Connect with us

Android

How to Fix Bad Galaxy S4 Battery Life After Lollipop

Published

on

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Android Lollipop update brings a ton of new features to the company’s former flagship but it also brings battery life problems. With that in mind, we want to take a look at how you can potentially fix bad Galaxy S4 battery life.

When Samsung first announced the Galaxy S4 back in 2012, the company confirmed that it would have Android Jelly Bean on board. At the time, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean was Google’s current version of Android.

Over the years, Samsung’s outfit the Galaxy S4 with a number of new software updates including Android 4.3, Android 4.4 KitKat and the Android 5 Lollipop update.

The Galaxy S4 Lollipop update delivered some big time features to owners of the aging former flagship including Google’s new Material Design. It’s also, believe it or not still causing problems for many people who’ve hung onto this fossil of a phone.

galaxy-s4-samsung

Galaxy S4 users continue to complain about battery life issues. Battery life issues always seem to plague Galaxy users after a new Android update though it’s usually not the update itself causing the problems. Apps, services and bad habits are typically the culprit.

These Galaxy S4 battery life problems are isolated but they could appear on your device at any time. And that’s why we want to try and fix bad Samsung Galaxy S4 battery life for you.

How to Fix Bad Galaxy S4 Battery Life

This guide delivers help to get better battery life on Samsung’s current flagship. These fixes should work if you’re on Android 4.4 KitKat or if you’re on Android Lollipop. Most Galaxy S4 users are now on Android 5.1.1.

The Galaxy S4 won’t be getting Android Marshmallow so you’ll need to rely on manual fixes to solve your battery life woes.

Find Apps Eating Up Your Battery Life

The first recommendation that we always make to people suffering from bad battery life is to check out third-party applications. If you want to fix your bad Galaxy S4 battery life, you’re going to want to keep an eye on applications for potential problems.

If you use an application a lot, it’s going to drain your battery. Most of you already know that. However, there are also times where bugs or issues might cause an app to go rogue and start abnormally draining the device’s charge. That could be happening on your device.

Samsung-Galaxy-S5-vs-Galaxy-S4-vs-Galaxy-S3-Design-620x232

The first thing you’ll want to do is head into your settings to take a look at the effect your applications are having on the device’s battery life. If you notice something out of the ordinary, it’s time to start taking a closer look.

If you think an app is draining more battery life than it should be, try reinstalling it to see if that corrects the issue. If the problem persists, try uninstalling the app to see if that has a positive effect on battery life. It has for us in the past.

If you can’t figure out which app is causing trouble, you’ll want to boot the Galaxy S4 into Safe Mode in an effort to single out potential troublemakers.

Booting the device into Safe Mode disables third-party apps and allows you to isolate apps that could be causing the problems. Here’s how to boot the Galaxy S4 into Safe Mode:

  1. Power down the device. Then, press & hold the Power button and volume down key.
  2. Once it boots up, you can let go of the power button but keep the volume key held down.
  3. When you have successfully entered into Safe Mode, you will notice the text ‘Safe Mode’ at the bottom left corner of the screen.

Restart the Galaxy S4

This is a simple fix but it could prove to be effective. If you haven’t done it in awhile, restart the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Most of you know how to restart the Galaxy S4 but we’ll remind you anyway. Hold down the power button, confirm that you want to turn it off, and then hold the power button down to turn it back on.

Disable Unnecessary Services

If apps aren’t the issue, and a simple restart of the Galaxy S4 doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to dig a little deeper.

In our experience, disabling features when they aren’t in use tends to have a positive impact on overall battery life.

Samsung-Galaxy-S4-Micro-SD-Card-Worthless

If you think your Galaxy S4 battery life is draining faster than normal, we recommend shutting off Wi-Fi Bluetooth, NFC, GPS and/or cellular data when you don’t them. You can turn all of those off from inside the Galaxy S4’s settings and the device’s quick menu makes them even easier to monitor.

One other thing to note. Poor cellular coverage is often to blame for bad Android battery life. When your S4  needs to search hard for a signal, it runs the battery down faster, so keep that in mind when you’re in spotty areas.

You should consider turning Airplane Mode on when there isn’t a strong 4G or LTE signal in the area. This could help keep battery drain to a minimum as well.

Try Using a Black Wallpaper

Switching to a black wallpaper could help deliver better Galaxy S4 battery life thanks to the way Samsung’s Super AMOLED displays consume power. The device does not come with a default black wallpaper but you can search online for one.

After you’ve downloaded one, go to Settings -> Wallpaper -> Home and Lock Screens -> More Images -> set your black Galaxy S4 wallpaper. It’s a quick fix but it could help maintain a better charge on your aging former flagship.

Replace the Stock Launcher

You also might want to consider replacing the Galaxy S4’s stock TouchWiz launcher with something new. The TouchWiz launcher has been known to hinder performance and it can be replaced.

There are tons of different launches to choose from though the Nova Launcher is one of Android’s most popular choices and one that we continue to recommend to Galaxy S4 users.

Downgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat

If you’ve already moved to Android 5.0 Lollipop, and some of you have, note that you can return to Android 4.4 KitKat in the event that Android 5.0 isn’t on par with what you expected from Samsung’s new update for the Galaxy S4.

GalaxyS4-KK-620x471

We recently put together a guide on how to accomplish this so that’s going to be a great starting point for those of you that want to drop back down to Android 4.4.

Follow those steps using the correct files and you should be able to get Android 4.4 KitKat up and running in no time at all.

Factory Reset the Galaxy S4

If you don’t want to downgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat and you can’t find any fixes for your battery problems, you can factory reset your Galaxy S4. Note that this will wipe all of your files so you’ll need to make a backup before going this route.

To factory reset the Samsung Galaxy S4, go into Settings, User & Backup, and select Backup and Reset. From there, select Factory Data Reset. From there, select Reset Device and then Delete All.

Samsung-Galaxy-S4-vs.-iPhone-5-014-575x341

If for whatever reason that doesn’t work, you can also factory reset using the hardware keys on the phone. Here’s how to do that. It’s a far more difficult process. We recommend the above route if possible.

  • First, you’ll need to turn the Galaxy S4 off.
  • Once its off, press and hold the Volume up button, the Home button, and the Power buttons together until you see an Android appear on the screen.
  • Once you see this, use the Volume down key to highlight the Wipe Data/Factory Reset option. Use the Power button to select it.
  • Use the Volume down key to select Yes – delete all user data and then use the Power button again to select it.
  • When you see the Reboot System Now option, you’ll know you’re on track. Use the Power button to select that option.
  • This will erase everything on the Galaxy S4 bringing it back to the state it was in when you first bought it. It also might fix the problems you’re having.

We’ve heard from several Galaxy smartphone users who say that a factory reset fixed bad battery life on Lollipop though it should be considered a last ditch effort. It’s an extremely time consuming process but it’s one that could potentially solve your problems once and for all.

If that doesn’t help, it’s probably time to look into your warranty. You’ll want to contact Samsung or your carrier directly to see if they can be of any assistance. In some cases, they might be able to help.

40 Comments

40 Comments

  1. Hassan

    04/17/2015 at 2:52 am

    I’ve updated my Galaxy S4 GT-i9500 to Lollipop around 2 weeks ago, and I think the update is good overall. However, ever since Lollipop I’ve been experiencing a battery drain issue and Touchwiz launcher stability issues, which is pretty disappointing.
    With minimum brightness, power saving mode on, wifi hardly used and every other feature disabled, I could get around 12-16 hours of moderate usage with Kitkat but 5-8 hours with Lollipop. It’s the Android System that’s causing the battery drain, so there’s really nothing I can do.
    And as for the Touchwiz launcher – at random, my widgets start disappearing and the home screen editing menu looks corrupted. Then my app drawer goes completely blank and so do my home screens. I didn’t have this problem in Safe Mode, even after re-installing all 3rd party apps.
    I tried everything, from tweaking the settings to a factory reset, all to no avail, and I’m seriously considering rolling back to Kitkat 4.4.2 until the bugs are dealt with by Samsung.

    • Tom

      06/15/2015 at 6:01 pm

      Factory reset totally fixes battery drain issue. .I was ready to junk my S4 and did reset as last resort..should have been first resort.. no need to carry spare batteries now..like having a new phone

    • Hashim

      06/21/2015 at 9:31 pm

      to fix Touchwiz stopping issue: i fixed this issue by disabling air view… go :setup, my device , air view>uncheck

      • Cuz I'm Grateful

        07/15/2017 at 11:39 am

        Thank you Hashim, that really solved my TouchWiz issue! Each time I have to reset my Galaxy S4 with Lollipop, I couldn’t edit my app drawer without TouchWiz crashing, this really helped!

        – Grateful

  2. Nancy

    04/19/2015 at 10:08 am

    The guide this article links to for downgrading to Android 4.4 KitKat only applies to Nexus devices. Can you provide instructions that will work for the Samsung Galaxy S4?

    • nadeem baloch

      01/15/2016 at 11:29 am

      Plz suggest us how can we downgrade our phone at 4.4 kit kat from loli pop. Plz

  3. Henk

    04/27/2015 at 3:19 am

    Shutting down “Unified deamon(EUR)” in applications worked for me. Much better battery live.

  4. Eldias

    05/14/2015 at 2:39 am

    I’ve been upgrade to official lollipop when it’s arrive on my I9500 and use it for a couple of days. And yes my galaxy is only have 3 hours on screen and it’s draining so fast to 15%. And if you notice, it’s losing some air feature like air scroll, and air gesture only work on gallery. I know this features just like a gimmick but sometime it’s useful. No I downgrade to Kitkat and very happy with this.

    • Patrick ralte

      06/11/2015 at 5:46 am

      Can u please tell me how to downgrade

  5. Nk

    05/27/2015 at 11:56 pm

    That was the coolest steps till date, amazed. Perfect Step by Step process. Amazing. Loved it

  6. Shawn

    06/03/2015 at 5:53 pm

    I an very unhappy with the lollipop. My battery life is terrible. I have glitches in texting and notifications. I am not sure why they want to change something that was excellent to something that is mediocre and full of problems.
    Dose anyone hate the color scheme like I do?

    • Elexis

      06/10/2015 at 9:27 am

      Same thing here. My phones batt literally went 0% twice a day, glitches everywhere, the colours sucks so much. my S4 was perfectly fine during Kitkat. except the gps, still not working even after this update.

    • OtherReagan

      06/17/2015 at 4:17 am

      Yes! I hate the color scheme and there’s no way to change it as far as I can see.

    • Otcheryl

      06/19/2015 at 5:29 am

      The color scheme is awful! The low contrast makes it difficult to see under the best circumstances.

  7. dariusxl

    06/11/2015 at 9:32 am

    The link in the article on how to downdrade the Samsung GS4 provides details for Nexus devices only. Is there a guide for the GS4?

  8. Beeg Reynolds

    06/17/2015 at 6:20 am

    After updating, my Samsung S4 lasts about 7 hours with no usage, or only 4-5 hours with usage. Factory reset does not work, and it is painful to do as I had recreate all the settings while losing my old texts. I had a spare battery that was charging separately. On any given day, I had to replace it 2 or 3 times. I ended up purchasing another spare battery so I could get through the day. (Basically, rotating 3 batteries.) It is painful. I still have my old Lumia running Windows 8, which I actually love. I may just have to move back to it.

  9. Beeg Reynolds

    06/17/2015 at 6:24 am

    Just to add to my comment…I turned off everything that is unnecessary, WiFi, screen rotate, etc. I downloaded an app to monitor what is draining the battery, and it shows the culprit is the Android system. If i use the phone as a MiFi while traveling, then I probably get 2 hours out of it.

  10. Otcheryl

    06/19/2015 at 5:25 am

    Isn’t the point of having a smart phone the ability to use any app you want, to have constant connectivity, and to have fun wallpaper if you want it? If I have to shut down everything and constantly monitor my phone, it no longer is “smart” and I may as well pull out my flip phone. This “upgrade” makes me think twice about getting another Samsung.

  11. Greg

    06/21/2015 at 10:36 am

    Ever since getting Lollipop upgrade my S4 runs out of battery after about 8 hours and I use literally zero apps. Last night the s4 came up with a red Verizon screen that could not be altered. I went into the Verizon shop and they took the battery out and back in and the s4 is working again.
    And yes, I hate the graphics and colors. The old “contacts” was far superior to the photos of Lollipop, altho I can live with it.
    Does anyone know if the S6 compensates for that?

  12. Jackofalltards

    06/21/2015 at 1:33 pm

    Lolipop is an ugly battery draining piece of shit. I want kitkat back now.

  13. arpit

    06/30/2015 at 2:20 am

    Lollipop sucks.its draining battery too fast .if i jist turn on my internet.it jist sucks battery .in 10 mintutes it goes from 100 to 90.percent.but when i turn off my net therer is no problem .the remains d same as i left it.

  14. Shell Daruwala

    07/01/2015 at 3:35 am

    After previous Android updates, my battery life was awful, but I backed up my S4 using Kies, restored my phone to factory settings, THEN applied the Lollipop update before restoring my backed-up data. My battery life is now better than it has been since the phone was new! I hope this helps some of you who are still suffering.

  15. Mandy

    07/12/2015 at 3:07 pm

    Using an extended battery for your galaxy s4 is a really good idea since the battery life on the stock battery is not good at all. This is a top rated on amazon galaxy s4 battery https://fliptroniks.com/shop/fliptroniks-samsung-galaxy-s4-6200mah-extended-battery-black-back-matte-finish-cover/

  16. Phil

    08/04/2015 at 3:50 pm

    Just updated to Lollipop. Immediately noticed a long delay to update my inbox every time, widgets don’t work or just disappear, battery runs down quickly. I also hate the photo view for contacts as I use my phone for business and seldom have photos of anyone in there anyway. I would far rather see more contact information.

  17. Colleen

    08/31/2015 at 5:26 pm

  18. Shane Dion

    09/02/2015 at 9:37 pm

    Smart Scroll missing on Lollipop update

  19. Rico Lee

    10/27/2015 at 9:37 pm

    Yes Succes fix the battery GT-i9500 lollipop 5.0.1
    -Hard Then spent battery reset * # 0228 # and select “Quick Star” and shut down the S4, charge up to 50% and then turn wait until the full 100% and Reboot/Shutdown and enjoy battery Normal..

    • Rico Lee

      10/27/2015 at 9:43 pm

      Yes fix the battery passes GT-i9500 lollipop 5.0.1
      -Hard Reset Then spent battery reset * # 0228 # and select “Quick Star” and shut down the S4, charge up to 50% and then turn wait until the full 100% and Reboot/Shutdown and enjoy battery Normal..

  20. PHIL

    11/20/2015 at 3:19 pm

    THE PROBLEME WITH THE BATTERY IS THE FAC THAT IT’S MADE IN CHINA,,THEY USE FASTER BECAUSE THEY ARE CHEAPER,, THANK’S

  21. Janine

    11/23/2015 at 5:33 pm

    I have an S4, ever since Lollipop upgrade I don’t get email sound notifications…what’s up with that ???
    Also if I leave a text message page open, texting with someone, I don’t get a sound notification.
    Any thoughts on these problems ???

  22. Mia Corealis

    02/02/2016 at 8:14 am

    “fossil of a phone” Really, I need to convince my parents to stop being stingy and seriously, its 2016. That deserves for me to get a new phone that is not an android.

  23. Kazi Bendele

    02/08/2016 at 5:04 am

    Samsung Galaxy S4 its battery is so frustrated because it cann’t keep power

  24. Richard (@Ritchie007nl)

    02/14/2016 at 9:10 am

    Samsung releases new update that makes you phone slower and weaker battery time so that you want a new phone asap. This is kinda the apple way but we all know samsung want to be apple so bad that they do a 1:1 copy of all apple moves. But updates like this is just proof that i will never buy a new samsung phone again.

  25. Lisa Perez

    02/29/2016 at 10:35 pm

    I have just upgraded to the latest software and replaced the battery which had swollen. I cannot say which is responsible but before I could get less than 24 hours on standby but now I get over 100 hours. The phone is around 3 year old and it has never performed so well as it does now. Very happy S4 user now.

  26. Trevor

    04/19/2016 at 4:27 am

    Guys there is the easiest of fixes available for ALL YOUR SGS4 & Android problems…?? Follow this link… I’ve just started using the SGS4 as a work phone company issue..! I’m an iPhone user & have been since the first iPhone 3g… Now I totally know why…! For its criticisms in recent times over a lack of bling & not keeping up with its competitors in some of the more updated features…? Rome wasn’t built in a day but the coliseum still stands today..! IPhone is very functional more reliable and so much easier to use…! I put my work pH in the glove box as I get home and reunite myself with my more reliable and user friendly ip6s OK it’s strong reliable and it’s the tool for all occasions.

    https://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-iphone/iphone6s?afid=p238%7Cs5WPeliUy-dm_mtid_18707vxu38484_pcrid_93834436942_&cid=aos-au-kwg-iphone-slid-

    You won’t regret, believe me…!

  27. Joe Zvanut

    05/27/2016 at 10:35 am

    I tried to enter “Safe Mode” and instead ended up with a screen saying “Downloading” with the Android logo. It’s been doing this for hours and no end is in sight. How do I get out of this and when I do, what do I need to do to restore the software so it operates on AT&T?

  28. Maxi Dar

    06/14/2016 at 2:36 am

    After several re-flashing the firmware using Odin. it seems that changing the launcher help a bit. Any way the battery it seems need to be replaced too.
    For downgrading to KitKat 4.4.2 I think it’s possible by downloading it from Sammobile, Then flash it through Odin to your mobile. and never update to Lollipop. I didn’t try it. but I was thinking about it if nothing solve my heating & battery draining problem.

  29. Luke

    08/05/2016 at 6:38 am

    If I bought a new samsung s4 battery would that help at all? Please reply if you know.

  30. Sunny

    09/04/2016 at 10:55 pm

    Same for me. My Galaxy S4 with KitKat gave me almost three days of battery life. About a month after the Lollipop upgrade, the battery life suddenly dropped to less than one day. Resetting the cache didn’t work, so I did a full backup then a factory reset. Now battery use is back to normal.

  31. tiaan cilliers

    05/02/2017 at 11:12 am

    Its my 2Nd S4 battery ..swollen… I can not afford this. Its my friends 3Rd. We are from Namibia Africa. can you replace the batteries?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.