This article has been updated since it was last published on October 4, 2021.
Which apps are consuming so much of your phone’s battery power that they are contributing to its slow demise? That is the burning question. And the answer truly is: the apps that you use the most of are the ones that drain your battery. But, with that said, there are some notorious battery drainers that should be on your radar. If you’re thinking about cleaning up your apps, deleting a few, or replacing others, Aseem Kishore, the founder of Help Desk Geek, and Tech Expert Umair Syed at Used Keysight Equipment say these are the three apps no one should be using anymore because they slow your iPhone and drain the battery.
Snapchat
At the top of the list, Kishore says Snapchat is an app to avoid if battery is a concern.
“Snapchat is an app almost everyone uses, yet it can quickly drain a phone’s battery due to the constant influx of notifications,” Kishore says. “It also requires location access unless the user is on ghost-mode. It is also a substantially heavy application.”
Syed agrees and adds, “The use of Snapchat’s camera, auxiliary processes, and location services can have an impact on its performance. To optimize Snapchat on your iPhone, disable Background App Refresh and restrict the app’s access to your location settings. In Snapchat’s settings, clearing the app’s cache data can free up storage space and potentially enhance performance.”
Following right behind Snapchat you’ll find Facebook. Kishore calls out Facebook for its ability to slow down your device and drain your battery. “One of the most popular social networking applications, Facebook can drain your phone's battery quickly due to constant notifications and refreshes,” Kishore says. “Restricting background data can be helpful.”
Syed says the Facebook app is notorious for its resource consumption and background processes. “To resolve the issue without deactivating the app, navigate to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and disable Background App Refresh for Facebook,” Syed says. “You can also limit notifications to reduce their performance impact.”
Google Chrome Web Browser
Google Chrome, while ubiquitous, can consume significant resources, Syed stresses. “To improve its performance, dismiss unnecessary tabs, clear browsing data in Chrome's settings, and consider using performance-optimized lightweight browsers such as Safari or Firefox Focus,” Syed says. “It is essential to note that these recommendations may vary based on individual usage patterns, iOS version, and device configuration. Updating the iPhone's operating system on a regular basis, closing dormant applications, and restarting the device can also help maintain optimal performance.”
Syed adds to keep in mind that app performance can be subjective, and it is recommended that you evaluate your specific requirements prior to deleting any apps that you regularly use and consider essential. “If significant performance issues persist, it is recommended that you contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance and diagnostics,” he says.
