Starting March 1, 2026, the Google Play Store will begin alerting users about apps that drain their phone batteries faster due to excessive background activity, the tech giant confirmed in a recent blog post.
This update introduces a new “Excessive Partial Wake Lock” metric — jointly developed by Google and Samsung — to monitor apps that keep a device awake unnecessarily, a key reason for faster battery depletion.
⚠️ How It Works
According to Google’s updated developer guidelines:
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If an app holds non-essential wake locks for more than two hours within 24 hours, it will be flagged.
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Essential functions like audio playback or data transfer are exempt.
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If at least 5% of an app’s user sessions show excessive wake locks over a 28-day period, the app could trigger warnings on its Play Store listing.
Apps failing to meet these standards may be excluded from Play Store recommendations, and users could see a battery drain alert before downloading.
🔍 Why It Matters
The goal is to give Android users more transparency and control over their device’s power consumption.
By identifying apps that misuse system resources, Google aims to extend battery life and encourage better app design from developers.
🛠️ For Developers
Developers have until March 2026 to review and optimize their apps. Those with poor power management risks losing Play Store visibility and user trust.
