If your Android phone has been draining battery unusually fast lately, Instagram may be to blame. According to Google, a recent version of the app caused noticeable power consumption issues—particularly for Pixel device users—but a fix is now available.
A Google community manager confirmed on Wednesday that Instagram has started rolling out an update to address the issue. Users are encouraged to install version 382.0.0.49.84 or later to resolve the problem. You can find the latest version in the Google Play Store, or check which version you’re running by long-pressing the Instagram icon and tapping “App info.”
The issue appears to have been tied to Instagram processes running excessively in the background, though neither Google nor Meta (Instagram’s parent company) have offered a technical explanation. In some reports, users saw dramatic overnight battery losses even with minimal active usage. The problem came to light earlier in May following Google’s monthly Android update, with Pixel phone owners reporting sudden dips in battery performance. At the time, the exact cause was unclear.
Now that Instagram has been identified as the culprit, Android users—particularly those on Pixel devices—should update immediately to avoid further battery drain. While most modern Android phones can handle background apps efficiently, even a small memory or power leak in a popular app like Instagram can have wide-reaching consequences due to its sheer scale of use.
This incident highlights the importance of keeping apps up to date, even if you don’t notice any obvious bugs. Performance and security improvements often happen quietly in the background, but in this case, the update could have a direct impact on your phone’s day-to-day usability.
As for what exactly caused the problem in the first place, Meta hasn’t provided details, and it’s possible they never will. But with the fix now available, Android users can at least take a simple step to improve their battery life—just update Instagram.
