While iPad Air sports a thinner and smaller frame compared to the full-sized iPad, Apple claims it offers similar battery life as previous generations. This means up to 10 hours of battery life even with video playback or web surfing and up to 9 hours on cellular connection. Various stress tests and reviews reveal that the iPad Air has been living up to that promise. However, for users who feel their iPad Air is not performing as expected, there are certain things they can do to check and fix battery drain.

On Standby Mode

Getting a new iPad means lot of rooms for exploration. However, checking out the built-in apps, changing live wallpapers and scrolling different tabs can drain the battery of the device. Every time the screen lights up for an activity or app, the battery gets expended. Additionally, apps tend to multitask. Although they seem to be performing just one task, they can be running and updating in the background.

It may be impossible to evaluate completely how people drain up their device's battery unless they have a good idea of their usage pattern. It is important for individuals to check how much work they are doing with their iPads. One of the best ways to test battery usage of a device is to monitor it while on standby mode.

Leave the device on standby mode for a couple of minutes and then check whether the battery levels changed. If there are no considerable changes, then there is no problem with the battery. However, if the battery drains fast despite not using it, then there is a problem. It can either be a hardware or software problem but It is best to check for both.

Look Into iOS 7 for Software Problems

Generally, if the battery life of the iPad Air drains fast consistently, users should check for some software settings. The following can be sources of battery problems for the tablet:

  • High power demanding apps - there are applications that use a lot of energy when users do not close them. To check which apps eat the most battery, double click the Home Button. Users should activate the multitasking car view. Press the app icon for a couple of seconds longer to kill it. Other apps users should close when not in use include VoIP services, navigation or streaming applications. Even Facebook can eat a lot of energy, so it is best to close or quit it when not really in use. Users can also restart or reboot their device.
  • Power cycle - if users think they are encountering problems with their iPad's battery, they should check its power cycle. Drain the battery of the iPad completely until it shuts down. Charge the tablet to full. This will recalibrate the battery indicator and provide better or more accurate energy levels.
  • Monitor cell signal - if the iPad is using cellular connection and the user is in an area with weak cellular, 3G or LTE support, the device can be working double to maintain network connection. Likewise, it can be using a lot of energy just by switching from one network to another. Generally, LTE is more energy efficient compared to a 3G network. However, bad signal for both means bad signal and double work for the device. If a user will be going to an area with weak signal, then it is best to turn off radio and other systems connecting to the network. Connect to these networks once signal is strong enough.

iPad owners can also go to Apple Store. They can swap their devices if battery drain problems still persist.

Restore iPad as New not Backup

One of the primary causes of battery problems among iOS device is when people restore them from backup. It is best to set up the iPad as a new device. Regardless of why users need to restore the device, it is best to install it as a new device.

Turn Off Programs Not Used

Despite normal usage, users can still find unusual battery drains from time to time. This may be the result of apps running in the background. At best, turn off content refresh and background app. To do this, follow these instructions:

  • Go to Settings
  • Select General
  • Choose Background App Refresh

This will provide an overview on what users can turn off to avoid battery drain. Other things users can do to save battery life include:

  • Turning off location services - Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and then turn off apps using the feature
  • Turning off push notifications - Go to Settings > Notifications and then turn off apps users think they do not need alerts from.