The short answer
Open Settings › Battery › Battery usage to see which apps use the most power, and restrict background use for the worst offenders. Turn on Adaptive Battery and use Battery Saver when you need it. Lower screen brightness and timeout, update Android and your apps, and restart your phone.
If your Android phone used to last all day and now needs charging by lunch, an app or setting is usually to blame. Android records exactly what’s using power, so start there.
Menu names vary between phone makers. Steps follow Google’s guidance for Pixel and stock Android; Samsung names are noted.
Step 1: See what’s using the battery
- Open Settings › Battery.
- Tap Battery usage. (On Samsung: Settings › Battery or Battery and device care › Battery, then view usage details.)
- Look for apps that use a lot of power, especially ones you didn’t use much.
Step 2: Restrict background use for heavy apps
- In the battery usage list, tap the app.
- Choose Restricted or turn off Allow background usage (wording varies).
This stops the app from running in the background. Messaging apps may deliver notifications later if restricted, so use this for apps that don’t need to work in the background.
Step 3: Turn on Adaptive Battery and Battery Saver
- Adaptive Battery learns which apps you use least and limits them. Find it in Settings › Battery (on Pixel, under Battery Saver or Adaptive preferences).
- Battery Saver reduces background activity and visual effects. Turn it on from Quick Settings or Settings › Battery › Battery Saver. Samsung calls it Power saving.
Step 4: Adjust the screen
- Lower brightness or turn on Adaptive brightness in Settings › Display.
- Set a shorter Screen timeout, such as 30 seconds.
- Use Dark theme, which saves power on phones with OLED screens.
Step 5: Check location, sync and notifications
- In Settings › Location, review which apps have access and set them to Allow only while using the app where possible.
- Turn off sync for accounts you don’t need in real time.
- Turn off notifications you don’t need. Each one wakes the phone.
Step 6: Update and restart
- Update Android in Settings › System › Software update (see how to update Android).
- Update apps in the Google Play Store.
- Restart your phone to clear stuck processes.
Step 7: Watch signal and heat
Weak mobile signal makes your phone work harder. On Wi-Fi, use it instead of mobile data when you can. Keep your phone out of heat: high temperatures drain the battery faster and wear it out.
Related guides
If an app keeps misbehaving, clearing its cache can help. It’s also worth installing the latest Android update, since updates often include battery fixes.
The bottom line
Check Settings › Battery › Battery usage first, restrict the apps that drain power in the background, and turn on Adaptive Battery. If battery life is still poor after updates and a restart, the battery itself may need replacing.
Frequently asked questions
Why do “Android System” or “Google Play services” use battery?
They handle things like syncing, location and notifications for many apps. Some usage is normal. Unusually high usage often drops after a restart or an update.
Will restricting an app's background use break it?
It can delay notifications or syncing for that app. Restrict apps that don't need to work in the background, like games or shopping apps, rather than messaging apps.
When is it time to replace the battery?
If your phone shuts down suddenly at a high percentage, gets hot while idle, or battery life is much worse even after these fixes, the battery may be worn out. Contact your manufacturer or an authorized repair center.
Why you can trust this guide
- Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 2 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
- Checked and dated. Last checked on November 10, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
- Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
- Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.
Sources
This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.
