4 Simple Ways to Make Chrome Use Less Battery on Your Android Phone

Google Chrome is a popular web browser for Android devices, but it can also be a battery hog. If you're finding that Chrome is draining your battery too quickly, there are a few things you can do to reduce its battery usage.

Google Chrome Battery Drain on Android

How to Slow Down Battery Drain on Android: Chrome Edition

‍As an Android user, you may have experienced the frustration of your battery draining quickly while using the Chrome browser. Chrome is known to be a notorious battery hog on Android devices, but fear not!

There are several ways you can reduce Chrome's battery consumption and make your battery last longer. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore four effective methods to slow down battery drain on Android while using Chrome.

1. Close Unnecessary Tabs

One common habit among Chrome users is hoarding tabs, leaving them open indefinitely. However, this can significantly contribute to battery drain. Each open tab requires additional resources from your phone, consuming more power. To mitigate this issue, it's essential to keep your open tabs to a minimum.

Instead of leaving tabs open for later, consider utilizing Chrome's bookmarking feature or using external services like Instapaper or Pocket to save articles and web pages. To close a tab in Chrome, tap the square icon with a number or letter inside, located in the top right corner. Then, tap the close (X) button on each tab to close them.

2. Adjust Chrome's Battery Usage Settings

Android provides users with the flexibility to manage battery usage for specific apps. Chrome is no exception. By adjusting Chrome's battery usage settings, you can optimize its power consumption.

To access Chrome's battery usage settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Go to the "Apps" section and find Chrome from the list of recently opened apps.
3. If Chrome is not visible, tap on "See all [x] apps" to display the complete list.
4. Scroll down to the "App battery usage" section and select either "Restricted" or "Optimized."

While "Optimized" is the default setting, we recommend switching to "Restricted" to minimize battery drain. For desktop users, Chrome offers an Energy Saver Mode that provides similar benefits.

3. Disable Automatic Syncing

Chrome's automatic syncing feature allows you to access your bookmarks, browsing history, passwords, and other data across multiple devices. While this convenience is appealing, it can impact your Android device's battery life. Disabling automatic syncing can help you conserve battery power.

To turn off automatic syncing in Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu located in the top right corner.
2. Select "Settings" from the pop-up menu.
3. Tap on "Sync" and choose "Sign out and turn off sync."
4. If you still want to sync essential data like passwords and payment methods, toggle off "Sync everything" and enable only critical data.

By selectively syncing crucial information, you can strike a balance between battery life and convenience.

4. Disable Page Preloading

Chrome's page preloading feature aims to enhance browsing speed by loading pages it predicts you might visit in the background. However, this can result in increased battery consumption, as Chrome constantly works to preload pages. Disabling this feature can help alleviate battery drain.

To disable page preloading in Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome.
2. Select "Settings" from the menu.
3. Tap on "Privacy & security."
4. Look for the "Preload pages" option and choose "No preloading."

After disabling page preloading, you may experience slightly slower page loading times. However, this trade-off can significantly extend your battery life.

Additional Tips for Battery Optimization

In addition to the four methods mentioned above, here are some bonus tips to optimize your battery usage while using Chrome on Android:

1. Update Chrome: Ensure that you have the latest version of Chrome installed on your device. Developers often release updates with performance improvements and bug fixes that can help reduce battery drain.

2. Enable Battery Saver Mode: Android devices come equipped with a built-in Battery Saver Mode. Activating this mode can limit background activities, restrict app refresh rates, and optimize power usage. To enable Battery Saver Mode, go to your device's Settings, locate the Battery section, and toggle on Battery Saver.

3. Utilize Chrome Flags: Chrome Flags are experimental features that can be accessed by typing "chrome://flags" in the address bar. Some flags, such as "Enable lazy image loading" or "Enable tab discarding," can help reduce Chrome's battery consumption. However, exercise caution when enabling flags, as they may not be stable or fully supported.

With these additional tips, you can further enhance your Chrome browsing experience while preserving battery life on your Android device.

Conclusion

Battery drain is a common concern for Android users, especially when using power-intensive applications like Chrome. However, by implementing the strategies discussed in this article, you can significantly slow down battery drain while using Chrome on Android. Remember to close unnecessary tabs, adjust Chrome's battery usage settings, disable automatic syncing, and turn off page preloading. Additionally, keep your Chrome app up to date, enable Battery Saver Mode, and explore Chrome Flags for further battery optimization. With these techniques, you can enjoy a longer-lasting battery life without compromising your browsing experience.