When it comes to replacing the battery in your iPhone—whether it’s an iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, or an iPhone 11 series and onwards—one common concern that users often encounter is the dreaded battery warning message. This blog post aims to demystify this issue and provide you with clear, practical advice to ensure your device operates smoothly with a replacement battery.
Understanding the Battery Warning
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: the battery warning message. If you’ve ever replaced your iPhone’s battery, especially with a non-Apple battery, you might have seen a message stating that the phone is unable to verify if the battery is genuine. This warning is part of Apple’s iOS, which uses a micro-controller to communicate with the battery. If the replacement battery does not contain the original Apple battery controller chip, iOS cannot verify its authenticity.
“Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple battery. Health information not available for this battery.”
This message is visible in two places, firstly a popup on the lock screen (visible for 4 days):
And secondly as a message within the Settings > Battery section (visible for 15 days):
Why Does This Warning Appear?
The warning is triggered by a communication mismatch between the iPhone’s hardware and the new, non-Apple micro-controller on the battery. Apple includes these checks to ensure safety and performance standards are met. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that a replacement battery is inferior. Many high-quality third-party batteries are available that meet or exceed the performance of original batteries but lack the specific chip that communicates with iOS.
Does the Warning Affect Performance?
Importantly, the appearance of this warning does not automatically indicate any performance issues. The battery can still function perfectly and safely. Here’s what you need to know:
- Performance: Third-party batteries may deliver equal or superior performance compared to your original battery, especially if they match the specifications and are installed correctly.
- Battery Health: You can still check your battery health under Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If a third-party battery is installed, the Maximum Capacity might not display, but other battery health apps can provide this information.
- Safety: Reputable suppliers ensure their batteries meet strict safety standards, similar to those Apple uses. Always choose a battery from a trusted supplier.
Choosing the Right Battery and Installer
To avoid potential issues and ensure the longevity and efficiency of your battery, consider the following:
- Certifications: Look for batteries that have certifications like CE, RoHS, and UL. These certifications indicate that the battery complies with international safety standards.
- Warranty: Opt for batteries that come with a warranty. This ensures that you can get support in case of any defects or performance issues.
- Professional Installation: While DIY battery replacement kits are available, having your battery replaced by a professional ensures that it’s done correctly. This can help avoid any further issues and often comes with a service warranty.
Final Thoughts
While the battery warning message may initially seem concerning, it’s important to understand that it’s largely informational and doesn’t indicate an immediate problem. By opting for high-quality replacement batteries and ensuring professional installation, you can maintain your iPhone’s performance without significant expense. Note that the warning message will only appear on the lock screen for the first four days and in the battery health settings for 15 days, after which it will no longer be displayed. If your iPhone displays a non-genuine battery warning, rest assured that there is no cause for concern. Our batteries meet OEM quality standards, ensuring that your device benefits from a new battery, just as it would with an original.
Remember, the goal is to ensure that your device continues to perform well and remains safe to use, regardless of the battery’s brand. If you prioritize these factors, you can enjoy your device for many more years without undue concern over the origin of its battery.