How iPhone Low Power Mode Works and When to Use It
Low Power Mode stretches your iPhone's remaining battery life when you are running low. Here is exactly what it turns off, what it keeps working, and how to turn it on.
Turn On Low Power Mode Manually
~27sQuick Tip
Quick Tip: Add a Low Power Mode button to your Control Center for one-tap access. Go to SettingsControl Center → tap the + next to "Low Power Mode." Then swipe down from the top right of your screen to access it anytime.
What Turns Off in Low Power Mode
~16sWhat Stays Working Normally
~15sWhen to Use It Proactively
~21sLow Power Mode Turns Off Automatically
~23sWarning
If you use Low Power Mode constantly (even when battery is high) over long periods, you may notice some apps feel slightly less responsive or miss background notifications. Use it situationally for best results.
You Did It!
You've completed: How iPhone Low Power Mode Works and When to Use It
Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech
Low Power Mode is an iPhone setting that reduces background activity and visual effects to extend battery life when you are running low on charge. When your iPhone battery drops to 20%, a notification asks if you want to turn it on. You can also turn it on manually at any time — even at 80% battery — to make your charge last longer through a long day.
When Low Power Mode is active, the battery icon in the top-right corner turns yellow instead of white or green. This is your visual reminder that the mode is on.
What does it actually do? Low Power Mode reduces screen brightness slightly, turns off automatic mail fetching (so email is not checked in the background), pauses iCloud Photo Library syncing, reduces background app refresh, limits some visual effects, and caps CPU performance slightly to reduce heat and power consumption.
What keeps working normally? Phone calls, text messages, internet browsing, music, navigation, and all the essential things you need when you are out and about.
Low Power Mode turns off automatically once you charge your phone back to 80% or higher. You do not need to remember to turn it off.
Was this guide helpful?
Your feedback helps us make TekSure better for everyone.
Want to rate with stars?
Still have questions?
Ask TekBrain a follow-up question about this guide. It’s free, no sign-up needed, and the answer will be in plain English.
Official Resources
Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →
← Previous
How to Save Apple Maps Offline So You Have Directions Without Cell Service
Next →
How to Use Battery Saver Mode on Android to Extend Battery Life
Still stuck? No problem.
Sometimes a guide isn’t enough. Our technicians can walk you through it step by step, in plain English, on your schedule.
Related Guides
More from Phone & Tablet
How to Set Up a New iPhone
Got a new iPhone? This guide walks you through every step from turning it on to signing in with your Apple ID.
2 min read
How to Set Up a New Android Phone
A beginner-friendly walkthrough for setting up a new Android phone from scratch — including your Google account.
2 min read
How to Move Your Contacts to a New Phone
Don't lose your contacts when switching phones. Here's how to transfer them to iPhone or Android in minutes.
2 min read