Top 9 Ways to Fix Google Maps Draining Battery on Android and iPhone

Google Maps is a reliable app for navigating unknown cities, getting real-time traffic updates, and planning trips. However, it is notorious for draining your phone’s battery, which can be frustrating when you need your phone to last while driving or riding.

Fortunately, there are several ways to fix the Google Maps draining battery issue on Android or iPhone. This post will walk you through all the possible solutions, from using Google Maps in dark mode to preventing the app from running in the background.

1. Use Google Maps in Dark Mode

Using apps in dark mode reduces power consumption compared to using them in light mode. This also applies to Google Maps. Using Google Maps in dark mode helps conserve battery life, especially during navigation or when you need to keep your phone awake for a long time. To enable dark mode in Google Maps, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Maps app.

2. Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.

3. Select Settings from the menu.

Step 2: Tap on Theme and select ‘Always in dark theme.’ Then, tap on Save.

For iPhone users of Google Maps, simply go to the app’s Settings and enable Dark Mode.

2. Change Location Permission to While Using the App

Allowing continuous location access to Google Maps can cause the app to drain your battery faster. To avoid this, only allow location access to Google Maps while you’re using the app.

Android

Step 1: Long-press on the Google Maps app icon and tap the ‘i’ info icon from the menu.

Step 2: Open App Info menu and go to Permissions.

Step 3: Tap Location and select ‘Allow only while using the app.’

iPhone

Step 1: Open the Settings app and scroll down to tap on Google Maps.

Step 2: Tap on Location and choose ‘While Using the App’ from the screen.

3. Restrict Background Battery and Data Usage for Google Maps (Android)

On Android, you can prevent apps from running in the background and using your mobile data and battery. That will help reduce data usage on your Android. To restrict battery and mobile data usage for Google Maps, use these steps: Step 1: Long-press on the Google Maps app icon and tap the ‘i’ info icon.

Step 2: Open the App Info screen, tap on Battery, and select Restricted.

Step 3: Go back to the App info page and tap on Mobile data. Disable the toggle next to ‘Allow background data usage.’

4. Disable Background App Refresh for Google Maps (iPhone)

Background App Refresh in iOS allows apps like Google Maps to fetch new data while running in the background. However, it can drain your iPhone’s battery even when you’re not using the app. Here’s how to disable it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to General.

Step 2: Select Background App Refresh and disable the toggle next to Google Maps.

5. Remove Google Maps Widget From Your Home Screen

If you use Google Maps’ live traffic widget to get traffic information on your home screen, the app’s battery usage may increase as it updates the widget. To avoid this, remove the Google Maps widget from your home screen. To do so, long press on the widget and select Remove (on Android) or Remove Widget (on iPhone).

6. Clear Google Maps App Cache (Android)

Like any other app, Google Maps uses cache data to function smoothly. However, this data can become corrupt or outdated due to various reasons. When this occurs, Google Maps may behave strangely and consume more battery power. Clearing the Google Maps app cache can help restore normalcy. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Long-press the Google Maps app icon.

2. Tap the ‘i’ info icon from the menu that appears.

Step 2: Go to the App info menu and select Storage. Choose Clear cache.

7. Update the App

Using the latest Google Maps version enables you to benefit from bug fixes and app improvements. Updating to a newer version should help solve the Google Maps battery drain problem caused by a buggy app build.

8. Use Google Maps Offline

Is Google Maps still draining the phone’s battery after applying the above tips? Consider using Google Maps offline. This way, you can still search for addresses and get directions without an internet connection. This can reduce power consumption and extend your phone’s battery life.

9. Switch to Google Maps Go (Android)

Android phone users can try Google Maps Go, a stripped-down version of the app that includes essential features. This is especially useful for low or mid-range devices. Google Maps Go uses fewer resources and can help reduce battery drain.

Get More Out of Your Phone

Applying the mentioned solutions should reduce Google Maps’ battery usage on your Android or iPhone. If you have any other tips that work for you, please share them in the comments below.