Clean energy charging on the iPhone is Apple’s approach to eco-friendly technology. By understanding local power grid emissions, this feature allows the device to charge during lower carbon emission periods. This strategy aligns with growing environmental concerns and adds to Apple’s sustainability efforts.
Users interact with this system through their device settings, where they can monitor and manage the feature’s activity. This level of user control promotes responsible energy consumption, which could lead to reduced utility costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
iPhone Clean Energy Charging Guide
Clean Energy Charging is an iOS feature that helps reduce your carbon footprint by charging your iPhone during times when your local energy grid is using cleaner, low‑carbon electricity sources.
Introduced in iOS 16.1 and still available in iOS 18 (2025), it’s on by default for U.S. users but can be turned off or customized.
1. How Clean Energy Charging Works
- When plugged in, your iPhone checks a forecast of your local energy grid’s carbon emissions.
- It schedules most charging for times when cleaner energy (solar, wind, hydro) is more available.
- Works best when your iPhone is charging for long periods (like overnight).
2. Requirements
- iPhone running iOS 16.1 or newer.
- Location Services enabled.
- Significant Locations turned on in Privacy settings.
- Feature is only available in the United States (as of 2025).
3. How to Turn Clean Energy Charging On or Off
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
- Toggle Clean Energy Charging on or off.
💡 Tip: If you turn it off, your iPhone will charge immediately without waiting for clean energy times.
4. How to Temporarily Override
If you need a full charge right away:
- Plug in your iPhone.
- On the Lock Screen, tap Charge Now when you see the “Clean Energy Charging” notification.
5. Benefits
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuels for charging.
- Contributes to lowering CO₂ emissions.
- Works automatically with no extra effort once enabled.
6. Potential Downsides
- Charging may be slower if you plug in at times when cleaner energy is not available.
- Not useful if you mostly charge in short bursts instead of long sessions.
7. Related Charging Features
- Optimized Battery Charging: Learns your routine to reduce battery wear.
- 80% Charging Limit: Extends battery lifespan by avoiding constant full charges.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones can charge in an eco-friendly way using clean energy charging.
- This feature charges the phone when carbon emissions are lower.
- Users have control over this feature to help the environment and possibly save on energy costs.
Understanding Clean Energy Charging
Clean Energy Charging is a feature designed to reduce the carbon footprint of iPhone charging by aligning with the cleaner energy production times of the local grid. Apple introduced this with iOS 16.1, aiming to make a positive environmental impact.
How Clean Energy Charging Works
When an iPhone is connected to a charger, the Clean Energy Charging feature assesses the local grid’s carbon emissions forecast. It schedules charging sessions for times when the grid is using lower carbon-emission electricity sources, like wind or solar power.
Compatibility and Support
This feature is compatible with iPhones running iOS 16.1 or later. As of now, Clean Energy Charging is available in the United States and is supported on iPhone 14 models and later.
Setting Up Clean Energy Charging
To enable Clean Energy Charging, go to the Settings app, select ‘Battery’, tap ‘Battery Health & Charging‘, and toggle on ‘Clean Energy Charging’. The feature is set as the default for new iPhones.
Optimizing Battery Health with Clean Energy Charging
By aligning charging times with cleaner energy sources, this feature works alongside ‘Optimized Battery Charging’. It helps in prolonging battery lifespan by reducing wear.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Apple ensures that location information used for forecasting the local energy grid emissions is handled with respect to users’ privacy. Location data processing is necessary for this feature to function properly.
Managing Energy Sources and Environmental Impact
Clean Energy Charging manages when an iPhone charges, focusing on times when the electricity is sourced from cleaner energy. This aids in reducing the overall carbon emissions associated with electricity use.
Leveraging Technology for Sustainability
Apple leverages forecasts from the local load balancing authority to determine cleaner energy times. Through this technology, users effortlessly contribute to sustainability by charging their phones.
User Interaction with Clean Energy Charging
Clean Energy Charging on iPhones helps manage charging times using forecasts of lower carbon emissions. This guidance supports users who wish to sustainably charge their devices based on local energy production cleanliness.
User Notifications and Controls
When iPhones with Clean Energy Charging are plugged in, a notification may appear. It alerts the user that the phone will charge during periods of cleaner energy production. Users can override this by selecting Charge Now on the lock screen. This immediate charging option adds convenience.
Understanding and Adjusting Clean Energy Charging Settings
Users can find Clean Energy Charging settings in the Settings app under Battery Health & Charging. The feature is on by default in the United States. For those who prefer standard charging, the feature’s toggle allows them to turn off Clean Energy Charging. This can be useful if the charging schedule suggested doesn’t fit the user’s needs.
Influencing User Charging Habits for Sustainability
By monitoring notifications, users can align their charging habits with times of cleaner energy availability. This practice promotes sustainability at home. The feature’s design nudges users towards eco-friendly habits. It also provides insight into how individual actions can contribute to a larger environmental impact.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Users may encounter issues like their iPhone not charging at expected times. First, check the Settings app to ensure location services are on, as they are needed for Clean Energy Charging to function properly. If interruptions persist, referencing Apple’s support documents or iCloud Shared Photo Library guidelines where troubleshooting topics are covered can be helpful.
