Knowing how to check your iPad’s battery health might sound straightforward, but Apple has made it a tad complicated. Unlike iPhones and Macs, which offer a dedicated Battery Health menu, iPads released before 2024 lack this feature. This lack of transparency is curious, especially since creatives heavily rely on their iPads for everything from digital drawing in Procreate to reviewing sketches in transit. For professionals, understanding battery longevity is more than just a nice-to-know—it’s essential for workflow management.
Over time, all lithium-ion batteries, including the one in your iPad, will gradually degrade. Even with the robust cells that Apple packs into its devices, users may start noticing a quicker drop in charge, leading to concerns of whether it’s time for a replacement. However, it’s crucial to remain calm and informed. Understanding your battery’s condition helps you plan your creative sessions better, manage expectations for longevity, and keep your device operating at its best.
If you’re using an older iPad, fret not! You can still check how well your battery is functioning through a couple of straightforward techniques, sans any third-party tools. This guide will detail reliable methods for assessing your iPad’s battery health, allowing you to maximize your creative potential with the best drawing apps for iPad.
How to Check an iPad’s Battery Using Built-in Settings
01. Open Settings
Launch the Settings app on your iPad.
02. Navigate to Analytics & Improvements
Tap on Privacy & Security.
Select Analytics & Improvements.
03. Enable Share iPad Analytics
If you haven’t done so already, toggle on Share iPad Analytics.
Allow a day or two for the data to be recorded.
04. Access Analytics Data
Once data is available, tap on Open Analytics Data.
Open one of the files displayed at the top (look for the most recent date).
Scroll down and copy the last block of text.
Paste this copied text into a notes application (such as Notes or Google Docs).
05. Search for Battery Health
Search for last_value_MaximumCapacityPercent. This figure provides insight into your battery’s current health. You can find more detailed explanations here.
How to Download the Battery Stats Shortcut
01. Get the Shortcut
Download the Battery Stats Shortcut on your iPad.
02. Access Analytics Data
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Navigate to Privacy & Security.
Tap on Analytics & Improvements.
Open one of your iPad’s analytics files (these files start with “Analytics” followed by a date).
03. Run the Shortcut
In the analytics file, tap the Share button in the upper right corner.
Select Battery Stats from the share sheet.
Watch as the Siri Shortcut runs, displaying your iPad’s original maximum capacity, current maximum capacity, and cycle count.
04. Understand the Stats
MaximumFCC: This value indicates your iPad’s original charge capacity in milliamp hours (mAh). It’s worth noting that Apple doesn’t disclose battery specifications on its website; thus, this data is primarily accessible through iPad Analytics.
Nominal Charge Capacity: Reflects your iPad’s current maximum battery capacity, which is generally lower than the MaximumFCC as the device is used regularly.
Cycle Count: Indicates how many times your iPad has been completely charged and discharged. A single charge cycle is counted each time your iPad discharges from 100% to 0% and then back to 100% again.