If you've recently experienced unusual battery drain issues on your Pixel phone, you may not be alone. A new support post from Google indicates that the popular social media app, Instagram, might be the cause of this problem. Google has confirmed that Instagram has rolled out an update designed to address these battery drain issues.
The fix is included in Instagram version 382.0.0.49.84, which you can easily download from the Google Play Store. If you are unsure whether you have this update, you can check your current version by long-pressing the Instagram app icon on your device. Tap on “App info” and scroll to the bottom of the screen to find the version number.
This battery drain issue appears to have arisen following a Pixel software update earlier this month. Reports from 9to5Google suggest that the issue has affected multiple Pixel models, including the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 9, all of which received the May update. When contacted about the battery drain complaints, Google pointed users to the support post regarding the Instagram update.
While it seems that Instagram has been linked to these battery drain issues, it remains uncertain whether other Android devices have experienced similar problems. The situation raises questions about whether Instagram was solely responsible or if there were other contributing factors.
For Pixel users facing battery issues, updating to the latest version of Instagram is highly recommended. Keeping your apps updated is a vital step in ensuring optimal performance and battery life on your device.