How to Turn On Low Power Mode on Your Smartphone

Follow these steps in order to turn on and get the most out of low power mode.

  1. Turn on Low Power Mode on iPhone

    In the Settings app under "Battery", flip the "Low Power Mode" switch on and it takes effect immediately.

  2. Turn on Battery Saver on Android

    In the Settings app under "Battery", flip on "Battery Saver" (sometimes labeled "Battery Protection").

  3. Set it to turn on automatically at a battery level

    On both operating systems, the battery menu lets you set low power mode to switch on automatically once your battery drops below a certain percentage, such as 20%.

  4. Know what gets limited in low power mode

    Low power mode dims screen brightness and limits background app refresh, automatic downloads, and some visual effects to reduce battery drain.

  5. Turn it off manually after charging

    It often turns off automatically once you charge past 80%, but you can also switch it off manually at any time from the battery menu.

When you're worried about your battery while out

If your battery is draining fast while you're away from a charger, turning on low power mode or battery saver alone can meaningfully extend how long your phone lasts by cutting unnecessary background activity.

Naming varies slightly between phone makers

Some Android manufacturers use their own name for the same feature β€” for example, Samsung phones often label it "Power saving mode" β€” so if you can't find "Battery Saver" exactly, look for a similarly worded option in the battery settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will low power mode delay my notifications?

Since background refresh and automatic downloads are limited for some apps, notifications that depend on real-time updates may arrive a bit later than usual.

Can I still make calls or use data in low power mode?

Yes β€” low power mode doesn't block calls, texting, or internet use itself; it only limits secondary functions like screen brightness and background tasks, so your core communication features keep working normally.