I’m going to tell you why your iPhone, iPad, or iPod suddenly turns off when you still have 30%, 50%, or any other percentage of battery remaining and exactly what to do to fix the problem, if it can be fixed. I’ll use an iPhone in this article, but if you have an iPad or iPod with this problem, follow along – the solution is exactly the same.
I’ll be honest right off the bat: I can’t guarantee we’re going to be able to fix your iPhone. Sometimes, issues related to iPhones randomly shutting off are caused by water damage or other unfortunate accidents. But don’t lose hope! A lot of the time, you can fix this problem at home.
I’ve Got A Faulty Battery, Right?
Not necessarily. More often than not, what’s actually going on is that your iPhone isn’t talking to the battery correctly. Your iPhone’s software is in charge of monitoring the amount of battery life remaining on your iPhone. If the software or firmware isn’t communicating properly with the battery, it’s not going to display the right percentage.
Just like apps on your iPhone, your iPhone’s firmware can have glitches, too.
Wait. Isn’t This Deeper Than A Simple Software Problem?
Yes. This isn’t your simple run-of-the-mill software problem where your battery is draining too fast because your apps are crashing. But it’s not necessarily a hardware problem either – so we need to address your iPhone’s firmware. So what is it? If it’s not “soft”-ware, and it’s not “hard”-ware, then its “Firm”-ware.
The Fix For iPhones That Turn Off With Battery Life Remaining
To fix the issue with your iPhone shutting off even though it says there is still battery life remaining, we’re going to do a “DFU Restore”. DFU stands for Device Firmware Update. A DFU restore reloads your iPhone’s software and firmware, so it’s an even deeper type of restore than the recovery mode Apple describes on their website. To learn how to DFU restore your iPhone, check out my article called How To Put An iPhone In DFU Mode, The Apple Way, and then come back here to finish up.
Your iPhone Needs Time To Recalibrate
Now that your iPhone is good as new and all your apps are downloading, give your phone a few days to recalibrate and get to know the battery again. I recommend fully charging your iPhone and letting it fully discharge a couple times before declaring the problem officially fixed or not.
When You’ve Tried Everything Else
If the issue comes back after you’ve done a DFU restore, you’ve eliminated the possibility that a software or firmware problem is causing your iPhone to turn off with battery life remaining or, in some cases, to randomly jump from one percentage to another. If that’s the case, you may need to repair your iPhone.
Repair Options
If you go through Apple, you can visit a local Apple Store (make an appointment first), or begin the repair process online at getsupport.apple.com. If you’re looking for a less-expensive option, I recommend CellSavers, a service that comes to you in as few as 30 minutes to replace your battery, or iResq.com, a reputable, high-quality mail-in repair service.
Some people try to use an external battery pack like the ones you’ll find on Amazon as a temporary stopgap, but if your iPhone is damaged, it may not help at all.
Wrapping It Up
Thanks again for visiting Payette Forward. I sincerely hope this article helped you stop your iPhone from turning off when it still shows a percentage of battery life remaining. I wish you the absolute best of luck and hope to hear from you! If you have any other questions, the Payette Forward iPhone Help Facebook Group is a great place to get answers.
All the best,
David P.
74 Comments
Hi David, I have one big question about this procedure: After the DFU restore is complete, can an iTunes backup be used to restore the phone with all of your data, or does that negate the DFU restore? If you can clarify this point, it would really clear up the process for me! Thanks!
Mine literally just shut off as i was reading this.. I have 16% battery left its so annoying
David, tell me please: Any ideas on what can I do if this isn’t going to help?
Hi, iphone 5 switches off when the indicator shows 0%, but as soon as you connect the charger to it, it shows 30%. I have done the DFU, didn’t work, took it an apple store and they said the battery is fine. Any idea on what to do next.
Thanks Kevin
I accidentally left my iphone 4 in the car in the sun for a few hours 2 weeks ago. Now intermittently the phone will shut down no matter what the battery amount is. Should I try the DFU restore or am I better off just replacing the battery? Is it likely that the restore will kill the phone completely as in the case of water damage? I am sure the problem started after the overheat.
Hi my phone was taken into a shop which they changed the battery it was all working fine. The shop did say that if the phones battery goes flat theres maybe a chance that the phone won’t turn back on. In my case this is what happened. The battery is fine. As I put another one In to test. Anyone help?????
Thanks.
Hi therey iphone 5s was turning on until one day I took it to the shop they replaced the battery and the they said that if the phone dies it may or it may not turn back on. So the battery went flat and now it don’t turn back on. Anyone help???
Thank you so soo sooo much!!!
I’ve done all the setps. but my phone still shutting down, even it has big battery life. HELP HELP
my I phone 4s automatically turn off after a few minutes. then I cant turn on it, but when I restart this my iphone 4s starts properly and after a few minutes again turns off. tell me please what can I do? plz plz plz……..
My iphone 4 i full 100% charged after 60% used battery my mobile turn off