For many Android users, the struggle with battery life is an all-too-familiar tale, particularly for those utilizing non-flagship devices where battery capacity often falls short. The scenario is a common trope in films and television: a character, in a moment of desperation, discovers their phone teetering on the brink of shutdown with just 1% battery remaining. This frustrating experience is not just fiction; it can happen to anyone.
To tackle this issue, identifying which apps are responsible for excessive battery drain is essential. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you uncover the culprits.
How to check for battery-draining apps
What you need: A modern Android phone is all you need to get started. This guide will utilize a Pixel 9 Pro running Android 15, but the process is similar for devices dating back to the Pixel 6 Pro. Depending on your device and operating system, you may need to adjust the steps slightly.
Begin by navigating to the Settings app on your device. From there, select the Battery option.
In the Battery section, tap on Battery Usage. This will lead you to a screen displaying your remaining battery life along with various configuration options.
Within the Battery Usage window, you will see a list of installed apps along with the percentage of battery they have consumed over the past 24 hours. If you spot an app that is using a significant amount of battery, consider taking action: close it from the App Overview, stop it by tapping the app’s listing and selecting Force Stop, check for updates, or uninstall it if necessary.
For those apps that show double-digit battery usage, it’s wise to investigate further. Such high consumption can often indicate an underlying issue, which may be resolved by simply closing the app or restarting your device. If the problem persists after these steps, it might be time to uninstall the app altogether.
How to force stop an app
If you are using an older version of Android, while still in the Battery Usage window, tap on the app you suspect is draining your battery. You will see several options, including Force Stop.
By selecting Force Stop, you can effectively close the app. For older Android versions, you also have the option to configure the app for Optimized Battery Usage, which is highly recommended. Most apps are already set to optimize battery usage, but you can enable this feature for individual apps if needed.
In more recent Android versions, the setup has shifted, allowing you to enable or disable background usage for apps. This can be managed through Settings > Apps > [App Name]. Here, you can toggle the switch to Off, preventing the app from running in the background and conserving battery life. However, keep in mind that disabling background usage means the app will not receive real-time updates, which may be crucial for certain applications like email or messaging clients.
By following these steps, you can monitor your Android apps’ battery consumption effectively. This proactive approach will help you identify rogue apps that may be draining your battery too quickly, allowing you to extend the time between charges.
