Want to see your iPad's battery health data so you know it's still performing well? Well, we’d like to say checking it is as easy on an iPhone or MacBook. But for some reason, Apple haven’t given iPads the same battery health insights feature just yet.
There are still a few ways to see your iPad’s battery health stats though — including using shortcuts and even a desktop app for your computer. In this guide, we’ll show you how to download and use them so you can give your iPad a bit of an MOT.
Why check your iPad's battery health?
Batteries don't last forever, and over time they lose their ability to hold a charge. The battery in your iPad is no different, and if you've noticed that it’s running out faster than normal then it’s worth checking its maximum capacity. This is a measure of the battery’s capacity relative to when it was new.
Not only can this help you manage your device's performance and battery life, but it can also alert you to issues before they become major problems — like unexpected shutdowns. That way, you can determine whether it’s time for a replacement battery or not.
Method 1: using iPad analytics logs
Although it's harder to see the state of the battery on an iPad than on an iPhone, your iPad still logs maximum battery charge percentage and battery cycle count data in the background. And you can access this via an analytics log.
Here's how to check the battery health on your iPad using analytics logs:
Open the Settings app, then tap on 'Privacy & Security' and 'Analytics & Improvements'.
Toggle on 'Share iPad Analytics' (if it's not already) and tap 'Analytics Data' just underneath.
Select the most recent analytics file (it'll look something like this: "Analytics-2024-06-24...")
Scroll to the bottom, then select and copy the last big continuous block of text. If you're unsure whether it's right, have a quick scan through and you should see a few mentions of "battery".
Go to your Notes app, create a new note, and paste that block of text into it.
Look for "MaximumCapacityPercent" in the text (the quickest way to do this is by using the find feature). Once you've found it, you'll see your current maximum battery capacity number next to it on the right.
To dig deeper into the data, search for "CycleCount" and you'll see a number next to it that tells you your current battery cycle count.
Method 2: using shortcuts
Heard of the Shortcuts app? It's a tool that helps you perform certain tasks more quickly and efficiently on your iPad using clever automations. Meaning you can combine multiple tasks into just a single tap to save time!
So, for a much quicker way of checking your iPad's battery health — install the Battery Stats shortcut. This isn't an official Apple product, but it's safe to use as it's basically just an automated custom text search which does that longwinded method above for you.
Here's how to get it up and running on your iPad:
Download the Battery Stats shortcut and follow the on-screen instructions to add it to the Shortcuts app.
Make sure iPad Analytics are shared in your Settings app (just head to 'Privacy & Security', then tap 'Analytics & Improvements' to find it and toggle it on).
Open your most recent analytics file (tap on 'Analytics Data' just under the 'Share iPad Analytics' option).
Tap on the Share icon in the top right corner of your screen.
Choose the Battery Stats shortcut from the list that appears.
A pop-up window will appear on your screen showing your battery health results.
PowerUtil is another well-known battery health shortcut that works in a similar way to Battery Stats.
Method 3: using third-party apps
You can check the battery health of your iPad with a desktop app called iMazing too. It can do loads of cool things, including backing up data from your iPad or iPhone and transferring files too. Just download it on your Windows or Mac computer, plug in your iPad, and it'll be ready to go.
Once you’ve fired up the app, click on your iPad in the sidebar and then on the battery icon in the bottom right corner of the iMazing window. It'll then show data for 'Battery Effective Max. Charge' (your maximum battery capacity).
When to replace your iPad battery
If your iPad's battery isn't lasting long at all, it might be time to consider getting it replaced. Here are some common signs that spell when it's time for a new iPad battery:
Your iPad shuts down unexpectedly when the battery is low.
The battery drains quickly even when you're not using your iPad.
Your iPad takes longer than usual to charge.
The battery percentage seems to jump around and is not accurate.
Replacing your iPad battery can give your device a new lease on life and save you the cost of buying a brand new iPad. Plus, a new battery can also improve the overall performance of your iPad, as a degraded battery will make your iPad run slower to preserve power.
According to Apple, an iPad battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 1000 complete charge cycles. So, once it falls under 80%, that’s when you know it’s probably time to get a new one installed.
FAQs
Can I check my iPad battery health without using a computer?
Yes! If you’ve got a new iPad (like the iPad Pro with M4 or iPad Air with M2/M3), you can check battery health right in the Settings app. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. For older models, you’ll need to use the analytics method or a shortcut.
What’s a battery cycle and why does it matter?
A battery cycle is one full charge from 0% to 100%. But doesn’t have to happen all in one go. For example, using 50% today and 50% tomorrow counts as one cycle. iPads are built to handle 100s of cycles, but over time, each one slightly lowers the battery capacity.
Is it bad if my iPad battery health is below 80%?
It’s not necessarily bad, but it’s a sign your battery is wearing out. Apple might offer you a battery replacement if it’s under 80% and you’ve got AppleCare+. If your iPad shits down early or keeps on draining super-fast, it’s probably time to get it checked over.
Why does my iPad get hot while charging or using apps?
A little bit of heat is normal, especially if you’re editing videos or playing games. If it’s getting really hot though during simple tasks or just while charging, your battery could be struggling. Try sitting somewhere a bit cooler – and if it’s plugged in, don’t leave it under blankets or on other thick materials.
Can I make my iPad battery last longer?
You can do a few things to eek out some more juice from your battery:
Keep your iPad out of extremely hot or cold places.
Don’t let it completely drain and drop to 0% too often.
Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data whenever you can.
Turn on Low Power Mode.
Is there an app that shows battery health more clearly?
Apple doesn’t offer a built-in app for older iPads, but you can use handy third-party tools like iMazing or coconutBattery on a Mac or PC. These apps show your cycle count and battery capacity in a really simple way. So, you don’t have to be a full on techy to understand it!
What does ‘MaximumCapacityPercent’ mean in analytics?
It’s a number that shows how much charge your battery can hold compared to when it was brand new. If it says 85%, that means your battery still holds 85% of its original charge. It’s a useful way to quickly see how much life it’s got left.
Any more questions?
Looking for more iPad advice? We've got loads, including how to fix an iPad that's not charging and a guide on the best iPads if you're thinking about upgrading to a newer model.