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Google has officially acknowledged that the Instagram app for Android has been responsible for excessive battery drain, particularly affecting users of Pixel phones, though other Android devices may also be impacted. The issue became widely reported following a May 2025 software update, which prompted numerous complaints on forums and social media. Users noticed their devices losing power rapidly, even when Instagram wasn’t in active use or was running quietly in the background.

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Intensive Background Activity

User feedback indicated that Instagram was operating in the background more aggressively than expected, using the CPU and other system resources continuously. Unlike other social apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, Instagram was consuming over 20 percent of battery life within just a few hours, despite limited direct interaction.

Android system diagnostics confirmed that Instagram frequently ranked among the top battery-draining apps, even when it hadn’t been opened recently.

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Meta Releases an Update

In response to the complaints, Meta released a corrective update (version 382.0.0.49.84) aimed at resolving the battery consumption issue. Google advised all users to ensure they have the latest version of the app, either by manually updating it via the Play Store or enabling automatic updates.

Google’s Recommendations for Battery Management

Taking the opportunity to educate users, Google reminded Android users of several energy-saving strategies:

• Activate system features like Adaptive Battery and Battery Optimization in settings.
• Limit background app activity by force-closing unnecessary applications.
• Use dark mode on compatible apps, including Instagram.
• Turn off mobile data or Wi-Fi when not needed.
• Monitor app energy usage regularly via Android’s built-in battery analysis tools.

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The Challenge of Modern Mobile Apps

This incident highlights the growing complexity of modern mobile applications, which often include real-time notifications, content syncing, and algorithm-driven updates. Even while idle, such apps can place a substantial burden on system resources, which directly affects battery life.

A Wake-Up Call for Developers and Users

For developers, this issue underscores the importance of energy profiling and efficient design when rolling out updates. For users, it serves as a reminder to remain vigilant about how their apps behave, monitor battery usage closely, and keep applications up to date to avoid unnecessary drain on their devices.

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