ByIf your Android smartphone’s battery is draining quickly and Google Maps is showing up at the top of your battery usage, this problem is common, but the solution is quite simple. Here, we’ll explain in detail how to fix Google Maps battery drain, including which settings to change, which permissions to disable, and which features to optimize to improve your battery life.
The Root Causes of Google Maps Battery Drain
Google Maps is a highly intensive app that constantly uses GPS, the internet, background location, and screen-on time. Below are the main causes:
- Background Location Access Always On
- Use of High Accuracy GPS Mode
- Continuous Mobile Data/WiFi Syncing
- Live Location Sharing in the Background
- Auto Downloaded Offline Maps
- Outdated App Version
Now let’s get straight to the solution.
1. Restrict Background Location Access
Google Maps often tracks location in the background, causing battery drain.
How to:
1. Open Settings
2. Go to Apps > Google Maps
3. Select Permissions > Location
4. Instead of “Allow all the time,” select “Allow only while using the app.”
This setting is the most effective way to save battery.
2. Optimize Location Accuracy Mode
High Accuracy Mode uses all three modes: GPS, WiFi, and Mobile Data.
To make the change:
1. Settings > Location
2. Open Location Services
3. Turn off Location Accuracy
Turn it on only during navigation, and off the rest of the time.
3. Enable Battery Optimization
Android has a battery optimization option for every app.
Steps:
1. Settings > Battery
2. Open Battery Usage or App Battery Usage
3. Select Google Maps
4. Choose the Restricted or Optimize option.
This will limit background activity.
4. Turn off Live Location Sharing
If you’ve shared your live location with someone, Maps will continue to use GPS and the internet.
To turn this off:
1. Open Google Maps
2. Tap the Profile icon
3. Go to Location Sharing
4. Turn off all active sharing
5. Manage Offline Maps
Offline maps auto-update, which consumes both battery and data.
Solution:
1. Open Google Maps
2. Profile > Offline Maps
3. Turn off Auto Update
4. Delete old maps
6. Clear the Google Maps cache
Excessive cache data can cause both battery drain and app slowness.
How to:
1. Settings > Apps > Google Maps
2. Storage
3. Clear Cache
(Clear data only if necessary)
7. Keep the app updated or reinstall it
Outdated versions can cause battery drain.
Open the Play Store
Search for Google Maps
Update if an update is available.
If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the app.
Also read: How to Find Hidden Apps on Samsung Phones?
8. Enable Dark Mode
Dark Mode saves battery on phones with OLED screens.
How to enable it:
1. Open Google Maps
2. Profile Icon > Settings
3. Theme
4. Select Always in Dark Theme
9. Restrict Background Data
Maps continues to sync data in the background.
Steps:
1. Settings > Apps > Google Maps
2. Mobile Data & WiFi
3. Turn Off Background Data
10. Keep Screen Timeout Low
The screen remains on continuously during navigation.
Settings > Display
Keep Screen Timeout Low
Only keep the screen on when needed during navigation.
Advanced Optimization Techniques
Limit Background Processes from Developer Options
1. Settings > About Phone
2. Tap Build Number 7 times
3. Open Developer Options
4. Set the Background Process Limit Low
Enable the Adaptive Battery Feature
Android’s Adaptive Battery feature learns app usage through AI.
Settings > Battery
Turn on Adaptive Battery
Battery Saver Mode During Navigation
If the battery is low, turn on Battery Saver Mode during navigation.
Settings > Battery Saver
Enable
Google Maps Battery Drain – Quick Fix Checklist
- Set Location to “While Using App”
- Enable Battery Optimization
- Live Location Sharing Off
- Offline Map Auto Update Off
- Cache Clear
- Dark Mode On
- Background Data Off
When to Know the Problem is Serious?
If:
The phone is overheating
The battery is dropping 20-30% in 1 hour
The battery is draining even when Google Maps is not being used
Then it could be a system-level or battery health issue. In these cases:
Update the phone software
Factory reset (with a backup)
Get a battery health check
Conclusion
We’ve explained how to permanently fix Google Maps’ battery-draining problem on Android. By setting the right permission settings, optimizing battery usage, controlling location, and managing background data, you can see significant improvements in your phone’s battery life.
After implementing all these methods, most users see a 20% to 40% improvement in battery life. Regularly updating apps and disabling unnecessary features are the most important steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Google Maps Draining Battery on Android
1. Why is Google Maps draining my Android battery so quickly?
Google Maps constantly uses GPS, mobile data, WiFi, and background location. If Location is set to “Allow all the time” or Live Location Sharing is on, the battery drains faster.
2. Is it necessary to uninstall Google Maps?
No, uninstalling is not necessary. First, Enable Battery Optimization, Restrict Background Location, and Clear the Cache. This is sufficient in most cases.
3. What should be the best location setting for Google Maps?
Keep the Location Permission set to “Allow only while using the app”. This will only allow the app to use GPS during use.
4. Does High Accuracy Mode consume more battery?
Yes, in High Accuracy Mode, all three GPS + WiFi + Mobile Data remain active, which drains the battery faster. Turn it on only when needed.
5. How to turn off Live Location Sharing?
Open Google Maps → Profile Icon → Location Sharing → turn off all active sharing. This is an effective way to save battery.
6. Does Dark Mode save battery?
If your phone has an OLED or AMOLED display, Dark Mode saves battery because black pixels consume less power.
7. Why does Offline Maps drain battery?
Offline Maps auto-update, which uses data and battery in the background. Keep Auto Update off.
8. Is it safe to turn off background data?
Yes, if you don’t use navigation frequently, turning background data off is safe and improves battery life.
9. What will clearing the Google Maps cache do?
Clearing the cache removes temporary app data, which can reduce battery drain and app slowness. This does not delete your account or saved data.
10. What to do if the battery is draining quickly even after trying all other solutions?
Update the phone software
Check the battery health
Factory reset (with a backup)
Replace the battery if necessary
11. Can navigation be done with Battery Saver Mode on?
Yes, it is possible. Although performance may be slightly lower, battery savings will be greater.
12. Why is it important to keep Google Maps updated?
New versions often bring bug fixes and battery optimization improvements, which reduce battery drain.
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