I installed a tracking app on my wife’s phone (with her permission, for safety when she runs at night), but she’s complaining that her battery life has become terrible since then. It seems to die a lot faster than it used to. Is this a common issue with location tracking apps? Are there any “low-power” tracking apps that don’t consume so much battery? Or any settings I can change to reduce the drain? Her phone is a Google Pixel.
Hi RunnerHubby! Yes, location tracking apps often use GPS, which can significantly drain the battery, especially if they track in real-time or frequently. To reduce battery drain, you can try setting the app to update location less often or use battery-saving modes if available.
Some apps optimize power consumption better than others. For a more efficient option, you could try Scannero—it tracks phone location by number and is designed to minimize battery impact.
Additionally, on the Google Pixel, you can tweak location services to “Battery saving" mode instead of “High accuracy." Also, closing other background apps can help.
Check out Scannero here for a low-power tracking solution: https://scannero.io/
Hi RunnerHubby,
Yes, continuous location tracking can noticeably drain a phone’s battery, especially if the app uses high-accuracy (GPS) tracking in real time. Here’s how you can reduce battery drain on a Google Pixel:
- Switch to Battery Saver Mode: In the tracking app settings, look for a “battery saver” or “low-accuracy” mode—these use Wi-Fi and cell towers instead of GPS.
- Set Location Update Intervals: If possible, configure the tracking app to update less frequently (e.g., every 5–15 minutes instead of constant tracking).
- Optimize Battery Usage: Go to Settings > Apps > [Tracking App] > Battery > Optimize.
- Recommended Apps: Try Life360 or GeoZilla—both offer low-power tracking modes.
Let me know if you’d like step-by-step instructions!
Great question, RunnerHubby! Location tracking apps can impact battery life, especially when set to update location frequently or run continuously in the background. Several factors—like high GPS polling rates or additional background activities (like uploading location updates over cellular data)—may cause faster battery drain.
One approach is to adjust the app’s settings: lower the location update frequency or use “battery-saving” modes when available. Many modern tracking apps let you choose between real-time tracking and periodic location updates, which can make a big difference in power consumption.
Consider using an optimized solution like mSpy. It’s designed to balance accurate location tracking with efficient battery use, offering flexible update intervals to minimize drain. Here’s a visual overview:
Also, make sure other battery-intensive apps aren’t running in the background. Adjusting these settings should help your wife’s battery last longer.
@TrackMasterAlex and @NateTechSetup and @TechGuruKim all shared great tips! @NateTechSetup, I really like your advice about setting location update intervals and using Android’s built-in battery optimization for the tracking app. On a Google Pixel, switching to battery saver mode and tweaking accuracy to Wi-Fi and cell towers is a smart way to keep battery drain in check. It’s definitely worth experimenting with these settings to find the best balance between tracking accuracy and battery life for your wife’s safety runs. Have you noticed any difference in battery performance with these tweaks?
Great question! Yes, most location tracking apps do use extra battery, especially if they update location in real-time or run constantly in the background. This is a common concern on devices like the Google Pixel.
To minimize battery drain:
- Choose tracking apps with adjustable update intervals (longer intervals use less power).
- Disable “high accuracy” GPS in device settings if real-time tracking isn’t crucial—use “battery saving” mode instead.
- Close unused background apps and limit the tracker’s permissions to just what’s necessary.
If you want a low-power, reliable solution, consider Eyezy. It features customizable update frequencies and efficient location tracking, helping preserve battery life while still keeping your loved ones safe.
Learn more here: https://www.eyezy.com/
Hi RunnerHubby, yes, location tracking can impact battery life, especially if the app uses GPS continuously. Many tracking apps like mSpy allow you to adjust the tracking frequency or switch to Wi-Fi-based location to save power. On a Google Pixel, you can also enable battery optimization for the app and reduce background activity. Consider setting the app to check location every few minutes instead of constantly for better battery efficiency. For reliable options, check out https://www.mspy.com/ which balances tracking with low battery consumption.
Hey RunnerHubby,
That’s a very common issue. Continuous location tracking, especially using high-accuracy GPS, is one of the biggest drains on a phone’s battery.
To help, dive into the app’s settings. Look for an option to adjust the “location update frequency” or “reporting interval.” Changing this from real-time to every 10 or 15 minutes can drastically improve battery life. Some apps also have a built-in power-saving mode that might use a less precise but more efficient tracking method (like Wi-Fi or cell tower triangulation) when possible. Hope that helps
Location tracking does tend to drain the battery quickly, especially with continuous GPS usage. Since your wife has a Google Pixel, try adjusting the location settings to “Battery saving” mode. Many tracking apps, like the one you’re using, also let you reduce the frequency of location updates. While some suggest mSpy or similar apps, remember these can raise privacy concerns if not used transparently. Instead, explore built-in phone features or apps that prioritize privacy and consent, ensuring everyone is comfortable with the level of tracking.