One of the most common complaints among smartphone users is rapid battery drain. Even when we aren’t actively using our phones, the battery percentage seems to drop mysteriously. While we often blame heavy apps, the real culprits are frequently hidden background processes.
By disabling just two specific scanning settings, you can significantly reduce power consumption and help your phone stay charged all day long.
How Background Scanning Drains Your Battery
According to technical reports (Ref: MakeUseOf), your smartphone’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth sensors often remain active in the background, even if you have turned them “Off” in the quick settings toggle.
These sensors constantly search for nearby networks, devices, and signals to provide more accurate location data. This continuous “scanning” prevents your phone’s processor from resting, leading to constant power consumption. The problem worsens in areas with weak signals, as the phone works even harder to find a connection, draining the battery even faster.
The Importance of ‘Deep Sleep Mode’
To save power, smartphones are designed to enter a Deep Sleep Mode when the screen is off. In this state:
- Unused apps are completely paused.
- The processor reduces its speed to save energy.
- Background data syncing is minimized.
However, if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning are left on, the phone is constantly “woken up” to search for signals. This prevents the device from staying in Deep Sleep, causing the battery to drain even while it sits idle in your pocket.
How to Disable Scanning on Android Phones
The process is straightforward for most Android devices, though menu names might vary slightly depending on your brand:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Location.
- Look for Location Services.
- Find Wi-Fi Scanning and toggle it OFF.
- Find Bluetooth Scanning and toggle it OFF.
Tip: If you can’t find it, simply use the search bar inside the Settings app and type “Scanning.”
How to Disable Scanning on iPhone (iOS)
Apple users can also optimize their battery life by tweaking system services:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Tap on Location Services and scroll to the very bottom to find System Services.
- Locate Networking & Wireless and toggle it OFF.
- A pop-up will appear; tap Turn Off to confirm.
Will This Affect My Connectivity?
A common concern is whether turning these off will break your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The answer is No. You can still connect to your home Wi-Fi and use your Bluetooth headphones normally. These settings only stop the phone from automatically searching for devices in the background when you aren’t using them.
By making this small change, you allow your phone to rest properly, ensuring that every milliampere of battery is used efficiently.
