Top 10 Ways to Fix Google Chrome Battery Drain on Android
Google Chrome is an excellent browser, but it can also be a battery hog at times, especially on Android devices. However, if you’re not ready to abandon your favorite browser just yet, this guide can help. Below, we share some quick and easy tips to fix the Google Chromebattery drain issue on Android. So, let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
1. Disable Automatic Sync
By default, Google Chrome for Android syncs all your browsing data, including bookmarks, passwords, payment information, and more. This can cause Chrome to consume battery even when you are not using the browser. You can try disabling the auto sync feature in Google Chrome to see if that reduces battery drain on your Android.
1.In Chrome, tap thekebab menu(three-dot icon) in the top right corner and selectSettings.
2.Tap onSync.
3.Disable the toggle next toSync everything. Then, clear all the checkboxes to prevent Chrome from syncing any data.
2. Close Unused Tabs
Do you have a habit of keeping too many tabs open? That could increase Chrome’s battery usage on Android as the browser tries to keep your tabs active.
To close unwanted tabs in Chrome, tap thesquareicon at the top. Then, tap theXicon in the top right corner of the tabs you want to close.
Another thing you can do is close Chrome completely once you are done using it. This will prevent Chrome from using any resources when you are not browsing. For that, long press on theGoogle Chromeapp icon and tap theinfoicon from the menu that appears.
Tap theForce stopoption at the bottom and hitOK.
3. Restrict Chrome’s Battery Usage
On Android, you can impose restrictions on apps to limit their battery usage. This essentially allows your Android to prevent an app from running in the background and draining your battery.
To restrict battery usage for Chrome, use these steps:
1.Long press on theGoogle Chromeapp icon and tap theinfoicon from the resulting menu.
2.Tap onBatteryand selectRestrictedfrom the following screen.
4. Prevent Chrome From Using Data in the Background
Disallowing background data usage for Chrome is another way to reduce its battery usage on Android. This trick will also help you save valuable mobile data.
1.Long press on theGoogle Chromeapp icon and tap theinfoicon from the menu that appears.
2.Tap onMobile dataand disable the toggle next toAllow background data usage.
5. Disable Page Preloading
Google Chrome has a feature that predicts and preloads web pages that you are likely to open. While this allows Chrome to speed up your browsing experience, it can have a negative impact on your phone’s battery life. Hence, it’s best to disable this feature, especially if you are using a faster internet connection.
1.In Google Chrome, tap thekebab menu(three-dot icon) in the top right to openSettings.
2.Tap onPrivacy and securityand selectPreload pages.
3.Select theNo preloadingoption.
6. Disable Google Discover
Google Discover on Android uses your browsing history in Chrome to provide personalized recommendations and news articles. Further, anylinks you open from Google Discoveralso open in Chrome.Several users on the forum reportedfixing Chrome’s battery drain issue by disabling Google Discover. You can also give this method a shot.
1.Open theGoogle appon your phone. Tap on yourprofile iconin the top right corner and selectSettings.
2.Tap onGeneraland disable the toggle next toDiscover.
7. Configure Location Permission for Chrome
Although Google Chrome only uses your location when you are using the app, allowingPrecise Location accesscan potentially cause the battery to drain faster. Here’s what you can do to prevent Chrome from using accurate location data on Android.
2.Tap onPermissions.
3.SelectLocationand disable the toggle next toPrecise Location. Alternatively, you’re able to prevent Chrome from using your location entirely by selectingDon’t allow.
8. Use Chrome in Dark Mode
When you use Chrome in dark mode, it allows your phone to turn off individual pixels on the display and reduce power consumption. This can help limit the battery drain caused by Chrome.
1.In Chrome, tap thekebab menu(three-dot icon) in the top right and selectSettings.
2.Scroll down to tap onThemeand selectDarkfrom the following menu.
9. Clear Browsing Data
Overwhelming or outdated cache data can also disrupt Google Chrome processes and cause it to consume more battery power than usual. you may trygetting rid of the existing browser datato see if that helps reduce battery drain on Android.
1.Open theSettingsmenu in Google Chrome.
2.Go toPrivacy and securityand selectClear Browsing Data.
3.Tap theTime rangedrop-down menu and selectAll time. Then, tick theCookies and site dataandCached images and filesoptions before hittingClear data.
10. Update or Reinstall Chrome
Google regularly pushes updates for Chrome to fix known issues and improve its performance. If the issue is caused by a buggy or outdated Chrome build, updating the app should help.
In case the problem persists even after that, there may be an issue with Chrome’s app data. In that case, you may try uninstalling Chrome updates and installing them again.
1.Long press onChrome’s appicon and tap theinfoicon to open its App info.
2.Tap thekebab menuin the top right corner and selectUninstall updates.
3.TapOKto confirm.
4.Head over to Play Store and search for Google Chrome. Then, tap theUpdatebutton to reinstall Chrome updates.
Avoid Battery Drain
Although Google Chrome is one of the most reliable web browsers around, it can be frustrating when it causes excessive battery drain on your Android. Hopefully, one of the fixes above has helped fix the issue and you are able to browse without worrying about battery life issues.
Pankil Shah
Pankil is a Civil Engineer by profession who started his journey as a writer back in 2016. He joined TechWiser in March 2021 as a freelance writer to cover buying guides, explainers, and tips & tricks for Android, iOS, Windows, and Web.
