Summary
- Pixel owners are complaining about high battery drain and overheating issues post the May 2025 update.
- Some report removing the Instagram app may help, but this is not a guaranteed fix.
- The issue seems to affect all Pixel models, including the Pixel 9 lineup.
Pixel updates are a double-edged sword. They fix many underlying bugs and add new features, but often bring along new issues. Typically, the most common complaint from Pixel users after an update is battery life tanking for no clear reason. The May 2025 security patch seems to have done just that, leading to a battery life crisis on Pixel phones.
Google’s May 2025 update for Pixels does not introduce any major new features. It is a regular monthly security patch that addresses some known security vulnerabilities and fixes some lingering bugs. Yet, it seems to be causing battery life issues on Pixel phones, with Google’s support forums and Reddit filled with complaints from frustrated users (via 9to5Google).
Most Pixel owners report high battery drain and their phones getting unusually warm since installing the update. Some believe the Instagram app and not the May patch to be the culprit, as the app’s latest update seems to be draining more battery than usual — both during use and in the background.
Removing Instagram from the phone seems to have worked for some. However, a certain section of Pixel 9 users are struggling with poor battery life, even though they don’t have the app installed.
The poor battery life issue affects all Pixel models, from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 9, on the May 2025 patch.
Wait for Google to roll out a fix
Sadly, if your Pixel phone’s battery life has tanked post the May 2025 update, you can’t do much. Google will likely resolve the issue through a Play Services update or the June 2025 firmware. In both cases, though, don’t expect a fix to arrive within the next few days. More importantly, don’t consider downgrading your Pixel back to the April patch, as the May update contains a new anti-rollback bootloader.
Some users report that clearing the data of the Android System Intelligence helped reduce the battery drain and high device temperature issues. If you are frustrated with the poor battery life, you can give this solution a try.
This marks the second month in a row that Pixel users have faced issues after installing a monthly security patch. The April 2025 update caused delayed notifications, though it wasn’t as widespread or disruptive as the current battery drain problem.
