Several studies indicate that today’s society is highly dependent on smartphones. Recent research from the University of Malaga indicated that 90% of young people would suffer anxiety if they were without their devices for a week. This “addiction” to the mobile phone also entails a constant concern about battery life. In this context, Instagram stands out as one of the applications that demands the most energy, along with the streaming music app Spotify. Between them, they consume more than 50% of the battery dedicated to daily use.
The question that many ask is how to maximize the autonomy of their devices while enjoying this popular social network owned by Meta. In order to resolve the issue, it is important to keep in mind that the main problem with Instagram is its persistence in the background, even after closing the application.
A radical but effective solution is to ditch the mobile app and opt for the desktop version like WebApp. By accessing Instagram through a browser like Chrome and creating a shortcut on your home screen, you eliminate the possibility of the app consuming resources in the background, which has a significant impact on battery life.
While this may be an extreme measure, there are less radical but equally effective options. Activating the “Data saver” option within Instagram settings is a practical solution. To get to that option you have to access “Settings and Privacy”, and then select “Data usage and quality of multimedia content”. There you will find the “Data saver” option. By restricting constant application updates, you avoid unnecessary downloads that contribute to battery drain.
Additionally, reducing the quality of the videos can make a difference. Although there is no option to prevent autoplay, adjusting the “Use less mobile data” setting to “Media quality” helps minimize battery consumption when uploading lower quality images and videos.
Regardless of which option is chosen, whether deleting the app or adjusting the settings, the goal is clear: get to the end of the day without worry and without sacrificing the daily enjoyment of the app.
Taking control of Instagram’s battery consumption can make a difference in the duration and performance of our mobile devices. With these strategies, each user will be better equipped to face the energy challenges posed by the continuous use of this popular social network, thus ensuring a longer and more sustainable experience for the device.
