Are you frustrated because your iPhone 11 Pro Max stops charging before reaching 100% or doesn’t charge fully? You’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue, often due to a combination of software settings and battery health degradation. As someone who’s experienced this myself, I understand how annoying it can be to rely on a device that doesn’t charge properly. After researching and testing solutions, I’ve compiled a clear, step-by-step guide to help you resolve this issue in 2025. Let’s dive into the causes and solutions to get your iPhone charging like new again.
Why Is My iPhone 11 Pro Max Not Charging Fully?
Two common culprits for this issue are the Optimized Battery Charging feature and a degraded battery. If your iPhone’s battery health shows a maximum capacity of around 72%, as mine did, it means the battery has lost significant capacity over time. Additionally, Optimized Battery Charging, a feature designed to prolong battery life, may limit charging to 80% based on your usage patterns. Other factors like faulty cables or software glitches could also play a role, but let’s focus on the most likely causes and how to fix them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix iPhone 11 Pro Max Charging Issues
Here’s a straightforward guide to troubleshoot and resolve the charging problem. Follow these steps carefully, and you should see improvements.
Step 1: Disable Optimized Battery Charging
The Optimized Battery Charging feature is great for extending battery life, but it can prevent your iPhone from reaching 100%. Here’s how to turn it off:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- Find Optimized Battery Charging and toggle it off.
- Choose Turn Off Until Tomorrow for a one-time full charge or disable it permanently if you prefer consistent full charging.
After disabling this, plug in your iPhone and check if it charges to 100%. Be aware that turning off this feature may slightly accelerate battery wear, but it’s a practical solution if you need full charges.
Step 2: Check Your Battery Health
A battery capacity of 72% or lower, as in my case, indicates significant degradation. To confirm:
- Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- Check the Maximum Capacity percentage.
If it’s below 80%, your battery is likely struggling to hold a full charge. Apple recommends replacing the battery at this point. Contact Apple Support via support.apple.com or visit an Apple Store. A battery replacement for the iPhone 11 Pro Max typically costs $69–$99, depending on your region and warranty status in 2025. A new battery will restore full charging capacity and improve performance.
Step 3: Calibrate the Battery
If the battery percentage seems inaccurate, calibrating it can help. Here’s how:
- Let your iPhone drain to 0% until it shuts off automatically.
- Connect it to a certified Apple charger and charge uninterrupted to 100%.
- Repeat this process if needed to recalibrate the battery gauge.
This can temporarily improve charging accuracy, but it’s not a long-term fix for a degraded battery.
Step 4: Optimize Your iPhone Usage
To reduce strain on your aging battery while you plan for a replacement:
- Lower screen brightness in Settings > Display & Brightness or via Control Center.
- Turn off unnecessary background app refresh in Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Avoid extreme temperatures (below 32°F/0°C or above 95°F/35°C), as they can worsen battery issues.
Step 5: Verify Your Charging Accessories
A faulty or non-certified cable or adapter can cause charging issues. To ensure reliability:
- Use an Apple-certified (MFi) USB-C to Lightning cable and an 18W or higher USB-C power adapter.
- Inspect your cable and adapter for damage, like fraying or bent pins.
- Clean the iPhone’s Lightning port gently with a non-conductive tool (e.g., a wooden toothpick) to remove debris.
- Test with a different certified cable and adapter to rule out accessory problems.
Step 6: Monitor Charging Conditions
Overheating can cause your iPhone to pause charging. To prevent this:
- Charge in a cool environment (ideally 65–75°F/18–24°C).
- Remove any thick case during charging to allow heat dissipation.
- Avoid using the phone for heavy tasks like gaming while charging.
Step 7: Seek Professional Help if Needed
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to consult the experts:
- Contact Apple Support through support.apple.com or visit an Apple Store for diagnostics.
- Share the steps you’ve tried to speed up the process.
- A professional repair may be needed if there’s a hardware issue beyond the battery, such as a damaged charging port.
Pro Tip: If your battery health is below 80%, replacing it is the most effective long-term solution. It’s a worthwhile investment to restore your iPhone’s performance!
Final Thoughts
Dealing with an iPhone 11 Pro Max that won’t charge to 100% can be frustrating, but the issue is often fixable. In my case, disabling Optimized Battery Charging helped temporarily, but the 72% battery capacity signaled it was time for a replacement. By following these steps, you can identify whether the issue is software-related, like the charging limit, or hardware-related, like a worn-out battery. For most users, a battery replacement will restore your iPhone’s performance and reliability.
If you’ve tried these steps and still face issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple or share your experience in the comments below. Have you encountered similar charging problems with your iPhone? Let’s help each other find solutions!
