Hack of the Day: Check your phone’s battery health

'The Times of India' brings you 'Hack of the Day' — a new weekday-series of quick, practical solutions to everyday hassles. Each hack is designed to save you time, money or stress, using tools and features within your reach — from government websites to everyday apps. In simple words it is: Simple fixes for smarter living.Your smartphone’s battery is the hidden engine powering everything from video calls to social media scrolling. Over time, batteries degrade, leading to shorter usage times, unexpected shutdowns, or sluggish performance. By checking your battery health, you can spot issues early, extend your phone’s lifespan, and avoid nasty surprises. Here’s how to do it on both Android and iPhone.Apple provides a built‑in tool for monitoring battery health:1. Open Settings → tap Battery.2. Select Battery Health & Charging.3. Look at Maximum Capacity: * 100% = brand new battery. * 80% or lower = degraded, may need replacement.4. Check Peak Performance Capability: iOS will tell you if performance management is applied due to battery wear.Tip: If your iPhone shows “Service” next to battery health, it’s time to book a replacement.Unlike iPhones, Android battery health tools vary by manufacturer. Here are common methods:1. Settings Menu (Samsung, OnePlus, Pixel, etc.)* Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Usage or Device Care.* Some phones show Battery Health or “Capacity” directly.2. Dialer Code (Hidden Menu)* Enter *#*#4636#*#* in the phone dialer (works on many Android devices).* Tap Battery Information to see health status, charge cycles, and capacity.3. Manufacturer Apps* Samsung Members, OnePlus Diagnostic, or Pixel Support apps often include battery health checks.