Google says updating Instagram app will fix Android battery drain issue
Many users have noticed that the app has been consuming an unusually large chunk of battery life.
So, you open Instagram to catch up on a few reels, and suddenly your battery percentage is nosediving, even though you’ve barely used your Android phone. Well, you’re not alone.
Many users have noticed that the app has been consuming an unusually large chunk of battery life, even during light usage. And now, Google has confirmed it: Instagram was indeed behind the excessive battery drain on Android devices.
Reports from Reddit and tech forums highlighted the issue well before the confirmation. One Samsung Galaxy A53 user noted that Instagram gobbled up 12.4% of their battery during just 54 minutes of use, compared to WhatsApp’s 2.4% during a similar session. That’s a massive difference for two apps with similar screen-on times.
In an attempt to fix the issue, some users reverted to older versions of the Instagram app, only to find their phones heating up instead. Others switched to Instagram Lite and saw immediate improvements in battery life, adding weight to the theory that the main app was at fault.
Google finally responded with an advisory titled “Battery drain on Android devices,” recommending users update their Instagram app. The fix? Version 382.0.0.49.84, which has already started rolling out. According to new reports, this update seems to have resolved the issue, with users noticing normal battery behaviour post-update.
This isn’t the first time Instagram has caused battery headaches. Earlier in 2024, Pixel phone owners also experienced similar problems, highlighting a recurring theme: performance issues tied to app updates. It’s a frustrating reminder of how background app behaviour can significantly impact user experience and why app optimisation should never be an afterthought.
While the latest update brings relief, it also raises questions. Why does a social media app need to be so resource-hungry in the first place? And more importantly, how can Android users protect their battery health without constantly playing defence?
For now, the solution is simple: update Instagram if you haven’t already. But going forward, it might be worth keeping an eye on which apps are sipping your battery.
David Adubiina
