iPad battery health: What to check before service

How do you check iPad battery health in Settings?

Battery Health in Settings is available on iPad Pro (M4 and M5), iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad (A16). The screen shows when the battery was made, when it was first used, and how many charge cycles it's been through.¹

1. Open Settings

   Tap Battery, then tap Battery Health.¹

Why does my iPad stop charging at 80 percent?

When you turn on the 80% Limit setting, your iPad stops charging once its battery reaches about 80 percent. You can turn it off. Software might limit charging above 80 percent if the battery gets hotter than its recommended temperature.³

The control is in Battery Health. With the limit on, charging starts again when the level falls to 75 percent, then stops once it gets back to about 80 percent. Sometimes the iPad still charges to 100 percent to keep its charge estimates accurate.³

Less time spent fully charged reduces battery wear. Near full charge, the iPad slowly cuts the charging current. That reduces heat and helps prevent overheating.³

Don't use or charge your iPad above 95° F (35° C), since that heat can permanently shorten the battery's life.³

What does an iPad battery health check tell you about cycles?

A complete charge cycle means you've used an amount equal to 100 percent of the battery's capacity. The amount adjusts as the battery ages. Apple counts a full cycle using between 80 percent and 100 percent of the starting capacity to allow for that loss.¹

The design target is 80 percent of the battery's starting capacity at 1000 complete charge cycles, depending on how it's used and charged.³

How hot a battery has been and how it's charged both play a part in how it ages. With age, it holds less charge and its performance drops. Eventually, it needs to be replaced.^{3, 1}

When should you take your iPad to a shop?

If you're reaching for the charger more and more often, it might be time to have your iPad battery checked for service. For built-in lithium-ion polymer batteries, Apple recommends service through Apple or an authorized service provider. Fees vary by iPad model. Tax may apply.^{2, 5}

For a cracked screen and a worn battery, ask a tablet repair shop for separate prices for screen repair and battery service.

The one-year warranty includes battery service coverage, along with rights under local consumer laws.³

How much does an iPad battery replacement cost?

Apple's out-of-warranty battery service estimate is $119 for iPad (A16) and iPad mini (A17 Pro), as well as iPad mini (6th generation). The iPad Air 11-inch (M4) battery service estimate is $129, while the iPad Air 13-inch (M4) estimate is $149.⁵

Battery service estimates are $179 for iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) and iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), or $199 for iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) and iPad Pro 13-inch (M4).⁵

An iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) has a $179 estimate, while the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) estimate is $119. The iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) estimate is $149. For iPad (9th generation), iPad (8th generation), and iPad (7th generation), it's $99.⁵