If your Galaxy battery drains faster after One UI 9, restart the phone, update your apps, and check Settings → Battery before changing lots of settings. The aim is to find what is using the power. A factory reset should come much later.
Are other people having this problem?
Yes. Owners of the Galaxy S24 and S25 have posted about shorter battery life in Samsung’s community. These are user reports, rather than proof that every phone has the same fault. As of 28 October 2026, the sources checked for this guide do not establish one cause or a fix that works for everyone.
Start with these checks
| What you notice | What to check first |
|---|---|
| Drain while the screen is off | Background app use and mobile signal |
| Drain during games or video | Screen brightness, time in the app and heat |
| One app uses much more power than expected | Update that app and test again |
| Poor battery life continues after basic checks | Samsung Members diagnostics and support |
1. Restart and check for updates
Restart normally from the power menu. Then open Settings → Software update → Download and install. Check both Google Play and Galaxy Store for app updates. Menu names can differ by model and carrier. Samsung recommends keeping both system software and apps up to date.
Install available updates, but do not assume an update is a battery fix unless its release notes say so.
2. Find out where the power is going
Open Settings → Battery, then look for the usage graph or View details. Samsung’s battery troubleshooting guide explains this screen.
- Look for an app using power while you were barely using it.
- Compare similar days: gaming on mobile data will not match a quiet day on Wi-Fi.
- Take a screenshot so you can compare the next day.
A large percentage beside an app is a clue, not proof that the app is broken. An app you used for hours may reasonably appear at the top.
3. Deal with one suspect app at a time
Update the app first. If the trouble began after installing an app you do not need, uninstall it and compare battery life again. Save any important app data first.
Avoid restricting every app at once. Background restrictions can delay messages, syncing and other tasks you rely on.
4. Use Power saving when you need the phone to last
Open Settings → Battery → Power saving. This can help you get through the day while you investigate. It can also limit background activity and performance, so check the options before turning it on.
Samsung also lists weak signal and background activity among reasons for higher battery use. Compare the phone on reliable Wi-Fi if it normally struggles for mobile reception.
5. Try Safe mode if the cause is unclear
Safe mode temporarily stops downloaded apps from running. It can help narrow down the cause.
- Open the power menu using the Quick panel’s power icon.
- Touch and hold Power off.
- Tap Safe mode.
- Compare idle drain under similar conditions, then restart normally to leave Safe mode.
If things improve, a downloaded app may be involved. This is a clue, not a precise battery test, because fewer apps are running. Some personalisation settings may return to defaults when you leave Safe mode.
6. Check the battery and send a report
In Samsung Members, open Support and look for Phone diagnostics → Battery status. Samsung explains the Normal, Weak and Bad results. Ask support about a Weak or Bad result rather than assuming software changes will restore worn battery capacity.
If the drain continues, send a Samsung Members error report with your model, software build, when the problem started and battery-usage screenshots. Do not post private information publicly.
If your phone is stuck during setup instead, follow our separate One UI 9 “Webpage Not Available” guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait for battery life to settle?
Some background work can temporarily change battery use after an update. Watch whether it improves, but do not dismiss severe or continuing drain as normal. There is no verified waiting period that guarantees a fix for every One UI 9 phone.
Does this mean the update damaged my battery?
Shorter runtime alone does not prove physical damage. Check actual usage and run battery diagnostics.
Should I factory reset now?
Try the checks above first. A reset erases local data and is not a guaranteed fix. Back up your files and confirm you can sign back into your accounts before considering it with support.
Will a battery saver app help?
Start with the phone’s built-in tools. Adding another app makes it harder to work out what changed.