Tweaking 7 Settings on My Samsung Phone for Better Battery Life

Samsung Galaxy smartphones are among the top choices today, boasting quick responses and a plethora of features. However, they include numerous high-end functionalities, especially in flagship models like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, many of which aren't used daily by all users.

If your Galaxy device struggles to last a full day on one charge, you can enhance its endurance without disrupting its usability with some strategic adjustments.

Below are seven strategies to boost your Galaxy phone's performance. Rest assured, we aren’t going the obvious route of merely lowering screen resolution or refresh rates. These suggestions aim to enhance your phone's overall efficiency while maximizing its lifespan.

Activate Dark Mode

Many Samsung devices have AMOLED screens capable of controlling each pixel independently. Using a dark theme or wallpaper means parts of the screen stay inactive, effectively conserving power and extending battery life.

To enable this, navigate to Settings > Display. You'll find options for Light and Dark themes. Choose the Dark option to activate it. While altering the system wallpaper while keeping a light background can offer aesthetic benefits, it won't boost battery life like Dark Mode.

Enable Adaptive Brightness

Though typically pre-enabled, some users disable adaptive brightness due to its perceived inaccuracy. Thankfully, improvements in Samsung's ambient light sensors mean your phone can now better adjust screen brightness based on environmental lighting, optimizing energy efficiency.

Turn on this feature by going to Settings > Display and enabling Adaptive Brightness. It usually adjusts effectively, but you can manually tweak brightness via the Quick Settings panel if necessary.

Manage Power-Hungry Apps

Samsung smartphones come preloaded with various apps such as Facebook, Microsoft 365, and multiple Samsung or Google services. Audit these apps to uninstall or disable unnecessary ones that could drain the battery in the background.

For instance, apps like Samsung Smart TV or OneDrive might not be essential for every user. On a new Galaxy phone setup, I typically remove these, along with Facebook, Microsoft 365, and other non-essential apps.

To remove an app, press and hold the app icon, select Uninstall from the pop-up menu, and prevent unwanted apps from using your battery.

Spot and Manage Battery-Hogging Apps

Apps can drain batteries at varying rates based on factors like location, 5G access, and running in the background. Samsung provides ways to identify these apps so you can minimize unnecessary usage.

Find these apps by going to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Background usage limits. From here, select the apps you wish to curtail.

Pre-download Content Before Trips

If you regularly travel the same routes or consume specific playlists/podcasts, downloading this content in advance is wise. Streaming apps and services like Google Maps use significant battery power via 5G or LTE, potentially causing your phone to heat up when used outdoors. Planning by downloading your preferred media over Wi-Fi beforehand can reduce this.

Use respective apps' in-built download options; for example, Spotify allows whole playlist downloads, while YouTube provides a video download button.

Schedule Always-On Display

Though I appreciate the Always-On Display feature on devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it's ideal for phones with an LTPO display capable of reducing refresh rates to 1Hz. Midrange models, limited to 60Hz, might not benefit as much. Scheduling this feature smartly can save power, for instance, displaying important notifications only between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

To schedule, go to Settings > Lock Screen and AOD > Always On Display > When to show > Schedule. Additionally, you may disable Show lock screen wallpaper within AOD settings to conserve more battery.

Select the Appropriate Performance Profile

Choose a performance profile that's best aligned with your usual activities. For those who do not engage in gaming or demanding tasks, opting for the Light Performance profile over the default can prioritize battery longevity and cooling over speed.

Access this by navigating to Settings > Device care > Performance profile, and choose Light, which suits most everyday users.

Maximizing Battery in Low-Power Situations

While the above methods will help optimize your Galaxy phone's battery without sacrificing usability, there may still be times when your device runs low on power.

If your battery percentage dips below 15% and you're far from a charging source, activating these settings can help extend usage. Implementing these strategies will ensure your Samsung phone battery lasts longer when needed most.