Google has announced a new feature for Android users that will make it easier to spot apps that drain phone batteries too quickly. Beginning March 1, 2026, the Google Play Store will start showing alerts for apps that consume excessive power due to unnecessary background activity.
In a recent blog post, Google explained that this initiative aims to help users identify apps responsible for poor battery life. The company introduced a new performance measure called the “excessive partial wake lock” metric, created in collaboration with Samsung. After successful beta testing earlier this year, the feature is now ready for full rollout across Android platforms.
This metric tracks how long an app keeps a device awake without reason. Many apps run background tasks that prevent phones from going into low-power mode, which shortens battery life. Google’s new system will measure these wake locks and flag apps that exceed the “bad behavior threshold.”
According to the updated developer guidelines, if an app holds non-essential wake locks for more than two hours within 24 hours, it may be flagged. However, essential wake locks used for key functions like music playback, data transfer, or notifications are exempt.
In addition, if at least 5% of an app’s user sessions show excessive wake locks over a 28-day period, the Play Store will display a warning. Apps failing to meet energy efficiency standards may also lose visibility in Play Store recommendations. Users could see a notice on the app’s listing, alerting them that the app may drain their battery faster than usual.
Google’s move is designed to improve transparency and encourage developers to optimize their apps for better performance. The company is also urging developers to review their apps before the new policy goes live to ensure compliance and maintain good user trust.
This development reflects a growing industry trend toward greater accountability in app performance. Similar initiatives have appeared in markets where users demand detailed app behavior data. According to BBC, Wikipedia, and Dawn, Google has been investing heavily in user privacy, performance insights, and energy efficiency within the Android ecosystem.
From my perspective, this change is long overdue. Battery life is one of the top complaints among smartphone users. By highlighting apps that misuse resources, Google is empowering users to make informed choices and pushing developers to create cleaner, more efficient software.
Published by: Tech Desk | The Hub of Info
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