iPad Air 3 Battery Draining After iOS Update? Here’s How to Fix It

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Just updated your iPad Air 3 to a new version of iOS and now the battery is draining like crazy? You’re not imagining things. Post-update battery drain is one of the most common complaints among iPad and iPhone users — and it’s usually tied to software bugs, background activity, or outdated apps. Here’s how to fix it.

1. Close All Background Apps

Some apps left running during the update can glitch and cause battery drain.

  • Double press the Home button to bring up the app switcher.
  • Swipe up on each app preview to close them all.
  • Then press the Home button to return.

Keep using your iPad and monitor if the battery improves.

2. Force Restart Your iPad Air 3

A force restart clears out temporary system glitches that a normal restart might miss.

  • Press and hold both the Home button and the Power button.
  • Keep holding until you see the Apple logo, then release.

This doesn’t erase anything — it just gives the system a clean slate.

3. Update All Apps from the App Store

Old apps may not be optimized for the latest iOS version and can drain battery fast.

  • Open the App Store.
  • Tap your profile icon in the top-right.
  • Scroll to see available updates.
  • Tap Update All, or update individual apps manually.

Restart your iPad after updating to apply changes.

4. Delete or Reinstall Problematic Apps

Check which apps are eating up your battery:

  • Go to Settings > Battery.
  • Review the list under Battery Usage by App.
  • If an app looks suspicious, delete it:
    • Long-press the app icon > Remove App > Delete App.
    • You can reinstall it later via the App Store if needed.

5. Reset All Settings

Sometimes the update messes with customized settings. Resetting all settings can help without deleting your data.

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
  • Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.
  • Enter your passcode and confirm.

This will restore default settings for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, display, and privacy — but won’t erase your data.

6. Perform a Factory Reset (if necessary)

If battery issues persist, a full factory reset might help:

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Back up your data first!
  • Confirm and follow the prompts to reset.

You can then set up your iPad as new or restore from a clean backup.

7. Restore via Recovery Mode or DFU Mode (Advanced)

If the issue is tied to corrupted system files, restoring through iTunes or Finder might be your best bet.

To enter Recovery Mode:

  1. Connect iPad to a computer with iTunes (latest version).
  2. Turn off the iPad.
  3. Hold the Home button while connecting it.
  4. Release when you see the iTunes logo on screen.
  5. Click Restore iPad in iTunes.

For DFU Mode (deeper restore):

  1. Connect iPad to your computer.
  2. Press and hold Power + Home for 8 seconds.
  3. Release Power, but keep holding Home until screen goes black.
  4. iTunes should detect a device in recovery mode — now click Restore.

Afterward, monitor the battery life closely.

Still Draining? Contact Apple

If none of the above fixes help, it may be a bug in the iOS update. In that case:

  • Contact Apple Support and report the issue.
  • They may recommend diagnostics, repair, or let you know if a fix is coming in a future update.

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