Dortmund – Smartphone users are facing a familiar frustration: rapidly draining batteries, even with minimal use. A recent report by RUHR24 highlights five applications – Google Maps, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat – as significant contributors to this issue, continuously accessing the internet and consuming power in the background.
The problem stems from these apps’ persistent activity, even when not actively used. WhatsApp constantly checks for new messages, while Instagram and Facebook load content in the background. Google Maps continually updates location data. This constant connectivity drains battery life, often without the user’s awareness.
Hama, a technology accessory manufacturer, points to push notifications as another hidden drain on battery power. Each notification appearing on the smartphone’s screen requires energy. Samsung has explained that background apps regularly perform checks to see if their status has changed, consuming both power and data.
Users can identify battery-draining apps through their phone’s settings. On Android devices, this information is found under “Settings” > “Battery” > “Battery Usage.” iPhone users can find similar data under “Settings” > “Battery.”
To mitigate battery drain, several steps can be taken. Deactivating push notifications for non-essential apps is a key recommendation. Users can also restrict or disable background app refresh within their phone’s settings. Samsung suggests utilizing “deep standby” mode, which prevents apps from running in the background unless actively in use, significantly conserving energy.
Beyond app settings, regularly reviewing and deleting unused applications can also improve battery life, freeing up storage and reducing overall energy consumption, according to Vattenfall, an energy provider.
Karolin Stevelmans, Service Editor at RUHR24, has focused on consumer advice and practical tips, including gardening and supermarket deals. She began her work with RUHR24 in January 2022, progressing from a student worker to a volunteer and, since 2024, to her current leadership role. Her work also appears on platforms like Frankfurter Rundschau, Münchner Merkur, and HNA.
