How to Block Apps Consuming Too Much Battery on Android and iOS

Not all apps are created equal in terms of consumption. Some require intensive use of the CPU, GPU, data network, and location services; others remain active in the background to sync content or send notifications. Among the most power-hungry are often social networks, 3D games, streaming apps, and GPS navigation. Faulty bugs or updates can also trigger activity loops that drain battery percentages in minutes.

How to Identify Apps Consuming the Most on Android

1. Open Settings > Battery (on some brands, Battery and performance).
2. Tap Battery usage to see the list of apps ordered by consumption.
3. Select an app to analyze details (foreground use, background time, CPU activity).
4. Also check Network & Internet > Data usage to verify anomalous background traffic.

Tip: High consumption with little “screen time” often indicates that the app is working too hard in the background.

Block or Limit Power-Hungry Apps on Android

• Limit background activity: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Battery > Limit background activity (or Optimize).
• Revoke background data: Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage > [App Name] > Background data OFF.
• Standby/Adaptive apps: Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery (enable to automatically move apps to less permissive buckets).
• Uninstall or disable apps you don’t use; every app less means one less process.
• Power saving mode: reduces refresh rates and synchronizations; useful when the charge drops below 20-30%.
• Location permissions: Settings > Privacy > Location > [App Name] > Only while using the app.

Notes for Specific Brands

• Samsung (One UI): Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Background usage limits.
• Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI/HyperOS): Settings > Battery > Scenes or profiles; also check Autostart in Apps.
• OPPO/realme/OnePlus: Settings > Battery > Advanced optimization / App startup management.
• Pixel (Pure Android): Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery Management and App Optimization.

How to Identify Power-Hungry Apps on iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open Settings > Battery.
2. Scroll down to Battery Usage by App.
3. Tap the clock icon to view On Screen and Background times.
4. Note apps with high consumption and significant background time.

Tip: An app with low screen time but high battery consumption is the ideal candidate to limit.

Block or Limit Apps on iOS

• Disable Background App Refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Off or Wi-Fi Only.
• Targeted Location: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > [App Name] > While Using the App or Never; disable Precise Location if not essential.
• Less intrusive notifications: Settings > Notifications > [App Name] > consider turning off Banners/Sounds or enabling Scheduled Summary.
• Low Power Mode: Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode (or from Control Center).
• Mail: Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data > use Manually or less frequent intervals instead of Push.

Best Practices for Extending Battery Life

• Update system and apps regularly: updates often fix abnormal consumption.
• Brightness: use automatic or reduce the slider; on OLED/AMOLED, enable dark themes.
• Connectivity: prefer Wi-Fi over mobile data; turn off Bluetooth/GPS when not needed.
• Widgets and Live Activities: keep only a few necessary ones; they update frequently in the background.
• Synchronizations: limit backups/photo libraries/drives to Wi-Fi Only.
• Optimized charging: enable Optimized Battery Charging on iOS and similar features on Android to preserve battery health.

Useful Apps for Monitoring

Android: AccuBattery, GSam Battery Monitor provide estimates of residual capacity, charging cycles, and alerts for abnormal consumption. iOS: built-in statistics are reliable; third-party apps have system-imposed limitations but can send reminders and suggestions.

When the Problem is System-Related (and How to Solve It)

• Restart: simple but often effective after major updates.
• Check battery health: on iOS: Settings > Battery > Battery Health; on Android, use diagnostic apps or manufacturer tools.
• Reset network settings / app preferences: useful for connectivity or permission bugs.
• Factory reset (after backup) if consumption remains abnormal.
• Service: if maximum capacity is very low or the battery is swollen, contact an authorized service center.

Quick Checklist (TL;DR)

• Check the Battery Usage list and identify problematic apps.
• On Android: limit background activity and data, enable Adaptive Battery.
• On iOS: disable Background App Refresh, optimize location and notifications.
• Reduce brightness, use dark themes, prefer Wi-Fi, update frequently.
• If the problem persists: check battery health, perform targeted resets, or seek service.

Conclusion

Limiting apps that consume too much battery is the quickest way to regain autonomy without sacrifices. With a few taps, you can prevent apps from working when they’re not needed, keep your smartphone responsive, and reduce the need for daily recharges.