Google is implementing a significant overhaul in the Google Play Store aimed at addressing the issue of Android apps that excessively drain device batteries. The tech giant has introduced new regulations that require developers to minimize unnecessary background activities and adhere to stricter guidelines regarding how frequently their applications can wake devices, access system resources, or execute hidden tasks. Non-compliant apps will face warnings on their Play Store listings, and their visibility may be limited within the digital marketplace.
For Android users experiencing rapid battery depletion, this initiative marks a pivotal moment as Google takes decisive steps against apps responsible for significant power loss. Users will soon be able to identify any applications flagged with warnings in the Play Store, allowing them to make informed decisions about uninstalling these power-hungry programs in favor of more efficient alternatives. The overarching aim is clear: to reduce unexplained battery drains, extend battery life, and ensure a more reliable performance across Android devices.
If your Android phone’s battery has been draining faster than it should, Google is finally stepping in to control apps that cause excessive power loss by putting warnings in place |
Google’s new warnings will come into effect when an app exceeds what the company refers to as a “bad behaviour threshold.” Applications that cross this line will see their prominence within the Android ecosystem diminished, potentially affecting their visibility in recommended apps and discovery features. This initiative represents Google’s initial move in a broader strategy aimed at enhancing transparency regarding how applications utilize device resources.
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The new measurement system, known as “excessive partial wake locks,” monitors the duration for which apps keep devices awake while the screen is off. Developed in collaboration with Samsung, this metric has been in testing since April 14, 2025. When using an app, the system tracks partial wake locks that prevent the device from entering sleep mode during background operations. Usage is assessed both per session and cumulatively over a 28-day period. If any single session records more than two hours of non-exempt wake locks within a 24-hour timeframe, it is classified as excessive.
Google will measure apps through technical quality metrics to see if they’re excessively draining an Android device |
The threshold for problematic behavior is set at 5% of total user sessions within a 28-day span. Applications that exceed this limit will trigger notifications on the developers’ Android Vitals dashboard. Developers are required to rectify these issues by March 1, 2026, to retain their apps’ status on the Play Store. This policy compels software creators to optimize their applications, promptly eliminate unnecessary wake locks, and carefully evaluate third-party libraries and software development kits (SDKs) that may contribute to battery drain.
The Google Play Store is an online marketplace where Android users can discover, download, and update apps, games, movies, books, and other digital content |
Google has emphasized that this initiative is the first in a series of new metrics designed to provide deeper insights into app resource utilization, ultimately enhancing the user experience across the Android ecosystem. While the primary focus is on improving battery performance rather than identifying malicious software, the company acknowledges the importance of app security. “App security is a top priority on Google Play. However, the primary intent of this metric is to level up battery performance and technical quality to better our users’ experience,” Google stated. They further clarified that the metric targets “bad behaviour” related to excessive resource consumption, regardless of whether an app is deemed malicious. By enforcing these thresholds, Google aims to identify and take action against apps that misuse system resources without delivering value to users, although the primary goal is not to combat malware.
