iPhone 11, 11 Pro, or 11 Pro Max battery drain? Fix!

17 Min Read

One of the widespread issues affecting various iOS devices including iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max is battery drain. There are numerous factors that can cause this issue and both the software and hardware aspects can be involved. In this article, i’m going to tell you exactly why your iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max battery drains so quickly and exactly how to fix it. I’ll explain how you can get longer battery life out of your iPhone without sacrificing functionality. Take my word for it:.

Its worth noting that hardware damage like bad battery is not likely the underlying cause and so we’ll rule out hardware-related factors, particularly the common triggers. Read on to find out why battery draining issue happens to iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max and what you can do to resolve the issue.

While Apple’s flagship product provides users with constant connectivity and entertainment, it does come with its tradeoffs. One of the biggest issues iPhone users experience is poor battery life. With most people bringing their device with them everywhere they go, a draining battery bar can prove to be frustrating. If your iPhone 11 battery die so fast, then this complete guide is for you.

Starting with the iOS 13, Apple introduced the
Optimized Battery Charging
feature to help iPhone users maximize total battery lifespan, unfortunately, the settings menu does nothing to help
improve your iPhone battery life.

Contrary to popular belief, most battery issues on an iPhone are related to software issues. Only a small percentage come from faulty batteries. Apple has designed the battery to be strong and safe for use. Downloaded apps are the main cause for concern. More specifically, it’s how these applications perform and various settings that cause iPhone batteries to die fast.

Luckily, there are a number of ways users can increase their battery life. These simple fixes can cut back on energy usage, allowing the device to stay juiced up for much longer than normal. Here are some common reasons why iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max batteries die out so quickly and proven methods to make it better.

Part 1: Why does iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max battery drain so fast?

Here are the reasons why your iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max battery die so fast and how to fix the issue:

#1. Email Push Notifications

One of the reasons why your iPhone battery die so fast is Constant email push notifications. When users set up the built-in mail application, push notification is automatically enabled. This feature creates a quick alert to notify users when a new email is received. While useful to some users, it can cause iPhone 11 battery to drain so fast. This is especially true when it comes to device performance.

Essentially, this feature makes the phone stay in constant contact with the associated email server. Data is constantly flowing between the device and the servers. The iPhone continually checks to see if there’s new mail in order to create an instant notification. While the data is relatively small, it adds up and strains the battery throughout the day. Not only that, but it eats up a lot of data, which can cause further battery problems. This issue is only worsened if the user has multiple email accounts set for push notifications. Some servers, such as Exchange, causes iPhone battery to drain faster than others.

Fixing Pushed Mail

The easiest way to fix iPhone 11 battery that drains so quickly is to change the email settings to “Fetch.” This setting stops the device from constantly checking the email server. Instead, it checks the server periodically based on the user’s preference. It can be set to check every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or hour. Alternatively, users can turn off the schedule completely and set the phone up for manual fetching. In this case, the device only checks the server when the Mail app is opened. The phone is also set to perform manual mail checks on top of the designated schedule. By doing so, you will surely get longer battery life out of your iPhone.

These settings can be found within the settings application. In the “Mail” section, users will have to press on “Accounts” submenu. Towards the bottom of the page is a section called “Fetch New Data.” To turn off push notifications, simply switch the “Push” toggle to the off position. Then, users can change their Fetch schedule by choosing an option on the bottom of the page. This change should be made on each account to save as much battery life as possible.

#2. Location Services

Hidden location services allow an iPhone to know where you are at all times. It uses GPS technology to track your movement throughout the day. This information is relayed to certain apps and websites to provide users with a better experience. Location services play an integral role in making the iPhone so handy and efficient.

It’s a good idea for users to choose which applications have access to the location services to improve battery life and security. Otherwise, constant location tracking can cause your iPhone 11 battery to die so fast. Location services are often indicated by a status bar on the top of the home screen. It appears as a small compass arrow when an app is using the servicing. Within the settings application, arrow symbols also let users know which applications have used the service. A purple icon indicates that it’s being used at that moment while a gray icon indicates that the app has used the service within the last 24 hours.

Fixing Location Services

There are a few different ways to manipulate location services to improve battery life. These are found within the “Privacy” menu of the settings application. There is a separate “Location Services” section that controls location sharing and system services.

Location sharing, titled “Share My Location” is used to let friends know where the user is. This can be turned off if not needed. Disabling this feature can save battery life while also helping to keep users safe. At the bottom of the “Location Services” section is the “System Services” menu. This section pertains to information that’s being sent to Apple. Users can turn off everything except for “Find My Phone” and “Motion Calibration & Distance.”

These two settings should be left on. “Find My Phone” is a necessary location service that can help users locate a missing or stolen device. “Motion Calibration & Distance” allows applications to utilize the various technology within the phone, such as the gyroscope.

While in the “System Services” menu, it’s a good idea to turn off “Frequent Locations.” This feature keeps tabs on where users go and can cause significant battery drainage. Users should also turn on “Status Bar Icon” to ensure that the home screen indicator is active. It lets users know when location services are being used.

Back in the main “Location Services” tab, users can scroll down to see what applications are using the service. Using the previously mentioned indicators, iPhone owners can get a better idea of how often the service is being used. To save battery life, unnecessary applications should be turned off with the simple toggle. However, users should keep the service on for applications that absolutely needs it. These include the “Maps” app and any other frequently used software.

Geofencing

Geofencing is a similar service that’s indicated with an outlined purple arrow in the “Locations Services” menu. It uses GPS to tell the iPhone when you leave or arrive at a certain destination. Essentially, it creates a perimeter around your location and trips boundaries that may cause a notification to pop up. It uses a lot of processing power and this causes your iPhone battery to drain so fast. Because of this, it’s a good idea to avoid apps that use geofencing to create alerts.

#3. Diagnostic and Usage Information

Diagnostics and usage data are regularly sent to Apple. This information lets the company know how users utilize the technology. Typically, the option to turn this feature on or off is presented during the initial setup process.

Apple uses the information to learn more about users and develop new technology. However, data is sent pretty regularly and without any indication. The process can cause your iPhone battery to drain so fast. This data flow can be stopped by going into the “Privacy” menu within the settings application. At the bottom of this page is a section labeled “Diagnostics & Usage.” Simply press the “Don’t Send” button to save a bit of battery juice.

#4. Suspended Apps

While many users may believe that applications close once they hit the home button, that’s not the case. When users leave an application, it simply goes into a suspended mode. It’s still running in the background and stays loaded into the device’s memory. This feature makes it possible for users to multitask between applications quickly or pick up directly where they left off without having to go through lengthy loading times. Depending on how many apps a user browses throughout the day, this issue can be a big reason for why their iPhone 11 battery is dying quickly.

Battery drainage can get worse if an app crashes while its suspended. This causes more resources to be used, resulting in more power usage. The worst part is that this often occurs without the user even knowing it. It’s not uncommon for apps to crash even if the user tries to close it. It may appear to be closed, but continue to take up resources in the background. The only indication they may have is that their phone is getting a bit hot. It’s recommended that users close out all their apps at least once a day.

Closing Apps

Apple has designed a very easy and intuitive way to close applications completely. With a simple double-tap of the home button, the multitasking menu is brought up. Also called the “App Switcher,” this window displays all of the apps that are currently loaded in the memory. Users can navigate through the apps with a swipe to the left or right. To close an app, just swipe up. Doing so will make the app window appear to fly off the screen, closing it to free up memory space and battery resources.

To see if any specific applications are causing issues, users can go into the “Privacy” menu of the settings application and click on the “Diagnostics & Usage” tab. Within this menu, a button labeled “Diagnostics & Usage Data” displays any apps that have crashed recently. It can show users which apps crash the most and if there were any recent issues. This information can then be used to completely delete a problematic application that could be causing your iPhone battery to drain so fast.

#5. Constant Notifications

Notifications, while handy, can quickly drain an iPhone’s battery. Most applications come with the option to enable push notifications. In fact, this choice is often displayed when users open the app for the first time. By choosing to enable the feature, the application will stay running in the background at all times. It does this so that it can alert users when something within the app has occurred.

It’s not uncommon for users to quickly enable this feature to get to bypass the window and start using the app. Users should consider the number of notifications they get and limit the permissions on apps they don’t need. With multiple apps enabled, the device is constantly strained of its resources causing your iPhone’s battery to drain quickly. Notifications like text and phone calls are necessary, but additional options should be enabled sparingly.

Controlling Which Apps Provide Alerts

There’s an easy way to see which apps deliver push notifications and what form these notifications take. This information is found on the “Notifications” page of the settings menu. Here, users will see a list of their applications along with a small “On” or “Off” indicator. Users can scroll through this list and determine which notifications they want to turn off.

Clicking on an app brings up a toggle switch for notifications. Users can switch the toggle to turn notifications off completely for that app or choose what type of notification they want to receive if they choose to keep them on. Notifications can come in the form of badges, windows, or banners. These options are mainly for personal preference, as any type of notification will drain your iPhone’s battery.

#6. The Phone is Always On

It’s not uncommon for smartphone users to keep their phone on at all times. Most leave the device on to stay connected and use power shut-offs only as a last ditch effort to resolve some kind of performance issue. However, keeping an iPhone on at all times can be harmful to the longevity of a battery and prevents hidden issues from being fixed.

Users should turn their iPhone off at least once a week to help resolve technical issues. It can reset crashed apps and prevent problems from getting worse over time. Phones don’t have to stay off for any long period of time. Users can turn the device off for a few seconds and turn it back on quickly to stay connected. That quick moment of being shut off essentially resets the phone and frees up the memory and other resources.

Turning an iPhone Off Correctly

All it takes to turn an iPhone off is a long-press of the power and any of volume key. Holding them down will make the “Slide to Turn Off” screen appear. With a swipe of the finger, the phone will shut off completely.

#7. App Connection in the Background

A number of applications will run in the background when they’re not being used. They use a wireless data connection to update information or download new content. These applications are persistent. While many users may think that shutting off the app completely will prevent it from using resources, there are many apps that circumvent this process and stay connected. Whether it’s a game or a simple news application, this regular updating can cause your iPhone 11 battery to drain so fast. Users can turn off this feature .

Fixing Background App Refresh

This function can be manipulated within the “Background App Refresh” menu in the settings application. This submenu is found inside the “General” tab. There’s an option to turn this feature off completely from all apps at one time. However, users should go through the list of applications and choose which options they want to keep on.

The feature is very useful for many apps. It can help to keep information updated in real time. With that being said, it’s also unnecessary and burdensome on many others. The key is to enable the feature on frequently-used applications while turning it off for others.

#8. Prolonged Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

iPhones are designed to function efficiently in environments with temperatures between 35 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius. Because most people aren’t continually exposed to temperatures beyond that range, it’s generally a non-issue. However, there are certain exceptions where owners can accidentally expose their iPhone to environments that can cause some significant harm.

Leaving an iPhone in a hot car can cause the smartphone to overheat. Apple has implemented a unique status window that prevents owners from using the device when it is too hot. The phone will shut off until it’s cooled down. If it’s exposed to temperatures above the higher threshold, the battery can experience lasting damage. It’ll become weaker and can pose a huge safety risk even if it’s not on.

If the phone is exposed to temperatures below the low threshold, the battery isn’t damaged. However, power is drained much faster and may cease to operate until it reaches an appropriate temperature. It’s important that users keep their iPhones in normal environments at all times. Owners should exercise caution when they spend any significant amount of time outdoors. It should stay covered and protected from the elements.

#9. Flashy Visual Effects

iPhones are purposefully designed to be stunning. They have a beautiful chassis and an eye-popping display. With the latest versions of iOS, Apple has included some great visual effects that can run in the background. Animated wallpapers add a unique effect that can be customized to the user’s liking.

Unfortunately, iPhone battery dies fast when these cool visual tricks are enabled. They’re controlled by the graphics processor unit, or GPU. This tiny piece of hardware is notoriously power hungry. With an unnecessary visual effect constantly running, the GPU puts more and more strain on the battery as the day progresses.

To save battery, users can minimize extraneous visual effects. These functions are located in the”Accessibility” tab. This page presents a number of options to improve the way the iPhone looks and operates. There’s an option on this page called “Reduce Motion.”

Turning this feature on will take away the unique parallax found on animated wallpaper. Users won’t be able to see that motion effect as they tilt their phone. It doesn’t affect many other areas of the smartphone, so users won’t notice much of a difference if any. However, it can save some significant resources that ultimately translate to better battery life.

Part 2: Troubleshooting battery draining issue on an iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max

The following steps will help eliminate common software-related factors that can trigger rapid battery draining problem on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max. Among the usual triggers to eliminate are rogue apps, invalid settings, bad updates, and corrupted system files. Unless you already have figured out the underlying cause, there is no other way but to go through a trial-and-error process. Just try these troubleshooting steps before opting for service.

Solution #1: Force restart your iPhone

Rogue apps that caused rapid iPhone battery drain can all be stopped by force restarting your iPhone.

A force restart is simulated battery removal process that is used to end all running apps and system processes including those that have been corrupted and trigger system problems like battery drain. Simply follow these steps to force restart your iPhone 11,iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max:

  1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
  2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
  3. Press and hold the Side button for about 10 seconds and release when the Apple logo appears.

Wait for your iPhone to finish rebooting and then use it as you normally do to test how long the battery could last. 

Solution #2: Update third-party apps.

Installing pending app updates can also help fix battery drain issues on your iPhone 11 if third-party apps are the main trigger. Apps that you’ve downloaded and installed on your iPhone also need to be updated on a regular basis for them to remain optimized, bug-free and stable. If you haven’t enabled the auto-update feature on your iPhone, then you will need to update them manually. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Start the App Store app.
  2. Tap on Today tab at the bottom of the screen. 
  3. Then tap on the user profile icon (Apple ID header) on the top right corner of the screen. You will see the account details showing up on the screen. 
  4. Scroll down to the Available Updates section. 
  5. Tap on Update button next to the name of the app to install individual app updates.
  6. In case multiple app updates are available, hit Update All to install all updates at once.

This process is only applicable if your iPhone is connected to the internet and has enough battery life to complete the update installation. To avoid possible power interruptions during the update, connect your iPhone to a power source and charge it while updating. 

Solution #3: Install new firmware update for your iPhone.

Another update that you should keep in mind to implement is the periodic firmware update or iOS update released by Apple. These updates not only deliver new features but also includes some dedicated patches to get rid of widespread system errors and resolve existing glitches plaguing iOS devices. If the battery draining issue on your iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max is inflicted by some system bugs or malicious software, just install the latest iOS version. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Start the settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Tap on Software Update.

You will see a notification that contains system details and requirements if a new iOS version is available. Before downloading the update, be sure to read and review the release notes. Also, make sure to back up your iPhone data for safekeeping.

After the update is completely installed, reboot your iPhone to ensure that all new system changes and bug fixes are properly implemented.

Solution #4: Remove suspicious bad apps to fix battery draining issue on your iPhone 11 Pro.

If your iPhone’s battery started to drain so rapidly after installing an app or content, there’s a high chance that the recently installed ap is the culprit. You can rule this out by deleting the suspicious app from your device and see if that solves the battery drain issue on your iPhone. Just follow these steps to delete the app from your iPhone 11 Pro:

  1. Get to your iPhone’s Home screen to get started.
  2. Identify the app you’d like to delete or uninstall from your iPhone. 
  3. Tap and hold on the app icon for a few seconds. Keep holding the app icon when the pop-up menu appears and then let go when the app icon starts to wobble.
  4. Tap Delete from the prompt that appears. 
  5. Repeat the steps to delete other apps that you’d like to uninstall.
  6. Lastly, tap Done on the top-right corner of the screen to exit the jiggle mode.

If the battery drain stops after deleting the app, then you’ve successfully eliminated the main culprit and thus, the problem is fixed. Otherwise, try the advanced solutions below.

Solution #5: Reset all settings on your iPhone.

As I pointed out, system settings that are not properly configured can also cause battery issues to occur, especially if those settings inflicted some sort of conflicts to your iPhone’s power system or battery system. You can rule this out by resetting all settings on your iPhone. This reset wipes all your system preferences including your customized options but does not delete any of your data. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Start the settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down and hit Reset.
  4. Choose Reset all settings from the given options.
  5. If asked, type in your passcode to continue.
  6. Confirm your decision by tapping the option to reset system settings on your iPhone.

After the reset, your iPhone reboots on its own and then loads up the default values and options. To use necessary features, you will need to re-enable them one by one.

Last resort: Erase your iPhone and restore its factory default settings.

A factory reset or master reset can be considered among the last resort option if the battery draining problem continues after performing all the above procedures. What you’re dealing with could be a complex system error that requires a full system wipe out to be obliterated. In this case, I recommended the use of iTunes to manually
erase your iPhone on a computer. This way you’ll be safe from unexpected shutdown which could be caused by battery drain. Just be sure to use the original USB cable or Lightning cable, so you won’t have any trouble connecting your iPhone to the computer. Also don’t forget to back up all your important files beforehand to prevent losing them permanently. Once you’ve got everything set, follow these steps to start wiping your iPhone data.

  1. Launch the iTunes app on your computer, if you haven’t already.
  2. Connect your iPhone to the computer with the original USB cable or Lightning cable.
  3. Wait for iTunes to recognize your device and when it does, an iPhone’s icon will appear in iTunes.
  4. Click to select your iPhone when it appears in iTunes.
  5. Now, go to the Summary section.
  6. Click on the Restore [iPhone] button.
  7. If prompted, click on the Restore button again to confirm your decision.

In the case where the battery problem started after installing a new iOS version to your iPhone, restoring in recovery mode can be a better option. Follow these steps to restart your iPhone in recovery mode:

  1. Build a connection between your iPhone and computer using the original USB cable or Lightning cable that came with it.
  2. Launch iTunes on your Windows and/or earlier Mac computer or Finder on your Mac running
    macOS Catalina.
  3. While your iPhone is connected, quickly press and release the Volume Up button. 
  4. Then quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
  5. Next, press and hold the Side button until you see the Connect to iTunes or recovery mode screen.
  6. Do not release the button if the Apple logo appears as you’ll need to boot your phone in recovery mode.

Follow the on-screen instructions to restore and fresh install the firmware on your iPhone through iTunes. You can also restore your iPhone from a previous backup saved on your computer through iTunes.

Still experiencing the same battery draining issue on your iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max?

If after all is said and done, there’s a small chance that a hardware issue is causing a dramatic dip in battery performance. In most cases, software is the culprit. Most users can find a solution by following the previous steps. If the battery is still dying fast, however, users should get their battery tested at the Apple Store.

Apple Store Battery Test
technicians are capable of running a diagnostics test that provides a lot of in-depth information about the phone’s overall condition. During this test, many components are tested. This includes the battery. In most cases, the battery isn’t the issue at all. While it may be surprising, there are other factors that can cause your iPhone battery die so fast. For example, small cracks or water infiltration can harm various internal components. Accidents can harm certain components that maintain the quality of the battery or aid with charging.

Battery tests are pretty quick and straight forward. If the battery test passes, Apple won’t replace the battery. However, there are a number of other options to get the battery replaced if users feel the need to do so. Repair shops and mail-in services are available for convenience and typically offer lower rates than Apple.

Why does iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max battery die so fast? Now you know

All in all, there’s a lot that users can do to improve the life of their iPhone 11 battery. Apple has designed a resilient battery that can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. It’s typically software problems that are causing batteries to die out before the end of the day. By taking control of how their phone performs, users can dramatically improve their iPhone 11 battery life to stay connected all day long.

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GeeksModo Staff is a team of iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch experts led by Moses Johnson. We're passionate about all things Apple!
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