My battery life is decreasing fast (12% in half an hour) and all i've done is browse the home screen. Is this down to the IOS5 update? Anyone else with 3GS noticed similar?

Actually no, but it's really early days of course. Just had a very minor play around with the home screen, and half an hour later the battery is still 100%. With the update there's all sorts of push / backup options, I did think at the time some of these could be a battery drain. Maybe this iCloud backup (which I think I have off) is a culprit?

This happens after every major update as more features are added. I would try turning off things you don't use like notifications you don't need. Also turn off location services for apps you don't want, also check Ping, and Twitter etc.

I did feel that my 3GS battery was being vapourised at the start after iOS5. But after i turned off silly things like iCould and excessive notifications on some apps (games apps especially!), its dramatically improved.

I've done all this guys and my battery is still draining

Try allowing to battery to run completely down so that phone switches off. The charge it back up to 100%. Batteries in phones these days need to be allowed to drain 100% once a month or so to keep optimum performance. So I hear anyway. Had my 3GS three years now and its still running battery like new.

How long have you had your 3GS may i ask?

2 years this month. How do you completly disable iCloud on the phone? I've been into settings and turned everything on iCloud off from there but do I have to delete the account or something?

Ahh in that case there is two options. You can upgrade or buy a new iPhone. Or you could try taking the phone to Apple if the problem persists and have them check the battery. If its running at under 50% capacity I believe they will consider replacing the battery for a fee, don't think its laods though, you may even be able to get a cheaper price if you mention that iOS5 is the core problem.

Sorry i couldn't be more help.

I'm getting this, but the battery in my 3GS is clapped out anyway.

I'm having to charge it 3 times a day.

After 20-24 months, my 3GS battery deteriorated rapidly and become unreliable for day to day activity (I tried various apps to extend the battery life and turning off push notifications, etc). Ultimately I decided to save £60-80 by replacing the battery myself. The link below details my 3GS battery replacement experience:
- What battery and tools I ordered
- Link to web guides and tutorials I used for the DIY
- Tips and problems I encountered

Hope you find it useful if you are fed up with constantly recharging and decide to DIY battery replacement

http://pangosworld.blogspot.co.uk/20...placement.html