F), and it should be stored between -20º and 45º C (-4º to 113º F). Using your iPhone in conditions outside of this range could shorten battery life temporarily or cause it to shut down.

If you believe temperature is the issue, move your iPhone to a more appropriate environment and allow it to cool down or warm up before turning it back on.

Force Restart Your iPhone

If the temperature isn't the issue, the next step is to force restart your iPhone. This can help fix minor software bugs that might be causing the phone to shut down.

By pressing a few buttons, you can close apps that may be draining your battery or causing the system to crash. After the restart, your iPhone should stop shutting off unexpectedly.

How to Force Restart iPhone 8 and Newer

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo.

How to Force Restart iPhone 7 or 7 Plus

1. Hold both the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
2. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

How to Force Restart iPhone 6s or Older

1. Hold both the Power button and the Home button.
2. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Fix Potential System Issues Using iOS System Recovery

If your iPhone shuts down and doesn't turn on after a force restart, or if it still shuts off afterward, there might be more serious system bugs. One option is to use an iOS system recovery tool like TinyFix, which can diagnose and fix common iOS system issues, such as reboot loops, frozen screens, black screens, or iOS update problems—without causing data loss.

Here's how to use TinyFix:

Step 1. Download and install TinyFix on your computer. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 2. Once the device is detected, click on "iOS System Repair."

Step 3. Choose the "Standard Repair Mode" to fix the issue without losing any data. If the Standard Mode doesn't work, you can try "Advanced Mode," but this may cause data loss, so make sure to back up your data first.

Step 4. Download the appropriate firmware for your device and click "Download."

Wait while the program repairs the system. Your iPhone will restart in normal mode once the process is complete.

Check Your iPhone Battery Health

Apple notes that unexpected shutdowns are more common when the battery charge is low, the battery has aged chemically, or you're using the device in colder temperatures. After restarting your iPhone, you can check the battery health to see if it needs to be replaced.

To check your battery health:

1. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health > Maximum Capacity.

This screen shows your battery's maximum capacity and peak performance. A percentage near 100% means your battery is still close to its original capacity. If you see something other than "Peak Performance Capability," it could indicate battery issues.

If your battery is affecting your phone's performance, consider contacting Apple Support for replacement options.

Check for Software Updates

If your battery health is fine, the issue might lie in outdated software. Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, as outdated software can cause unexpected shutdowns.

Here's how to check for updates:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap General.
3. Tap Software Update. Your device will check for updates.
4. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

Force Close Background Apps

Certain apps may cause instability and require more energy, leading to software crashes and unexpected shutdowns. It's a good idea to force close these apps and update or remove them if needed.

To force close background apps:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen until the app switcher appears.
2. Find the glitchy app and swipe it away to close it.

To update outdated apps:

1. Go to the App Store.
2. Look for any pending updates and install them to avoid instability caused by outdated apps.

Restore Your iPhone in DFU Mode

If you prefer not to use a system repair tool and your iPhone still shuts off, restoring your iPhone in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is another option. Sometimes, the issue stems from a miscommunication between the iPhone's software and the battery, leading to incorrect battery percentage readings. DFU mode allows you to update the firmware and fix this issue.

How to Put iPhone 7 or Older in DFU Mode

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes or Finder.
2. Hold the Volume Down and Power buttons for 8 seconds.
3. Release the Power button but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 8 seconds.
4. The screen will remain black, indicating your device is in DFU mode.

How to Put iPhone 8 or Newer in DFU Mode

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
3. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
4. Hold the Power button until the screen goes black.
5. Hold both the Power and Volume Down buttons for 5 seconds, then release the Power button but keep holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds.
6. The screen should stay black, meaning your iPhone is now in DFU mode.

When your device enters DFU mode, iTunes or Finder will alert you that it has detected the device in recovery mode. Click "OK" to continue. After that, select "Restore iPhone" and then "Restore and Update" to revive your iPhone in DFU mode.

Check for Water Damage

Another possible reason for your iPhone shutting off could be water damage. Your iPhone has a Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) inside that can show if your device has been exposed to water.

1. Open your iPhone and remove the SIM tray.
2. Look inside to find the LCI strip.
3. If the strip is red, your iPhone has been water-damaged and should be taken to the Apple Store for repairs.

Contact Apple

If none of these methods work, your last option should be to contact Apple Support. Keep in mind that an iPhone shutting off with battery left is not normal and could be due to a number of issues. Once the root cause is identified, you'll be better equipped to fix the problem.

Conclusion

That concludes our guide on fixing iPhone shutdowns with battery left. One of these methods should help solve the issue. If not, visit an Apple Center, and hopefully, your warranty is still valid!