Before you start
- An Android phone (menus vary by brand and Android version)
Method 1 Samsung Galaxy phones
You can also reach the same test from Settings > Device care > Diagnostics > Battery status on many models.
-
Step 1: Check Settings first
Open Settings > Battery and scroll to Battery information. On recent Galaxy phones with One UI 7 or later, it shows battery health as a percentage and the cycle count.
-
Step 2: Or use Samsung Members
If Settings doesn’t show it, open the Samsung Members app (preinstalled, or free in the Galaxy Store). Tap Support > Phone diagnostics > Battery status.
-
Step 3: Read the result
Samsung Members shows Life as Normal, Good, Weak or Bad. “Weak” or “Bad” means a replacement is worth considering.
Method 2 Google Pixel phones
-
Step 1: Open battery settings
Go to Settings > Battery.
-
Step 2: Tap Battery health
On Pixel 8a and newer, tap Battery health. Normal means the battery is within normal limits; Reduced means capacity has dropped below 80% and a replacement is worth considering.
-
Step 3: Check the cycle count
Go to Settings > About phone > Battery information to see the cycle count and manufacture date. Pixel 8a and later batteries are designed to keep about 80% capacity for around 1,000 cycles. On Pixel 6 and later, Settings > Battery > Battery diagnostics runs a quick check.
Method 3 OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme and others
-
Step 1: OnePlus / Oppo / Realme
Open Settings > Battery > Battery health. It shows maximum capacity as a percentage.
-
Step 2: Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco
Open Settings > Battery and look for Battery health or open the Security app > Battery. Some models only show a status, not a percentage.
-
Step 3: If your phone has no option
Install a well-rated battery app such as AccuBattery. After a few full charge cycles it estimates capacity by measuring how much charge goes in. Treat it as an estimate.
| Battery health | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | Like new |
| 80–89% | Normal wear; slightly shorter battery life |
| Below 80% | Noticeably shorter battery life; replacement recommended |
| Sudden shutdowns, swelling or heat | Replace now, whatever the percentage |
How to keep your battery healthy longer
- Turn on battery protection: Samsung: Settings > Battery > Battery protection (limits charging to 80% or adapts charging). Pixel: Settings > Battery > Battery health > Charging optimization.
- Avoid heat: don’t charge under a pillow or leave the phone in a hot car.
- Use a good-quality charger and cable.
- Don’t worry about occasional full charges; it’s constant 100% plus heat that ages batteries fastest.
Troubleshooting
Battery health isn’t in my Settings
Update your phone (Settings > Software update); many brands added it in recent updates. Otherwise use your brand’s support app or a battery app.
Health shows 100% but my battery drains fast
Fast drain is often caused by apps, not battery wear. Check Settings > Battery > Battery usage to see which apps use the most power.
The dialler code *#*#4636#*#* doesn’t work
This testing menu is disabled on many phones and never shows a health percentage. Use the methods above instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good battery health percentage?
Anything above 80% is considered healthy. Most phone makers rate batteries to keep around 80% capacity after 500–1,000 full cycles.
What is a battery cycle?
One cycle is using 100% worth of charge in total, for example 50% one day and 50% the next. It doesn’t mean charging from 0 to 100% in one go.
Can battery health go back up?
No. Wear is permanent. A recalibration may make the estimate more accurate, but it can’t restore capacity.
How much does a battery replacement cost?
Usually between about $50 and $120 at an official service centre, depending on the model. It’s much cheaper than a new phone.
Summary
Look in Settings > Battery first: most new Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus and Xiaomi phones now show battery health there. Samsung owners can also use Samsung Members > Phone diagnostics. Plan a replacement once health drops below 80%.
