Is your Google Pixel battery draining fast? Here's what to do

⚡ Fast fix

• Check battery usage. Go to Settings > Battery to spot apps draining power.
• Dim it down. A bright screen is one of the biggest battery drains on a Pixel™ phone.
• Background apps add up. Close apps you aren't using and limit background activity where possible.
• Turn on Battery Saver. It reduces power-hungry features to help your battery last longer.

---

Whether you're going to the beach for a summer vacation or visiting family for the holidays, bringing a phone with battery trouble is a bummer. It makes your device unreliable when you're trying to capture life's precious moments—like your daughter's first steps. Or that time your uncle passed out and got a weird sunburn in the shape of a squid.

The good news: We can help. Asurion is your one-stop shop for troubleshooting and fixing your tech, especially if you're thinking about replacing a phone battery. Here's how to know when to swap out the battery on your Google Pixel™—and some tips to keep your device working at its best.

When should you replace your Google Pixel battery?

Your Pixel is supposed to work when you need it to, but as your device ages, your battery might need to be replaced. Don't worry, it's usually an inexpensive repair that can extend the life of your device significantly.

Here are some signs your Pixel may need a new battery.

Your Pixel has a shorter battery life

If you've noticed your phone's battery doesn't last as long as it used to on a full charge, chances are it's your battery. The average lifespan of a Pixel battery is 18–24 months, and they can last around 72 hours on a full charge (with battery saving mode turned on). If your phone is a few years old and the charge doesn't last that long anymore, that's a pretty good indicator you should consider a battery replacement.

Your Pixel is constantly overheating

Overheating is a cry for help, and it can be the death of any device—the Pixel is no exception. So if you get a message that says your Pixel is overheating before it turns itself off, that's a sign your phone is working way too hard and needs a new battery

Your Pixel suddenly shuts down

When screaming for help doesn't work, your Pixel will just pass out—er, shut down randomly. It's yet another sign that your battery is probably the issue.

Your Pixel won't stay on without a charger

Being tethered to your charging cable defeats the point of being mobile. That cord does more than give you horrible flash backs to days of rotary phones and dial up. When you have to connect your Pixel to a charger to get it to turn on—and stay on—it's a sign that your battery is essentially on life support.

Bulging battery

Consider this a code red—and no, we don't mean the soda. A bulging battery is a safety hazard as it could catch fire and explode. When your phone's lithium-ion battery ages, the chemical reactions inside it aren't finishing the full cycle needed to make power. Because the process stops halfway, there's a build-up that can cause the battery to swell.

If your battery is swollen, don't connect your Pixel to the charger and don't try to turn it on. The safest option is to take your device to a local tech repair shop immediately.

How to extend the life of your Google Pixel battery

Close out of background apps

Apps can drain your battery even if you aren't actively using them. So close out of them when you're done. Conserving mobile background data is a fantastic way to stretch your uptime. To turn off background app data, tap Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver.

To see which specific apps are pulling the most power, open Settings > Battery > Battery usage, and change the drop-down filter layout to View by apps.If you notice a particular app running amok, tap its icon name on this list, select App battery usage, and ensure it is set to Optimized or Restricted to keep it on a tight power leash.

You can also see which apps take up the most of your battery life by opening Settings > Battery > Battery Usage.

Avoid extreme temperatures

Extremely hot and cold temperatures can degrade the internal components of your battery, shortening its lifespan.

Turn On Battery Optimization for high usage apps

Some apps require more energy to run. Open your Settings app, and head to Battery > Battery usage. Tap each app to check its usage and make sure Battery Optimization is turned on.

Make sure your phone and apps are up to date

When outdated software is working harder, not smarter, you'll definitely notice it with your battery. Check out our guide on how to keep your phone's software up to date.

Turn on the Adaptive Battery feature

The Adaptive Battery setting prioritizes the apps you use over the ones you don't. You can turn on that feature by:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Battery > Battery Saver.
3. Select Adaptive Battery and switch the toggle ON.

Turn on the Adaptive Charging feature

Adaptive Charging makes sure your device doesn't overcharge, which can wear out your battery over time. To turn it on, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Battery > Battery health.
3. Select Charging optimization and turn the master toggle switch ON.
4. Tap the selection bubble for Adaptive Charging. (This intelligently pauses your phone at an 80% charge threshold overnight, filling the remaining 20% exactly one hour before your morning alarm rings to minimize chemical internal hardware wear).

Turn on the Adaptive Connectivity feature

Adaptive Connectivity is a feature that tracks your network usage and automatically switches between 5G and 4G to help save your battery life. Here's how to use that setting:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet.
3. Select Adaptive connectivity, and tap Adaptive connectivity on the next page to turn it on.