If you’re a Google Pixel user who suddenly noticed your phone overheating or the battery draining faster than ever you’re not alone. In the past few days, hundreds of Pixel owners took to Reddit and Twitter to report serious battery drain issues after the May 2025 Android update.
Now, Google has confirmed the culprit: a bug in the Instagram app. The good news? A fix has already been rolled out but users must update the app immediately.
What Exactly Went Wrong?
Shortly after Google rolled out the May 2025 security patch, a wave of Pixel users reported alarming issues — devices getting unusually hot, batteries plummeting within hours, and poor standby performance.
Many believed it was due to the update itself, but deeper analysis revealed a different story.
Google confirmed on May 28 that the Instagram app was behind the battery drain. It wasn’t just causing power loss — it was also triggering overheating issues, particularly on Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series phones.
According to Google’s internal investigation, a background process within the Instagram app was consuming abnormal system resources, even when users weren’t actively using it.
How Widespread Was the Issue?
It wasn’t just a few isolated complaints. Pixel owners flooded Reddit forums like r/Pixel_phones with screenshots showing Instagram as the top battery consumer, even with minimal screen time.
One user wrote, “My Pixel 7 dropped from 92% to 18% overnight — and Instagram used 45% of the battery in the background. I thought my battery was dying!”
For many users in India and globally, the issue was significant enough to prompt concerns about hardware damage.
Instagram Update: The Fix Is Live
Responding swiftly, Meta (Instagram’s parent company) released an app update — version 382.0.0.49.84 to fix the background bug.
Google stated, “The issue causing excessive battery consumption has been identified in the Instagram app. Please update to the latest version available on the Play Store.”
If you’re unsure whether you have the fixed version:
- Open Play Store
- Search for Instagram
- Tap Update (if available)
For many users, simply updating the app and restarting the device resolved the problem completely.
What If Your Battery Is Still Draining?
If you’re still facing issues, here are a few practical steps to follow:
- Restrict Instagram’s background activity
Go to: Settings → Apps → Instagram → Battery → Restrict background usage - Clear app cache
This can remove residual data that may be affecting performance. - Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram
A clean install ensures no buggy files remain. - Try Instagram Lite
Especially useful if you’re running a lower-end Pixel or want to reduce resource consumption.
Why This Matters for Pixel Users
This incident once again highlights how app-level bugs can cripple smartphone performance — even without any issues in the core Android update.
Unlike iPhones, Android allows apps more freedom in the background, which is great for multitasking but also means a misbehaving app like Instagram can wreak havoc.
For Pixel users who often receive updates before other Android phones this is a reminder to monitor background activity regularly, especially after monthly patches.
What Google and Meta Did Right
To their credit, both Google and Meta acted swiftly. Within 48 hours of the issue being widely reported, the problem was acknowledged and a fix was released.
In a tech ecosystem often plagued with slow responses, this is a welcome change — but it also raises questions:
- Could Google enhance post-update diagnostics for early warning?
- Should Android introduce stricter background controls like iOS?
Final Word | Update Now & Stay Alert
If your Pixel phone has been draining battery unusually fast over the past few days, the fix is just a tap away. Update your Instagram app immediately to version 382.0.0.49.84 or newer.
And don’t forget always keep your apps and software updated. Small bugs like this can lead to big problems if left unchecked.
For the latest on Android updates, Pixel news, and tech fixes that matter to Indian users, stay locked to Insight Tech Talk.
