Opening Instagram for a quick scroll can sometimes lead to an unexpected surprise: a rapidly depleting battery. Many Android users have recently found themselves in this predicament, discovering that their beloved social media app is consuming an alarming amount of battery life, even with minimal usage. Google has now confirmed these suspicions, acknowledging that Instagram is indeed the culprit behind the excessive battery drain.
Reports emerging from Reddit and various tech forums have painted a clear picture of the issue long before the official acknowledgment. For instance, one user with a Samsung Galaxy A53 reported that Instagram accounted for a staggering 12.4% of their battery usage over just 54 minutes, while WhatsApp only used 2.4% in a comparable timeframe. Such a disparity raises eyebrows, especially given the similar screen-on durations of both applications.
In an effort to mitigate the problem, some users opted to revert to older versions of the Instagram app, only to encounter another issue: their devices began to overheat. Others found solace in switching to Instagram Lite, which resulted in significant improvements in battery performance, further supporting the notion that the main app was indeed at fault.
Google’s Response
In response to the growing concerns, Google issued an advisory titled “Battery drain on Android devices,” urging users to update their Instagram app. The recommended fix comes in the form of version 382.0.0.49.84, which has already begun rolling out. Early reports suggest that this update has effectively addressed the battery drain issue, with many users reporting a return to normal battery behavior following the update.
This incident is not an isolated one; earlier in 2024, Pixel phone users experienced similar battery-related challenges, underscoring a recurring theme of performance issues linked to app updates. It serves as a frustrating reminder of how background app behavior can profoundly affect user experience and highlights the importance of app optimization as a priority rather than an afterthought.
While the latest update offers a welcome relief, it also prompts further inquiries. What drives a social media app to be so demanding on resources? More critically, how can Android users safeguard their battery health without constantly being on the defensive?
For the time being, the solution is straightforward: ensure your Instagram app is updated if you haven’t done so already. However, it may be prudent to remain vigilant about which applications are consuming your battery life moving forward.
