Why does WhatsApp drain so much phone battery?

rpgbr 17 points 7 comments July 07, 2026
manualdousuario.net · View on Hacker News

Discussion Highlights (3 comments)

vintagedave

Unfortunately the article doesn't answer the question. I was hoping for an investigation. Whatsapp is #4 in battery usage on my phone, and has spent more time in background mode (9 minutes) than active (6 minutes.) Not nearly as bad as the author but I have to admit, I don't understand why it could spend anywhere near that much time doing anything. All it needs to do is be sent a new message.

ZephyrOhm

It doesn't for my devices... Its quite efficient in my experience.

3dedb728-3f77

Is there a way to always force stop apps? I got the same problems using Discord. It can take over 40% of a 4100mAh battery each day.

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