Before we start: these fixes apply to most Android phones running Android 10 and above. The exact path to each setting varies slightly by manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, and OnePlus all have slightly different Settings menus — but the options exist on all of them under similar names.
1. Background App Refresh
Turn off background activity for apps you don't need constantly
Every app that has permission to run in the background is checking for updates, syncing data, or refreshing content — even when you're not using it. Most apps don't need this permission.
How to fix it:
Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Battery → Restricted
Set "Restricted" for apps like games, shopping apps, and social media you don't need to notify you instantly. Leave "Unrestricted" for messaging apps and email.
2. Always-On Display
Disable or schedule Always-On Display
Always-On Display (AOD) keeps a low-brightness clock and notifications visible when your screen is "off." It's convenient, but it can use 5–10% extra battery per day.
How to fix it:
Settings → Lock Screen → Always On Display
Either turn it off completely, or use the "Schedule" option to only activate it during hours you're awake and likely to glance at your phone.
3. Location Services — All the Time
Change app location access from "Always" to "While using"
Many apps request "Allow all the time" location access, but most don't need it. Weather apps, maps, and shopping apps can get your location when you open them — they don't need it 24/7.
How to fix it:
Settings → Location → App Permissions
Go through each app set to "Allow all the time" and switch it to "Allow only while using the app." GPS is one of the biggest battery consumers on any phone.
4. Bluetooth Scanning
Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi scanning when not needed
Even when Bluetooth is turned off, Android enables "Bluetooth scanning" by default to help apps detect nearby devices and improve location accuracy. Same with Wi-Fi scanning. Both drain battery silently.
How to fix it:
Settings → Location → Location Services
Turn off both "Wi-Fi scanning" and "Bluetooth scanning" unless you specifically rely on features that use them.
5. Hey Google / Wake Word Detection
Disable "Hey Google" detection when the screen is off
When voice match is enabled, your phone constantly listens for the wake word "Hey Google" — even when the screen is off and in your pocket. This is a continuous, low-level microphone activity that adds up over the day.
How to fix it:
Google app → Profile icon → Settings → Voice → Voice Match
Turn off "Unlock with Voice Match" and uncheck "While driving." You can still use Hey Google when the screen is on without always-on listening.
6. Auto-Sync for Accounts You Don't Use
Turn off auto-sync for old or unused accounts
Every Google account, email account, or social media account added to your phone syncs on a schedule — even accounts you haven't actively used in months. Each sync wakes the CPU briefly.
How to fix it:
Settings → Accounts → [Account Name] → Account sync
For accounts you don't need on your phone anymore, remove them. For accounts you want to keep but don't need constant updates from, disable auto-sync for specific data types like Calendars or Contacts.
7. Adaptive Connectivity
Review Wi-Fi and mobile data switching behaviour
Android's "Adaptive connectivity" feature switches between Wi-Fi and mobile data based on signal quality, and can automatically enable 5G when it detects you're doing something data-intensive. On older devices or areas with weak 5G, constantly searching for a 5G signal wastes significant battery.
How to fix it:
Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Preferred network type
If you're not in an area with consistent 5G coverage, switch from "5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto)" to "LTE/3G/2G" to stop your phone from constantly searching for 5G.
Summary
To recap the seven settings to check:
- Background App Refresh — restrict apps that don't need it
- Always-On Display — turn off or schedule it
- Location Services — switch from "Always" to "While using"
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi scanning — disable in Location Services
- Hey Google always-on listening — disable when screen is off
- Auto-sync for unused accounts — turn off or remove old accounts
- 5G auto-switching — switch to LTE-only in weak coverage areas
None of these changes will make your phone significantly less useful — they just stop your phone from doing unnecessary work in the background. Most people who make all seven changes see a 15–25% improvement in daily battery life.