Battery Drain from VoIP Apps on Smartphones: Causes & Fixes

Quick Overview

Using tools like battery stats and network monitors helps identify issues, while fixes such as limiting background activity, adjusting permissions, and updating apps can reduce drain. Preventive habits, such as using Wi-Fi, enabling low-power modes, and managing notifications, help keep calls smooth.

VoIP app battery drain happens when your phone loses power too quickly during calls. It can be annoying in daily use. It also becomes serious if your phone shuts down during essential conversations or urgent work-related calls. Are there ways to avoid VoIP app battery drain on your smartphone?

Fixing the VoIP app battery drain needs clear steps. First, check how much power the app uses. Then, look at your phone settings. Find what drains the battery most. Apply simple fixes to make performance better. Businesses need to minimize it for a smooth workflow and avoid disruptions.

In this guide, you will learn about VoIP app battery drain and why it happens. We’ll cover tools to detect problems, step-by-step troubleshooting, prevention tips, best practices, and even future trends. Let’s explore everything together right away.

QUICK FIX CHECKLIST:

⚠️ Causes	✅ Quick Fixes
Constant background activity	Restrict background activity; enable battery saver; close app when idle
High data usage during calls	Use stable Wi-Fi; limit video or high-res features
Poor network conditions	Avoid switching networks; enable data saver mode
Frequent notifications	Mute non-essential alerts; manage app notifications
Outdated app or OS	Update the VoIP app and phone system regularly

What Is Battery Drain from VoIP Apps?

Battery drain from VoIP apps occurs when the calling software consumes more energy than your phone can comfortably provide. Unlike a regular phone call, VoIP relies on constant internet traffic. Your phone keeps the app awake, maintains a connection, and processes sound continuously.

That’s why your battery often drops quickly on VoIP calls than on other tasks. A prolonged call, a weak signal, or even constant syncing in the background can exacerbate the issue. Sometimes the drain becomes so heavy that your phone powers off mid-use.

The reality is simple: VoIP apps are convenient but also demanding. You will be flooded with several issues if the VoIP app battery drain is not addressed. Some of the problems include poorer call quality, shorter battery life, and even interruptions during conversations that matter most.

Problems You May Face While It Happens

Running into VoIP app battery drain is not just about a phone losing charge too fast. It creates several hidden problems that affect how your device works and how smooth your communication feels. Some issues are mild, while others feel serious.

Here are the problems most people face:

• Unexpected shutdowns: Phones may switch off right in the middle of calls.

• Hot devices: Excessive energy use causes your phone to overheat.

• Call disruptions: Voices may cut, delay, or disconnect.

• Slow response: If your battery health decreases, it causes the app to freeze or lag.

• Battery Damage: The wearing effect on the long-term health of the battery happens due to constant draining and charging.

• Missed chances: Calls can drop, creating stress or lost opportunities.

All of these signs prove that VoIP app battery drain is not just an inconvenience. It’s a direct threat to how reliable your smartphone is, especially when you need it to perform without failing. A direct threat to how reliable your smartphone is, especially when you need it to perform without failing.

Now that you understand what battery drain from VoIP apps looks like. The next step is to explore why these apps consume so much power on your smartphone.

Why Do VoIP Apps Drain Your Smartphone Battery?

Battery drain from VoIP apps is a common frustration for many users. These apps do more than handle calls. They run tasks in the background, maintain connections, and constantly use phone resources, which naturally increases power consumption.

Let’s look at the main reasons this happens. Each one has real-world situations that show how quickly a smartphone battery can be affected.

1. Constant Background Activity

Unlike a standard dialer, VoIP apps stay alive even when you are not calling. They must keep a connection open so the server knows you are available. This constant link gradually pulls energy from the phone.

Example: A user was leaving his VoIP app open at his workplace. Although no call was made, the battery drained by almost a quarter of its charge as the app continued to send small check-in signals.

2. High Data Use During Calls

VoIP apps depend on internet traffic. Every call involves a stream of small packets moving back and forth. Processing these packets demands more power than regular voice calls, and that work falls on your phone battery.

Example: In one case, a student participated in extended study sessions over a VoIP connection. The calls lasted hours, and the phone heated up and drained quickly, simply because of the heavy data movement.

3. Poor Network Conditions

When the internet is weak, VoIP apps work harder to keep the call stable. They resend lost packets and constantly adjust quality. All of that effort burns more energy than when you have a strong signal.

Example: Take the example of an employee on a train ride with unstable mobile data. The app kept reconnecting, and within two hours, the battery dropped by almost half.

4. Push Notifications and Alerts

Many VoIP apps send alerts for missed calls, messages, or reminders. Every alert wakes the phone for a moment. One or two notifications won’t matter, but frequent alerts add up and slowly drain the battery.

Example: A small business owner noticed this problem. Dozens of missed calls and chat notifications piled up, and by midday, the phone was already down 30%.

5. Extra Features and Poor Optimization

Some apps offer video, chat, or file-sharing capabilities. All these features may be helpful, though they usually operate in the background. It can, however, backfire when the application is not optimized properly, as it may use more power than intended. These problems can lead to delays in the staff’s workflow.

Example: One company replaced a VoIP tool that had video and messaging features. Workers discovered that their phones were heating and their batteries were quickly depleting, even after using only the audio call feature.

With the main culprits identified, the logical question becomes. How can you detect these drains and measure their impact on your device?

What Tools Can Help Identify Battery Drain?

It can be a difficult task to identify battery drain from VoIP apps. Yet, it is made possible and easy with the right tools to spot the causes. Each option connects with the problems explained earlier.

I. Built-in Battery Usage Stats

When a phone dies soon after VoIP use, the best starting point is the built-in reports. Both Android and iOS display a breakdown of app activity and energy usage.

Why is it useful: You will get to know whether the VoIP apps are consuming more power than others from this information. Also, track the details on when this issue is occurring most frequently.

Tools/Resources:

• For iOS Battery Usage(Go to settings and select battery option)

• Android Battery Usage( Go to battery, then select battery, and battery usage option)

• Graphs with usage trends

II. Network Monitoring Apps

In many cases, constant data transfer creates the issue. VoIP apps continuously send and receive packets, which quickly drain power. A monitoring tool lets you measure this activity in real time.

Why it helps: Heavy network traffic typically results in higher drain. Tracking usage confirms if the VoIP app is the reason.

Tools/Resources:

• GlassWire (Android)

• Data Usage app (iOS)

• Built-in network stats

III. Performance Profilers

Not every drain comes from data alone. Some VoIP apps create hidden background tasks. Profilers reveal CPU load, wake locks, and background activity that often go unnoticed.

Why it helps: Seeing these hidden tasks makes it clear if the app is poorly designed or simply working too hard.

Tools/Resources:

• Android Studio Profiler (for developers)

• Xcode Instruments (for iOS developers)

• GSam Battery Monitor

IV. Thermal Monitoring Tools

Overheating is another common sign. A phone that becomes warm while VoIP is running is wasting energy. Thermal tools indicate whether heat rises when the app is active.

Why is it useful: Heat is wasted energy. When the phone gets hot while making calls, the VoIP application is using unnecessary power.

Tools/Resources:

• CPU-Z (Android)

• AIDA64 (Android/iOS)

• iOS thermal alerts

V. Logging and Reporting Tools

One-time checks do not always show the whole story. To see patterns over time, you need logging tools. These apps track usage for days or weeks, creating detailed reports.

Why it helps: Logs expose consistent drains, not just random spikes. Over time, they highlight whether VoIP apps draw more power than expected.

Tools/Resources:

• AccuBattery (Android)

• Battery Life Doctor (iOS)

• Google Fit or Apple Health (secondary signs like heat or activity)

Once you’ve gathered the right insights from these tools, the next step is to take action with targeted troubleshooting to minimize battery loss.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: Reduce Battery Drain from VoIP Apps

We’ve looked at the causes and shared examples. Now, let’s move through clear steps to solve the problem. Each fix matches the issues highlighted earlier.

1. Adjust App Permissions

One user noticed their VoIP app drained power even when idle. The reason was simple: the app continuously used the microphone and location. Extra access like this adds hidden strain to the battery.

The tools that will help you resolve this problem are phone settings, permission managers, and app privacy options. Reduce it by following the following steps.

Steps to fix it: 

Step 1: Open device settings and find the VoIP app.

Step 2: Turn off location and other unused permissions.

Step 3: Keep only the microphone, camera, and notifications active.

Step 4: Set permissions to “only when in use.”

Step 5: Save settings and restart the app.

Step 6: Check battery impact during calls.

Result: The app no longer runs unnecessary tasks, background use drops, and battery life improves.

What Are Permissions?

Permissions decide what an app can use on your phone. By limiting them, you reduce wasteful power use.

2. Update the App and OS

Another user reported experiencing a rapid battery drain during calls. The cause turned out to be an outdated VoIP app. Once updated, the issue disappeared, illustrating the importance of optimizations.

With app store updates, OS patches, and release notes, you can handle this problem by using the steps below.

How to fix it:

Step 1: Look for VoIP app updates in the app store.

Step 2: Check release notes for fixes related to energy.

Step 3: Install the new version.

Step 4: Open phone settings to search for system updates.

Step 5: Apply any pending patches.

Step 6: Restart the device after updates.

Step 7: Test the VoIP app with fresh calls.

Step 8: Compare energy use before and after.

Result: Updates bring bug fixes, align apps with the OS, and cut down on power drain.

3. Limit Background Activity

A working professional noticed that their VoIP app was draining battery even when no call was active. The reason was constant background activity. Restricting it cut the waste.

With features like battery saver, app restrictions, and monitoring apps, you can apply the fix using the steps below.

How to fix it:

Step 1: Go to Settings, then select Battery and go to app usage.

Step 2: Go through the list and find the VoIP app on that list.

Step 3: Mark it as “restricted” in the background.

Step 4: Enable adaptive battery or saver mode.

Step 5: Close the app once calls end.

Step 6: Track wake locks with a battery monitor.

Step 7: Restart your phone to refresh settings.

Step 8: Review energy reports daily.

Result: Power is saved since the app only runs when needed.

What Is a Wake Lock?

A wake lock keeps the phone awake when an app asks for it. Reducing them stops wasted power.

4. Manage Network Settings

One user’s VoIP calls drained power because the phone switched between Wi-Fi and mobile data often. This constant change chewed up the battery. Locking the network helped.

You can resolve this problem with network analyzers, data saver mode, and network settings by following the steps below.

How to fix it:

Step 1: At least make sure you are connected to a stable wifi network before you call.

Step 2: Switch off both Wi-Fi and data switching.

Step 3: Turn on Wi-Fi in airplane mode and use it to make calls.

Step 4: Enable data saver mode in settings.

Step 5: Test call quality while tracking usage.

Step 6: Prefer Wi-Fi for long calls.

Step 7: Record battery data across a day.

Step 8: Recheck network stability using analyzer apps.

Result: The VoIP app uses steady power because the network connection stays stable.

What Is Data Saver Mode?

Data saver mode cuts background data traffic. This lowers both energy use and unnecessary app activity.

5. Monitor and Analyze Battery Logs

A student was unsure why their phone battery drained quickly. Reviewing the battery logs revealed that the VoIP app was using too much CPU time. Tracking showed the pattern clearly.

With apps like AccuBattery, system battery reports, and performance monitors, you can solve this using the steps below.

How to fix it: 

Step 1: Open battery settings to view usage logs.

Step 2: Compare the VoIP app with other apps.

Step 3: Use monitoring apps for detailed reports.

Step 4: Enable daily logging for accuracy.

Step 5: Watch for heating or CPU spikes.

Step 6: Save reports weekly for review.

Step 7: Test fixes one step at a time.

Step 8: Note which steps reduce the drain the most.

Result: Logs reveal the exact reason for high drain, letting you refine steps to fix it.

What Is AccuBattery?

AccuBattery is an app that measures power use, charge cycles, and hidden activity. It also shows which applications are consuming the most resources on your phone.

If all these steps fail to resolve the problem completely, the next best action is to contact the support department of the VoIP app for specialized assistance.

When Should You Contact Support?

The following are the times when contacting the support to help with the VoIP app drain is not only helpful, but in many cases, even necessary:

A. Ongoing Battery Drain Problems

When your phone continues to run out of power soon after one of your VoIP apps is in operation, despite standard remedies, it’s time to call for help. Some drains are caused by deeper app errors, hidden bugs, or system settings that only experts can address.

B. Account or App Access Difficulties

You may come across login failures, syncing delays, or features that won’t respond. When these problems don’t clear up on their own, support should be contacted. They can check account details, updates, and restrictions that may be behind the issue.

C. Billing or Subscription Concerns

Many VoIP apps utilize subscription models, which can sometimes lead to billing issues or access interruptions. If you notice missing features or unexpected charges, it’s best to reach support immediately. They can confirm details, adjust charges, and restore services without delay.

D. Security and Unauthorized Usage

Unusual battery drain paired with heat can signal background activity or even suspicious use. If you see odd data use or call activity, contact support. They can review logs, detect misuse, and apply protections that keep your account safe.

E. Advanced Features and Integration Issues

Testing advanced features, such as background limits or linking with other apps, may trigger unexpected problems. Even experienced users can face errors here. Support can provide guidance and prevent unnecessary VoIP app battery drain caused by misconfigurations or improper optimization.

Having expert help in these cases keeps your device efficient, secure, and reliable.

Real-Life Example: Solving a Persistent Battery Drain Case

Recently, one of the users observed that their phone was overheating & that its battery was fast depleting whenever they opened a VoIP application. They tried several methods, such as reinstalling the app, clearing the cache, & the background. However, the problem stayed despite their efforts.

The support team looked deeper into the app. They discovered that a process was running in the background, continuously sending and receiving data. With expert help, updates were rolled out, patches applied, and the app properly optimized.

Within hours, the drain stopped, and the device returned to normal performance. This situation illustrates why support should be contacted when simple steps are no longer sufficient to resolve the issue.

Implementing these practical fixes will provide you with immediate relief. Yet, preventing the problem from recurring is equally vital for long-term efficiency.

How to Prevent Battery Drain from Repeating Again?

Solving battery issues once brings relief. Preventing them from returning is even better. With steady habits, you can cut down the chances of VoIP app battery drain causing problems on your phone in the future. Let’s explore what these are in detail.

1. Keep Apps Updated

Bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance are fixed in updates. Constantly update to the latest version of your VoIP application and computer system software. Old applications consume power and slow down performance, making battery burn far more likely.

2. Adjust Background Activity

VoIP apps often run silently when no calls are active. Use power settings to restrict background work. That way, apps draw energy only when needed. Ultimately, applying this method will not only prevent overheating but will also increase the battery life of your phone.

3. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible

Wi-Fi consumes a lot less power compared to mobile data. When you want to make long calls, get connected to a strong Wi-Fi network. It conserves battery, keeps the phone cooler, and enhances call quality simultaneously.

4. Close Unused Apps

Background applications are competing for memory and processor usage. Close unnecessary apps before opening a VoIP application. This reduces the load on the system, wastes less energy, and enables your VoIP application to perform more efficiently.

5. Monitor Battery Health

There is a degradation of batteries. Health checking with in-built tools or applications. When the capacity is minimal, changing the battery restores performance. This prevents additional drainage and helps avoid potential battery issues with VoIP apps in the future.

Why Prevention Matters

These small steps protect more than just battery life. They also improve call stability, reduce heat, and keep your phone reliable. By using them daily, you make the VoIP app battery drain far less likely to disrupt your work.

Prevention lays the groundwork, but adopting consistent best practices ensures your VoIP calls stay smooth while your battery lasts longer.

What Are the Best Practices to Lower Battery Drain from VoIP Apps?

Preventive actions stop major issues, but daily habits are what keep your device running well over time. Best practices give you more control, helping you balance performance, extend battery life, and make VoIP apps more reliable.

1. Turn On Low Power Features

Nearly every phone comes with a battery saver or low-power mode. Switch it on before making longer VoIP calls. These settings reduce background syncing, limit visual extras, and let your phone run longer without cutting key functions.

2. Plan When You Use VoIP Apps

If possible, schedule heavy VoIP calls when your phone has a strong Wi-Fi connection and plenty of charge. Avoid using the app simultaneously with gaming or video streaming, as combined loads can cause faster and unnecessary battery drain.

3. Manage Notifications Smartly

VoIP apps tend to send alerts often, even when you’re not in a call. Adjust app settings to silence non-essential notifications. Reducing constant push requests lowers background network use, which saves energy and improves overall performance.

4. Adjust Call Quality Settings

High-resolution audio and video modes require more processing power. If crystal-clear quality is not needed, downgrade to standard settings. This lighter setup reduces CPU strain, prevents excess heating, and slows down battery loss during longer calls.

5. Restart Devices Regularly

Phones can collect hidden background tasks that slowly drain battery life. Restarting clears these processes. Making it a weekly habit ensures VoIP apps start fresh, lowering the chance of unnoticed drain from leftover activity.

Why Best Practices Matter

Best practices are habits and not short-term solutions. Using them will allow you to put a load on your device, make calls more stable, and the VoIP app’s battery will be much less disruptive. The more innovative the daily use, the more reliable the performance.

Beyond daily habits, examining future trends in VoIP technology reveals how more innovative apps and devices will help preserve battery life even further.

What Future Trends Affect Battery Usage in VoIP Apps?

The future of VoIP software and battery life isn’t just about saving power. It’s all about smart design that learns how the person uses it. Imagine software that shuts down on its own, devices that split processing responsibilities, and batteries that charge faster than you’ve ever seen. Let’s get in:

• Apps are becoming increasingly dynamic

In place of constant, background operation, future VoIP applications will sense when the phone is in an idle mode and only turn on when an incoming call is received. This minimizes power wasted on useless activity, enabling considerably longer calls to be conducted without consuming power.

• AI as an individual energy assistant

The phone will manage how you interact with the app and balance performance with power saving on its own. It will also be capable of automatically using Wi-Fi when available, restricting background activities, and managing the call settings with high quality.

• More innovative hardware supporting longer calls

New smartphones will feature energy-efficient processors and advanced battery materials. Heavy VoIP usage won’t overheat devices, and battery life will stay longer even during prolonged sessions.

• Task sharing between devices

The wearables, such as smartwatches or wireless earphones, will handle some of the tasks. By taking processing jobs away from the smartphone, power will decrease, thereby increasing efficiency during long VoIP calls.

• Creative charging techniques

They will incorporate wireless pads, solar-compatible cases, and motion-activated charging, making it easy to keep the phone powered. Consumers will make long VoIP calls with the assurance that their battery will not run out.

Big picture

Next-gen VoIP apps will integrate more intelligent software, better hardware, and creative charging options. Battery draining will cease to be such a burden, enabling seamless calls with less frequent monitoring of the power level on your phone.

🔑Key Takeaways

• VoIP apps can quickly drain battery due to constant background activity, high data usage, and additional features such as video or chat.
• Monitoring tools and built-in battery stats help identify which apps and processes are consuming the most power.
• Step-by-step troubleshooting, such as restricting background activity, managing network settings, and adjusting permissions, helps reduce unnecessary drain.
• Contact support if battery issues persist, unusual app activity appears, or advanced features cause unexpected power loss.
• Preventive habits & best practices, such as using Wi-Fi, enabling low-power modes, managing notifications, & keeping apps up to date, ensure longer battery life & smoother VoIP performance.

FAQs

When should I contact VoIP app support?

Contact support if battery drain persists despite troubleshooting, you face account access issues, notice unusual app activity, or experience problems with advanced features and integrations.

Do push notifications contribute to battery drain?

Yes, frequent alerts can wake your phone repeatedly, increasing background activity and slowly draining your battery life.

Will app updates decrease battery drain?

Yes, developers regularly introduce updates to fix bugs, improve efficiency, and reduce energy consumption, thereby minimizing unnecessary battery use.

What tools can I use to track which apps drain my battery?

Built-in battery usage stats, network monitoring apps like GlassWire, performance profilers such as Android Studio Profiler or Xcode Instruments, and apps like AccuBattery can help monitor usage.

Do hardware improvements help reduce VoIP battery drain?

Yes, modern smartphones with energy-efficient processors and advanced battery materials can sustain longer VoIP calls with less heating and slower power depletion.

How does network strength affect VoIP battery usage?

Weak or unstable signals cause the app to resend data packets and maintain the call, resulting in increased CPU usage and battery drain.