If your Google Pixel battery drains too fast, you’re not alone. Even though Pixel phones are known for their clean Android experience, background apps, system settings, or misconfigured features can cause excessive battery consumption.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix Pixel battery draining fast with step-by-step instructions that cover both software and hardware optimization.

1. Check What’s Draining the Battery

Before changing anything, you need to find out which apps or services are consuming the most power.

To check battery usage:

Open Settings.
Tap Battery → Battery usage.
You’ll see a list of apps and their battery consumption percentages.

✅ Tip:
If any app shows unusually high usage, it’s likely the main culprit. Social media apps (like Instagram or Facebook), messaging apps, or poorly coded third-party apps often drain power in the background.

2. Restrict Background Activity for Power-Hungry Apps

Some apps keep running in the background, syncing data or refreshing content unnecessarily.

To restrict background usage:

Go to Settings → Apps → See all apps.
Select the problematic app.
Tap Battery.
Choose Restricted.

✅ Result: The app will no longer consume power when you’re not actively using it.

3. Turn Off Adaptive Connectivity

Adaptive Connectivity automatically switches between 5G, 4G, and Wi-Fi based on usage — but it can drain your battery faster.

To disable it:

Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
Tap your SIM → find Adaptive connectivity.
Turn it off.

4. Optimize Display Settings

The display is one of the biggest power consumers. Adjusting brightness and refresh rate can make a big difference.

Steps to optimize:

Go to Settings → Display.
Tap Brightness level → reduce it to a comfortable level.
Turn off Adaptive brightness if it’s unstable.
Tap Smooth Display → turn it off (this disables the 120Hz refresh rate).
Enable Dark theme to save energy on OLED screens.

5. Enable Battery Saver or Extreme Battery Saver

Pixel phones include two built-in power-saving modes that intelligently manage background activity.

To turn on Battery Saver:

Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Saver.
Toggle Use Battery Saver ON.

For even longer endurance:

To use Extreme Battery Saver:

Tap Extreme Battery Saver → When to use.
Choose Always ask or Always use.
Tap Essential apps to select which apps stay active.

✅ Pro tip:
Use Battery Saver when below 30% and Extreme Battery Saver for emergency situations.

6. Disable Location and Bluetooth When Not Needed

Leaving Location and Bluetooth always on can cause constant scanning and power drain.

To turn off Location:

Swipe down from the top of the screen → tap the Location icon to disable it.
*(or go to Settings → Location → Use location → Off)

To turn off Bluetooth:

Swipe down → tap Bluetooth icon → toggle it off when unused.

7. Manage App Permissions

Apps that have constant access to location, camera, or sensors can use more power.

To review permissions:

Go to Settings → Privacy → Permission manager.
Check Location, Camera, Microphone, etc.
For unnecessary apps, select Don’t allow or Allow only while using the app.

8. Update Software and Apps

Google frequently releases patches that fix battery optimization issues.

To check for updates:

Open Settings → System → System update.
Tap Check for update and install if available.

Also keep your apps updated:
Play Store → Profile icon → Manage apps & device → Update all.

9. Disable Unused Services

If you rarely use features like Nearby Share, Hotspot, or NFC, disable them.

To turn off Nearby Share:

Settings → Google → Devices & sharing → Nearby Share → Off

To turn off NFC:

Settings → Connected devices → Connection preferences → NFC → Off

Each disabled service saves a small but cumulative amount of battery.

10. Reset Adaptive Battery Data

Sometimes your phone learns bad habits from old usage patterns. Resetting this data can help.

To reset adaptive battery:

Open Settings → Battery → Adaptive preferences.
Toggle Adaptive Battery off → then back on.

You can also go to:
Settings → Apps → See all apps → Device Health Services → Storage & cache → Clear storage.

✅ This makes your Pixel re-learn your usage patterns and optimize battery more effectively.

11. Avoid Overnight Charging (for Long-Term Health)

Keeping your phone plugged in at 100% overnight stresses the lithium battery.
Instead:

Unplug around 80–90%.
Use Bedtime mode under Digital Wellbeing → Bedtime mode to remind you.
Occasionally let your battery go down to around 20% before recharging.

12. Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If you’ve tried everything and your Pixel still drains too fast, there might be a background software glitch.

Before resetting:

Back up your data → Settings → System → Backup.
Then go to Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset).
Follow the on-screen prompts.

After the reset, set up your phone again — battery performance usually improves significantly.

Final Thoughts

Battery drain on a Google Pixel is usually caused by background apps, high refresh rates, or system misconfigurations.
By following the steps above — especially checking Battery usage, restricting background apps, and optimizing Display and Network settings — you’ll easily gain several extra hours of battery life each day.

Keep your software updated and use Battery Saver whenever you’re low on power. With these optimizations, your Pixel should run cooler, last longer, and perform smoother than ever.

How to Fix Pixel Battery Draining Fast (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)