You may configure your iOS to update when Apple releases one or do it manually through the settings. The key is to make upgrades without risking your gadget’s performance, and if this is your first time, you want to know how to do it safely.
So, how much battery do I need to update iOS? Apple recommends that your device have a minimum of 50% power when installing new software and updates. This level is sufficient in most cases to ensure that the battery doesn’t die, interrupting the process and risking performance issues or bricking.
You can power your iPhone to 60%, just to be sure. Otherwise, if your battery has problems with fast depletion rates, it is advisable to leave the handset charging while it updates.
Always stay a step ahead by updating your Apple devices but remember that the battery level is a crucial factor to consider during the process.
If you are always prompted to make iOS updates, you understand the essence of backing up your data and freeing up space before you start. It is also vital to ensure that you have sufficient battery for the upgrade, but the question is, how much is enough?
Your device should have at least 50% power before you install any new software. Apple created this restriction to avoid instances where the phone dies before accepting the update. Otherwise, the battery running flat can lead to several issues on the device, including bricking.
If you want a smooth, uninterrupted process, it helps to power up to at least 60%. However, if you have battery issues and want to ensure the phone stays on, your best bet is to plug it into a charger the entire time.
You can only update iOS if your phone has a minimum of 50% charge, and Apple has assured this for the device’s safety. The reasoning behind it is for the iPhone to have enough power throughout the process. Otherwise, upgrading can quickly deplete the battery to a point where the phone’s battery dies. When this happens, chances of bricking and other performance issues are high.
If you don’t want to risk permanently damaging your Apple gadget, it is best to power up to at least 60%. Still, it depends on the phone’s model and battery life because if it has capacity issues, it may also be at risk of dying mid-update.
Suppose you have an older model or constantly complain about the battery dying abnormally fast. In that case, updating without plugging into a wall outlet is not a great idea, even at 100% charge.
Another issue with certain users is that they sometimes have old batteries that show inaccurate capacities. The system may claim more than 50% power, but it may be lower in reality, making it risky to update when uncertain whether it will kill the phone.
Keeping it plugged in ensures that the iPhone stays on the whole time since it powers up. Besides, it is ideal if you prefer updating the iOS at night when they are sleeping if they are usually busy with their phones during the day.
It will be easier to leave it plugged in for the process to run uninterrupted. The device cannot function between operating system versions and can cause irreversible damage when it fails to boot.
Therefore, at least ensure that the percentage is 50 if you are confident that the battery is in great shape and your device is the latest model from Apple. Since there is never telling how long a new update can take, your safest bet is to leave it charging.
iOS updates battery drain
Cellphone updates vary from minor security tweaks to significant system upgrades, and Apple ensures to make timely releases to enhance the user experience. Some owners, however, complain about abnormal power consumption during and after updates, and it is time to get to the bottom of it.
Updating iOS needs more battery than your daily consumption. Therefore, confirming that your handset is charged first before allowing the system to update is essential. A crucial system upgrade would require leaving the iPhone plugged into a power source; otherwise, you will risk letting the cellphone die in the middle of the process. You can expect the system to crash, compromising your applications and losing your data.
Various iOS updates will consume power differently, given the weight of the process. Luckily, minor security adjustments are lightweight, and you don’t need to be alarmed while accepting them since they can run when the phone has enough power. On the contrary, massive software enhancements will likely need more charge, and it is advisable to leave the handset charging the entire session to be safe.
This way, you will rest easy knowing there will be no hiccups. Newer iOS would mean better program features that you never had as Apple innovates ways to improve its services and your experience.
The apps may consume more power based on how heavy the process is, and it is common for the impact to affect the battery life even a few days later. It is still worth it, considering all the exciting new features and heightened security you will enjoy after installing the new system.
To solve the power consumption issue, you can find alternative ways to improve the battery life. If your latest software upgrade is taking a toll on your battery as the phone and app features are adjusting, there are tweaks you can try.
First, it may help to disable your iPhone’s ‘Background App Refresh’ through the Settings, then General, and clicking Background App Refresh to switch it off.
Alternatively, you can automatically disable all the background programs you don’t want to refresh. To avoid excessive power consumption due to software updates, you can tweak the backlight settings on your phone.
The cellphone brightness is among the features that immensely consume power, and you can auto-set it to run under optimum lighting. To do this, open the Settings, and Accessibility, then click Display and Text Sizes.
On the next prompt, toggle on Auto-Brightness to complete the setting. Also, before you worry about updates depleting your battery, you should confirm whether the cell is in good condition. You may blame the update, yet it is the degraded battery causing abnormally fast power loss.
Fortunately, an iOS upgrade sometimes enhances your iPhone’s battery life thanks to software enhancements that help improve the cell conserving features.
iOS updating while charging
If you use your device all day and prefer making updates at night, you may ask whether it is safe to leave it plugged into a power source the entire time. Are there any risks of damage due to charging while updating?
Your new iOS can update as usual even when you charge your device. Apple recommends it as the safest way to go because it guarantees that your phone always has power during the process.
Otherwise, if not charging, there is the danger of the battery depleting and causing irreparable damage to the system. The process can use up a lot of power, and if your battery is old or has performance issues, the safest bet is to charge the device simultaneously.
There is no harm in powering your Apple gadget as it updates, which applies to phones, iPads, and MacBooks. The charging process doesn’t interfere with the system, and the update will install as usual.
It primarily works for users who opt to make overnight updates and wake up to a complete process. Interestingly, Apple advises users to connect their iDevices to charge first before making the update, and there are logical reasons behind it.
The installation can take 30 minutes and uses up a lot of power. If your phone goes off mid-update, it can break your system permanently. The device doesn’t know how to operate on the old and new updates simultaneously, which may cause pressure on the device and brick it. If anything disrupts the process, it interferes with the data flow, forcing file corruption and rendering the device inoperable.
Since there is no way back after bricking, keeping the device active throughout the updating process is best. If you don’t charge it, you can at least ensure a minimum of 60% power, but only if you are confident that the battery will not fall flat. If your iPhone cannot hold a charge for a long time, chances are high that the update will overexert it, shutting it down. Therefore, the safest option is to leave it charging, for the system always stays on to oversee the process.
Another pressing question from users is what happens when you unplug the phone in the middle of an iOS update. The process will run as usual even after detaching as long as the gadget stays on and there is no risk of the battery draining completely.
You can even start the installation when your phone has enough power, at more than 50%. Also, note that the iPhone will also need more battery for the update to run some background functions. You would instead leave your updating device charging to avoid all the risks.
iOS updating with dead or low battery
Apple advises iOS users to upgrade the system software often to keep up with the newer versions and enjoy all the innovative features. Before you install the update, you will need to charge the handset first, but what if you don’t have a charger or the phone dies when you urgently want to make the update?
It is challenging and risky to upgrade iOS when the battery is below fifty percent, or the phone is dead. You will have to plug it into a charging outlet to ensure that it stays active. On the other hand, it is impossible to update the system if the battery is dead, but a minor security update can push through when the level is about 30% though it is still risky.
To ensure that the process takes place seamlessly, you can confirm that you have at least 60% power. However, if undertaking a hefty update, you will be safe with a minimum of 80% or keeping your device plugged into a charger the whole time.
You can rule out any chances of upgrading the system of a dead gadget using standard procedures. The installation requires a lot of power to upgrade apps and create new capabilities.
Besides, the system should run during the process, which cannot happen when the battery is flat, and the device is dead. Remember that upgrading your Apple software on low-power gadgets can be detrimental.
If the battery depletes unexpectedly, the system may crash beyond repair, bricking the handset. The device’s level usually depends on the intensity of the task. For instance, mere security fixes can consume less power, and you may not need a fully charged phone.
Generally, about 50% is sufficient to run such operations, but a strenuous process will require more battery, and preferably that you plug the phone into a charger.
These are necessary precautions to keep the iOS update running uninterruptedly by the device staying on the whole time. If not, there are high chances of irreversible damages. If your iPhone dies before you start upgrading, you can opt for third-party applications and use your iMac computer. However, the procedure is pretty challenging unless you are tech savvy or ask a professional for help.
If the battery dies while the update process is ongoing, it helps to leave the iPhone in that state until you find an expert to handle it. iOS upgrading is a serious matter that needs extra care; else, any mishap can cost you your phone.
Before updating the software, confirm that you have enough space, have backed up your files, and have sufficient battery. Alternatively, you can ask a friend or expert for help to guarantee that the process completes safely.
Wrap Up
Apple works tirelessly to improve the users’ safety and devices’ operations. Your part is to ensure that you have enough space in your iPhone, have backed up the data inside it, and have a sufficient battery. You should check that the device has at least 60% charge before making an iOS update, or you risk the system shutting down mid-update.
The interruption can cause permanent damage, and you can lose your essential data. The process may use up a lot of data if the update is too heavy, and the only way to be safe is to keep your device charging the whole time. This way, it will be impossible for the phone to shut down, and you will be confident of a seamless process.
