Phone battery drains fast, overheats or shuts down: the usual causes

First, find out what is actually broken

It doesn't last the day, though it used to, and the percentage drops in jumps

This is a classic worn battery. Every battery loses capacity as it is charged; after two to three years of normal use it holds roughly three quarters of its original life and starts behaving unpredictably. The fix is a battery replacement.

It switches off at 20 to 30%, in the cold or when taking photos

The battery can no longer handle peak demand — the phone switches off rather than run on, even though it still shows charge left. That's the battery too, not the software.

It drains fast only since the last update, or with one app

That's usually software. Check battery usage by app in the settings, restart the phone and update your apps. If it doesn't settle within a few days, the cause is probably the battery.

It charges slowly or only with the cable at a certain angle

That isn't the battery but the charging port — a cheaper repair. Try another known-good cable and adapter first.

The phone won't turn on at all, even on the charger

It could be the battery, the port or the main board. Choose Diagnostics: we inspect the phone and send you the exact repair price within 24 hours of receiving it. Diagnostics are free if you approve the repair; if you decline, we charge €35 for diagnostics and shipping the phone back.

The phone overheats

A phone gets warm while charging, gaming, navigating in the car, filming video or on a weak signal — that's normal. The same goes for a day or two after a big update, while the phone sorts through data in the background. But if it gets hot when you aren't using or charging it, and drains fast as well, check battery usage by app in the settings — an app running in the background is often behind it. If it isn't an app, it's usually a worn battery. If the phone is hot in one spot even when switched off, or gets hot and won't turn on, it's more likely a short circuit on the main board — don't charge it and choose Diagnostics. If the cover or the display is lifting as well, read Swollen battery.

The back cover or the display is bulging

A swollen battery. Don't put this off even a day — see below for what to do right away.

What a battery replacement costs

The price depends on the model. The table shows where the replacement starts within each brand; you see the exact price for your phone once you pick the model.

The price you see for your model is final: part and labour, no hidden fees. It covers a new full-capacity battery, environmentally responsible disposal of the old one, and a 12-month warranty on the battery and the work. For iPhones we use parts the phone recognises as genuine — battery health in Settings stays full, with no warnings.

What to do right now

• If the cover or the display is bulging, switch the phone off, don't charge it and don't leave it in the sun or in the car. A swollen battery presses on the display and the back glass and can catch fire if punctured. Write to us before ordering — a swollen battery can't be sent as an ordinary parcel.
• If the phone is hot, unplug the charger, take off the case and let it cool on a table out of the sun. Don't put it in the fridge or freezer — a sudden change in temperature harms it and moisture can condense inside. If it keeps getting hot even without load, switch it off and order Diagnostics.
• If the phone just keeps switching off, make a backup while you still can — we don't touch the storage during the replacement, but a backup is your safety net.
• Until you send it, charge to 80% and don't let the phone drain completely — that only damages the battery further.

Why not to wait

A worn battery switches the phone off at the worst possible moment and can swell when it overheats. A swollen battery damages the display and the back glass — and a battery replacement becomes a battery plus a display. Replacing it in time is one of the cheapest repairs on any phone.

How the repair works

1. You pick the model and the repair and order online. Nothing up front if you pack the phone yourself; a protective box for €5 is optional. Shipping is free.
2. We email you a drop-off code (or send it with the box to your chosen Packeta point). You hand the packed phone in at a staffed Packeta point.
3. Within 24 hours of receiving your phone, we replace the battery.
4. Once the repair is paid, we send the phone back to the same Packeta point. Return shipping is free.

Related problems

• Swollen battery
• Phone won't charge
• Phone fell in water

Frequently asked questions

How can I check the battery health myself?

On an iPhone in Settings → Battery → Battery Health: below 80% it's time for a replacement. On Android it's usually in Settings → Battery (depending on the maker), or simply go by battery life — if the phone doesn't last the day and is more than two years old, it's almost always the battery.

Will I lose my data?

No. The battery is replaced without touching the phone's storage. We still recommend a backup before you send it.

Can I add a display or a charging port to the battery replacement?

Yes. Repairs can be combined in one order — the phone ships once, in the same box.

What if the inspection shows the battery is fine?

We write to you with what we found and a new price. Nothing is repaired without your approval.