Adaptive Battery Archives

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Google Pixel Ghost Apps Bug Plagues Models 7-10 in Android 16 Update

In late November 2025, Google Pixel users reported a "ghost app" issue where apps reopen without user intervention, affecting multiple models from Pixel 9 to Pixel 10. This problem has been linked to recent software updates and has been described as a systemic glitch. Users also reported "ghost touches" on older models like the Pixel 7, where screens register inputs without contact. Complaints include apps struggling to stay closed, overheating, and inconsistent performance, with theories suggesting bugs in Android 16 and issues with the Pixel's Tensor chips. A botched privacy update may have exacerbated the problem by throttling background processes. The ongoing reliability challenges have led to a significant erosion of user trust in the Pixel brand.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Own an Android phone? 12 settings I changed to greatly extend its battery life

Many users seek to extend battery life on Android devices, especially budget models. Here are twelve settings that can enhance battery performance: 1. Turn off the always-on display to improve battery life. 2. Enable Adaptive Battery to optimize resource management based on usage patterns. 3. Activate Battery Saver mode to limit background activity and visual effects. 4. Switch to dark mode to reduce energy consumption on OLED displays. 5. Adjust display brightness and sleep time to enhance battery longevity. 6. Remove unused accounts to prevent background syncing that drains battery. 7. Turn off keyboard sounds and haptics to conserve energy. 8. Reduce notifications to limit background activity that drains battery. 9. Turn off "Hey Google" detection to prevent unnecessary battery drain. 10. Reduce the screen's refresh rate to improve battery performance. 11. Turn off unused wireless features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location services. 12. Use low-power mode to limit background activity and reduce screen brightness in critical situations.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Android Battery Woes Might Finally Be Over—Thanks to This Quiet Change

Google announced an updated Play Store policy on November 10 that will introduce new performance checks for developers, focusing on monitoring excessive partial wake locks. Apps that maintain screen-on time beyond two hours or exhibit excessive wake locks will lose visibility in the Play Store, being demoted in listings and labeled for excessive power consumption. This policy aims to enhance app performance and battery management on Android devices and is set to take effect on March 1, 2026, coinciding with the rollout of Android 17. Google will also provide developers with access to performance metrics to help them improve their apps. Additionally, the adaptive battery system in Android restricts power to infrequently used apps, and Android 15 introduces advanced background restrictions and a more intelligent doze mode.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

How the Android background power tax would have worked

Google proposed an initiative called the Android Resource Economy, which aimed to manage power consumption on Android devices by requiring applications to pay for the battery power they used while operating in the background. This system would have tracked credits for each app based on user engagement and system regulations, with apps receiving an initial balance and a basic income while charging. A mechanism called the Action Bill would calculate the cost of launching actions based on anticipated screen duration, preventing apps with insufficient credits from operating. Core services and active applications would be exempt from these restrictions, and a solvent limit tied to the user's battery level would oversee device energy availability. The initiative was intended to encourage efficient power usage but was ultimately shelved before realization. Despite this, Android continues to evolve its power management strategies, incorporating features like Adaptive Battery and usage-based app restrictions. Developers are encouraged to prioritize efficient power usage through various practices.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

How to Stop Android Battery Optimization from Killing Apps

Users and developers managing Android devices must navigate the balance between battery life and app functionality. Android's aggressive power-saving features can mute notifications or suspend background processes, leading to a state known as “sleeping.” To maintain app functionality, users can exempt specific applications from battery optimization through the Settings app under “Battery” or “Apps & notifications.” This feature, introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows apps to operate seamlessly in the background. For example, disabling sleep mode for essential apps like WhatsApp can prevent missed notifications. Samsung's Adaptive Battery is particularly aggressive, often pushing unused apps into a “deep sleep” state after a few days, which can disrupt vital functions. Users may need to manually exempt applications in Samsung’s “Device care” settings. Other manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi impose similar restrictions, while Google’s stock Android offers more straightforward adjustments. Developers can incorporate foreground services or request permissions like “android.permission.WAKE_LOCK” to keep apps awake, balancing user privacy and battery health. Android’s Doze mode activates during inactivity and organizes background tasks into maintenance windows, but apps can request exemptions. Monitoring battery usage statistics can help identify problematic apps. In enterprise environments, tools like Ivanti’s mobile device management can automate these settings. Combining exemptions with notification settings ensures that apps remain active, although blanket exemptions may lead to faster battery depletion. The dynamic between operating system efficiency and app demands continues to evolve, particularly with Android 14’s enhanced foreground service requirements.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

New Windows 11 trick will improve your Galaxy Book’s battery life

Microsoft is testing a new feature called Adaptive Battery Saver Mode for Windows 11 devices, which adjusts battery usage based on workload rather than just battery level. Unlike traditional Energy Saver mode, it maintains screen brightness and allows background tasks to continue without interruption. This feature is currently being tested in the Canary Channel under build number 27898, and if successful, it will be rolled out to all Windows 11 devices. The development coincides with advancements in power-efficient processors from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm, aimed at improving battery performance in Windows laptops.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

How to stop Android apps running in the background

Experiencing unexpected battery drain on Android devices can be caused by background apps. To manage these apps and alleviate battery issues, users can activate the Adaptive Battery feature by navigating to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > Adaptive Battery and toggling it on. Regular updates for both the Android system and applications can improve battery performance. Users can check for Android updates in Settings > System > Software updates and for app updates in the Google Play Store under Manage apps & device. To monitor battery usage, users can go to Settings > Battery > Battery usage to identify which apps consume the most power. For RAM usage, enabling Developer options allows users to see which apps are using memory by going to Settings > About phone > Build number (tap seven times) > System > Developer options > Running services. Users can stop or uninstall background apps by navigating to Settings > Apps > See all apps, selecting the app, and choosing to force stop or uninstall it. To limit background activity for specific apps, users can enable "Pause app activity if unused" or toggle off "Allow background usage" in the app's battery usage settings. Some manufacturers offer built-in options for managing background apps, and third-party apps like Greenify can also help. Common battery-draining apps include social media and streaming services.