Five Easy Tips to Boost Your iPhone's Battery Life While Traveling

As travel enthusiasts, my spouse and I roam both locally and internationally. Our iPhones are indispensable for capturing memories, navigating unfamiliar streets, and staying connected. However, keeping our phones powered throughout the day when electrical outlets aren’t available can be challenging.

Having explored numerous destinations, I've discovered a set of strategies that help prevent my phone from losing power too quickly. Below are my preferred methods for ensuring my device remains functional all day long.

1. Invest in a Robust Magsafe Portable Charger

A reliable way I maintain my phone’s charge is by using a portable battery or power bank. I attach it to my phone’s back, and it methodically recharges the internal battery. There are countless Magsafe power banks out there, but choosing the right one is key.

For my iPhone 16 Pro model, a larger capacity charger is preferable, despite it being bulkier than a 5,000 mAh counterpart. It can handle several charges, making it perfect for all-day usage.

While budget-friendly power banks are available, usually around $20, I favor spending on higher-quality options for greater reliability. Anker is my brand of choice. I own three Anker power banks, all adhering securely to my phone for efficient and rapid charging.

2. Prevent Phone Overheating

Frequent use can cause your phone to heat up, especially during activities like continuous photo or video recording or prolonged exposure to sunlight. Even charging with a power bank increases heat, which depletes the battery faster.

Ideally, allow your phone to cool down by pausing usage periodically. Cases can retain heat, so if yours is bulky, consider removing it until the device cools off. Also, avoid excessive power bank use; charge your phone until it reaches about 80%.

Instead of keeping the phone in a pocket or bag where it may overheat, I prefer using a wearable lanyard.

3. Steer Clear of Energy-Draining Apps

Certain applications and tasks can significantly drain your battery. To monitor this, navigate to Settings and check the Battery section. It lists apps by battery consumption.

Switch between a 24-hour view and a ten-day history to assess usage patterns. Minimize the use of apps that consume the most power where possible.

4. Disable Background Operations

Background activities can quietly consume power, but there are ways to mitigate this.

In the Battery settings, activating Low Power Mode reduces background functions like email retrieval. Alternatively, under General settings, turn off Background App Refresh entirely or selectively for individual apps.

I generally keep background refresh enabled only for essential apps such as navigation and messaging for travel.

5. Control Wireless Services

Wi-Fi and cellular functions are notorious for consuming battery power as they scan for networks. Temporarily disabling one can conserve your charge.

If cellular is your primary connection, switch off Wi-Fi via the Settings when no networks are available. Conversely, if you’re at a location with solid Wi-Fi, disable cellular data.

In entirely disconnected settings, such as airplane travel, activate Airplane Mode to disable both. You can enable this either through Settings or via the Control Center’s airplane icon.