Google to flag battery-draining apps on the Play Store

The move is aimed at improving app performance by highlighting software that runs excessive background processes, while encouraging developers to reduce inefficient resource usage that can negatively impact smartphone battery life.

Google has begun rolling out warning labels on the Google Play Store to notify users about Android applications that may significantly drain device battery life. The initiative is part of the company’s broader effort to improve app performance and encourage developers to reduce unnecessary background activity.

Under the new system, users browsing the Play Store may see alerts indicating that certain apps could use more battery than expected. These notifications are intended to help people make informed choices before downloading applications that might affect device performance.

The labels are based on performance insights gathered through Android Vitals, a monitoring framework used by Google to track app stability, performance, and resource usage across the Android ecosystem.

Apps with high battery usage may lose visibility

In addition to displaying warnings, Google said apps that repeatedly exceed recommended battery usage thresholds may face reduced exposure on the Play Store. Such apps could be excluded from recommendation lists or other discovery features that help developers attract new users.

The move aims to encourage developers to address performance issues that negatively affect smartphone battery life. By highlighting inefficient applications, Google hopes to promote higher standards for app optimisation across the Android ecosystem.

Misuse of background processes often behind the issue

A common cause of excessive battery drain is the misuse of a system feature known as partial wake lock. This mechanism allows an application to keep the phone’s processor active even when the screen is turned off.

While wake locks can support legitimate functions such as background syncing or location tracking, improper implementation may lead to prolonged CPU activity and unnecessary energy consumption.

Google considers an app problematic when it keeps the processor running for extended periods while the screen remains off. The company particularly monitors cases where such behaviour occurs in more than five percent of user sessions within a 28-day period.

To address the issue, Google has advised developers to minimise unnecessary background tasks and improve the efficiency of functions like network communication, sensor usage, and data synchronisation.

The new warning system began rolling out earlier this month and will gradually appear on more app listings in the coming weeks. Google said the change is intended to provide users with greater transparency while motivating developers to build applications that manage system resources more responsibly.