Smartphone batteries are under siege. A recent study from telecommunications and network company Elevate, which analyzed user habits to pinpoint the apps placing the heaviest strain on devices, shows that the average phone now requires daily charging, a sharp decline from 2019 when most phones lasted about 1.5 days between charges.
The culprit? Both heavy usage and relentless background activity. Elevate examined factors like average screen time, data usage, battery consumption per hour and background processes to calculate monthly battery usage for the most popular apps. The results might surprise you: it’s not just your video-streaming marathons that are draining your phone. It’s apps running quietly in the background as well.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 battery-draining apps according to Elevate:
1. Netflix
The ultimate power hog. Users spend 60 hours a month streaming content, which consumes 1500% of a full battery charge. Add 13 hours of background processes and Netflix easily tops the list.
2. TikTok
While slightly less hungry than Netflix, TikTok still drains 825% of a battery per month. Users spend 33 hours on the app, with background processes running almost 10 hours.
3. YouTube
At 540% monthly battery use, YouTube pulls about 20% of charge per hour of viewing and adds around 6–7 hours of background activity.
4. Threads
With 460% battery usage, Threads runs 6.9 hours of background processes monthly, making it a stealthy energy drainer.
5. Snapchat
320% of battery consumed each month, with about half of that coming from background activity while users check in for an average of 16 hours.
6. CapCut
The fastest energy drain per hour (30% per hour) but minimal background activity. Users spend 10 hours a month editing videos, totaling 300% battery consumption.
7. Instagram
Similar to CapCut at 300%, but more frequent use (15 hours) and 4.5 hours of background processes add to the toll.
8. Facebook
270% battery usage per month, with background activity adding nearly 6 hours.
9. Spotify
Surprisingly, Spotify consumes only 5% of battery per active hour, but its 13.5 hours of background activity make it one of the stealthiest drains at 225% monthly battery use.
10. ChatGPT
200% monthly battery consumption, with 20% of charge lost per hour of active use.
A spokesperson from Elevate emphasized the hidden drain of background processes: “While users focus on active streaming or video editing, apps like Spotify continue consuming significant battery even when you’re not actively listening, highlighting the importance of managing background app refresh settings for optimal battery performance.”
Tips for Preserving Your Smartphone Battery
-
Manage background activity: Turn off background app refresh for non-essential apps, especially streaming and social media platforms.
-
Limit screen time per app: Tracking usage helps identify energy-hungry apps and encourages healthier habits.
-
Enable battery saver mode: Most devices reduce background processes and limit notifications to extend life.
-
Update apps and software: Developers often release updates to optimize battery usage.
-
Adjust display settings: Lower brightness or enable auto-brightness, and reduce screen timeout duration.
-
Uninstall or replace high-drain apps: If an app is rarely used but consumes significant energy, consider alternatives.
-
Carry a portable charger: Even with careful battery management, heavy app use or unexpected situations can leave your phone dead at crucial moments. A portable charger ensures you’re never left powerless, whether you’re traveling, commuting, or simply away from a power outlet for an extended period.
By understanding which apps are secretly draining your battery, managing usage, and keeping a portable charger handy, you can reclaim hours of smartphone life and avoid being tethered to the charger every day.
