Apple Doesn’t Show Battery Health on Older iPads—Here’s How to Check It Anyway

Checking your battery health will not only provide you with information about your iPad’s performance but also indicate whether you need to replace your device. Although Apple provides a built-in Battery Health feature on newer iPads, it is not available on many older devices. However, you do have several options for checking your battery health. In this guide, we’ll explain how to check battery health on older iPads and share some useful tips to help extend battery life.

Which iPads Support Apple’s Built-in Battery Health Feature?

Apple provides a built-in Battery Health feature for selected iPad models. If your iPad supports it, you can view important battery information in the Settings app without installing any additional apps. This feature is available for iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2, iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad (A16), and newer iPads.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Battery.
3. Open Battery Health.
   
4. View details such as Maximum Capacity, Cycle Count, Battery Status, Manufacturing Date, First Use Date, and the 80% Charging Limit.

If you have an old iPad, you won’t see the Battery Health option in the Settings menu. The reason behind this restriction remains unknown, as Apple has not disclosed it yet. The old operating system of these iPads does not even support the Battery Health menu.

How to Check Battery Health on Older iPads

Apple provides an online battery diagnostic process for iPads that do not have the Battery Health option. This is the proper way to diagnose your device’s battery without downloading any additional software. First, contact Apple Support and describe your battery problems, which may include rapid battery drain, slow charging, and automatic shutdowns of your iPad. Apple Support will conduct a remote battery diagnostic on your iPad. They will be able to tell you all the vital information regarding your battery.

Use coconutBattery on a Mac

Another way to check your iPad’s battery health is through coconutBattery. The app is available for macOS and supports Apple devices, including iPads.

• Download coconutBattery on your Mac.
• Connect your iPad via a USB cable.
• Launch the application.
• Select your device and see its battery details.
  

It provides information on Battery Health, Current Capacity, Design Capacity, Charge Cycles, Battery Temperature, and Charging Status. Please note that some more advanced options will be available only in the paid version.

Tips to Keep Your Older iPad Battery Healthy

1. Ensure that you only use certified chargers: Your iPad should be charged by Apple-certified and MFi-certified chargers and cables.
2. Avoid using your iPad in extreme temperatures: it should not be exposed to direct sunlight or extremely high temperatures.
3. Keep your iPad software up to date: Update your device to the latest iPadOS.
4. Screen lock: Locking your iPad helps conserve battery power.
5. Airplane mode in areas with poor signal: If the signal strength is low, activate airplane mode to conserve battery.
6. Wi-Fi connection: Connect to Wi-Fi whenever it is possible.
7. Unplug unnecessary devices: Unplug any USB-C device that is no longer needed.