How to extend your battery a ton if you use Wi-Fi

[SSHGuru]

I just found this out - and I'm amazed at the stupidity of Google for having this setting so hidden no one would find it.

I use Wi-Fi 90% of the time - at home and at work. Generally using Wi-Fi takes a ton less battery than using 3g since you don't have to have the radio connection for data usage.

But did you know that the base setting for Droids have Wi-Fi turn off once your screen goes off?

You heard me right - when the screen goes off so does your wi-fi connection. It turns back on when you turn the screen on. This means when the screen is off you are using far more energy using 3g.

I changed the setting today and my phone is still 80% after 7 hours. Unheard of.

Want to know how?

Settings
Wireless & Networks
Wi-Fi Settings
THEN press the four line button on the bottom of your phone. (the one next to your home button)
Click Advanced.
Click Wi-Fi Sleep Policy
Change it to NEVER.

Yeah, who would think.

 

[Dwyndal]

Nice i forgot about that feature setting, i alwaysed use APNoid or some other app i forget what to keep mine one, i'm generally always on wifi no so this will come in handy. Cheers:icon_ banana::icon_ banana::icon_ banana:

 

[SSHGuru]

I can't believe it's so hidden. And so important.

 

[kptphalkon]

wow I never even gave it thought lol! thank you for this great tip

 

[Snow02]

Actually, 3G uses less power when idle. An exception might be if you're in a poor signal area or have background apps that constantly use data when idle. But this is documented and proven, and the reason for the default setting.

 

[SSHGuru]

People who use Wi-Fi most of the time have crappy 3g signals.

I can barely make a call from my home. So this little hidden setting has completely changed my phone.

Still at 80% after 8 hours. Double what I normally get.

Actually, 3G uses less power when idle. An exception might be if you're in a poor signal area or have background apps that constantly use data when idle. But this is documented and proven, and the reason for the default setting.

 

[Dwyndal]

Actually, 3G uses less power when idle. An exception might be if you're in a poor signal area or have background apps that constantly use data when idle. But this is documented and proven, and the reason for the default setting.

That's what I kept hearing but and i don't really use background syncs other than emails 15 and 30 minutes depending on which account but what about Gtalk - how does that run with wifi and or 3g?

 

[Dwyndal]

HAH i can barely make a call at my house and i have no interwebs for wifi - my house is ruuuuuuuuural while my work is ubran le sigh.

 

[SSHGuru]

I have about 8 email accounts pulling anywhere from a minute to 30 minutes. I also have calender sync running and Beautiful Widgets... it pulls a decent amount of data.

To think for the last two years the battery has been dying because it turns off wi-fi when the screen goes off really pisses me off. They should have that option clear rather than buried.

 

[Snow02]

I have about 8 email accounts pulling anywhere from a minute to 30 minutes. I also have calender sync running and Beautiful Widgets... it pulls a decent amount of data.

To think for the last two years the battery has been dying because it turns off wi-fi when the screen goes off really pisses me off. They should have that option clear rather than buried.

Yeah. With your setup and poor signal I can absolutely see it making a marked difference. Heavy 3G use in a weak signal area is definitely a battery killer. Sorry it took so long to find that setting.

 

[SSHGuru]

At least I found it... I'm now more inclined to stay with Android. My wife's new IPhone kicks it's ass in battery and isn't as horrible as I thought it would be...

I would still prefer the Bionic...

I have about 8 email accounts pulling anywhere from a minute to 30 minutes. I also have calender sync running and Beautiful Widgets... it pulls a decent amount of data.

To think for the last two years the battery has been dying because it turns off wi-fi when the screen goes off really pisses me off. They should have that option clear rather than buried.

Yeah. With your setup and poor signal I can absolutely see it making a marked difference. Heavy 3G use in a weak signal area is definitely a battery killer. Sorry it took so long to find that setting.

 

[kookk]

That explains why a lot of my Widgets weren't updating. I have not reception at all at my house and rely on wifi

Sent from my DROID X2

 

[SSHGuru]

That does explain it for me too - same thing was happening. Google needs to make this an option people can see.

That explains why a lot of my Widgets weren't updating. I have not reception at all at my house and rely on wifi

Sent from my DROID X2

 

[Detonation]

If you have root, you can also edit your build.props file and change wifi.supplicant_scan_interval to something higher. Its the time (in seconds, the default is 45 I think) between scans for Wifi access points you have remembered but aren't in range. Useful for when you are on the go and moving between networks.

 

[gsDroid]

I just turn off data when I am at home with my strong wifi connection. I let the wifi turn off because I don't auto sync, but since data is turned off, I get the benefit of them both being off during screen off. My battery life is superb.