How to Disable Battery Optimization on Android (Android 16 Updated Guide)

Last updated: February 2026 | Verified for Android 16 (Baklava – stable release June 2025)

Battery optimization on Android helps extend battery life, but it can also delay notifications, stop background apps, and break real‑time alerts for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, banking apps, and fitness trackers.
This guide explains how to disable battery optimization on Android, with brand‑specific steps, Android 16–accurate behaviour, and real‑world testing examples — written for reliability, not myths.

What Is Battery Optimization on Android?

Battery optimization is Android’s system feature that limits background activity, network access, and wake‑ups for apps you’re not actively using.

Since Android 6.0, this has evolved into:

  • Android’s Doze and App Standby system, which controls how apps behave when the device is idle.
  • App Standby Buckets (usage‑based restrictions)
  • Brand‑specific background limits (Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, etc.)

On Android 16, Google refined Doze behaviour for better battery efficiency, but OEM restrictions still matter more than stock Android limits.

When Should You Disable Battery Optimization?

Disable battery optimization only for apps that must work in real time, where delayed background activity can cause missed alerts or failures:

  • Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal)
  • Email apps (Gmail, Outlook)
  • Banking & OTP apps
  • Smartwatch / fitness apps
  • Ride, delivery, or security apps

Do not disable it for games or social apps unless absolutely necessary, as these apps already run heavy background processes and disabling optimization can significantly increase battery drain and data usage.

How to Disable Battery Optimization (Stock Android / Pixel)

Works on Android 13–16 (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia, Android One)

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Apps → See all apps
  3. Select the app (e.g., WhatsApp)
  4. Tap Battery
  5. Choose Unrestricted

Samsung (One UI 6 / 6.1 / Android 16)

Samsung uses aggressive background controls.

Step 1: Disable optimization for the app

  • Settings → Apps → App name
  • Battery → Select Unrestricted

Step 2: Keep app open in Recents (Important)

  • Open the app
  • Tap Recent apps
  • Long‑press the app icon
  • Select Keep open

Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO (MIUI / HyperOS)

Xiaomi applies extra background kills.

  • Settings → Apps → Manage apps
  • Choose app → Battery saver
  • Select No restrictions
  • Go to Security app → Autostart → Enable app

OnePlus (OxygenOS – Android 16)

OnePlus uses Background activity limits instead of classic optimization.

  • Settings → Apps → App name
  • Battery usage
  • Enable Allow background activity
  • Disable Optimize battery use (if shown)

Vivo / iQOO (Funtouch OS)

  • Settings → Apps → App name
  • Battery → Select Background power consumption allowed
  • Enable Autostart

Oppo / Realme (ColorOS)

  • Settings → Apps → App name
  • Battery usage
  • Disable Background freeze
  • Enable Allow background activity

Real‑World Test: WhatsApp Notifications (Android 16)

After disabling battery optimization:

  • Lock your phone for 10–15 minutes
  • Send a WhatsApp message from another device
  • Notification should arrive instantly

If delayed:

  • Re‑check Autostart (Xiaomi/Vivo)
  • Disable Data saver
  • Ensure Background data is allowed

Does This Affect Battery Life?

Yes — slightly, but only for the specific app you exempt.

On Android 16:

  • Unrestricted apps still follow system-level idle and Doze rules
  • Battery impact is minimal for messaging, email, and utility apps
  • Noticeable drain usually occurs only if many apps are set to Unrestricted

Avoid disabling battery optimization for too many apps, as the combined background activity can reduce overall battery life.

Android 16: What Changed (Fact‑Checked)

  • Android 16 (Baklava) was released in stable form in June 2025
  • Doze mode idle detection is more accurate, reducing unnecessary wake-ups
  • Improved balance between battery life and real-time notifications
  • OEM background restrictions (Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, etc.) still apply

Conclusion: Brand-specific battery and background settings have a greater impact than the Android version alone. For more on modern network technologies and how they differ, see Difference Between 4G vs 5G: Technology, Speed, Coverage, and Real‑World Use — this helps you understand how connectivity standards like 5G affect performance and battery life differently compared to older networks.

FAQs

1. Should I turn off battery optimization?

Turn it off only for apps that require real-time operation, such as messaging, email, banking, or smartwatch apps. Disabling it unnecessarily can increase battery drain without any real benefit.

2. Does this work on Android 16?

Yes. These steps work on Android 16 devices, although menu names may vary slightly by brand. Android 16 still uses battery optimization, Doze, and app standby mechanisms under the hood.

3. Why are notifications still delayed after disabling it?

Some brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, and Samsung apply additional background restrictions beyond standard Android settings. You may also need to allow background activity or exclude the app from vendor-specific battery managers.

4. Is it safe to disable battery optimization?

Yes, it is safe for trusted apps such as WhatsApp, Gmail, or banking apps. Avoid disabling it for games or social media apps, as they can significantly increase battery and data usage.

Final Recommendation

For 2026‑ready Android usage:

  • Disable battery optimization selectively
  • Always check brand‑specific background controls
  • Test notifications after changing settings