Just got a new iPhone XS Max but the battery’s draining way faster than it should? Whether it’s due to background activity, bad settings, or software bugs, fast battery drain on a brand-new phone is always frustrating. Here are the best ways to fix rapid battery drain on the iPhone XS Max.
1. Force Close Background Apps and Restart
Apps left running in the background can eat up battery, even if you’re not using them.
To close apps:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause.
- Swipe left/right to browse open apps.
- Swipe up on each one to close them.
Then do a force restart to clear memory junk:
- Press and release Volume Up.
- Press and release Volume Down.
- Hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
2. Adjust Display Settings
Auto-brightness and high screen brightness can be huge battery hogs.
To turn off auto-brightness:
- Go to Settings > General > Accessibility.
- Tap Display Accommodations.
- Turn off Auto-Brightness.
Then swipe down from the top-right of the screen to adjust brightness manually using the slider.
3. Update Apps and iOS
Outdated apps or system bugs can cause overheating and battery drain.
To update apps:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon or go to the Updates tab.
- Tap Update All.
To update iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install if an update is available.
Restart your phone after updates to apply the changes.
4. Reset All Settings
If you recently customized settings and noticed your battery draining faster, try resetting them without erasing your data.
To reset all settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
Your phone will reboot and all system settings will go back to default.
5. Factory Reset (If Nothing Else Works)
If nothing has helped so far, a full reset might clear the problem. Just back up your data first.
To factory reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
You can also do this through iTunes or Finder on your computer.
Extra Battery-Saving Tips
- Turn off location services for apps that don’t need it:
Settings > Privacy > Location Services. - Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.
- Use Low Power Mode:
Settings > Battery > toggle on Low Power Mode. - Use Airplane Mode in low signal areas to prevent signal hunting.
Still Draining Too Fast?
If your iPhone XS Max has been draining battery quickly since day one, it could be a factory defect. Reach out to Apple Support or your carrier — you may qualify for a battery replacement or unit swap under warranty.