Google Pixel users are reporting battery drain issues in increasing numbers, after installing the April 2026 update. A fix is coming, but there’s no confirmed date yet. Meantime, here’s what to do if you’re affected.
Google Pixel “Draingate” Issues
The problems began around April 14 when users of a range of Pixel phones saw battery drain was way faster than usual. This included increased overnight battery drop and phones getting warmer than usual.
The drain even happens when the phone is in airplane mode, suggesting a deep system-level conflict. “The problem sits closer to the system level, though Google has not confirmed exactly where,” according to Gadget Hacks.
“The bug appears to prevent the CPU from entering Deep Doze, an Android power-saving mode that throttles background activity when the device is idle,” the report went on. And if reading the words Deep Doze mean you’re pining for a nap, just think how the Pixel is feeling.
“The suspected cause is a software process caught in an infinite loop, firing roughly four times per second, enough to keep the processor continuously occupied and block it from reaching a low-power resting state,” the report said.
So, What Should You Do?
First of all, although it’s widespread, it’s not affecting every Pixel, though it looks like all Pixels with Tensor chips, that is Pixel 6 and later, are susceptible. Google knows about the issue and is on the case, but there’s no timeline for the fix, which may come in the May update. In the meantime, these are the steps to take.
1. Activate Extreme Battery Saver by going to Settings, then Battery, Battery Saver and finally Extreme Battery Saver. This pauses non-essential apps and is the only mode that aggressively throttles the interrupts enough to slow the drain.
2. It’s worth disabling the Always-on Display. Since the CPU is already struggling to sleep, the extra draw of the display is making the phones warm to the touch.
One more thing: some users report that switching to the Android 17 QPR1 beta has actually improved the situation, though this isn’t a guaranteed fix for everyone and comes with the usual risks of beta software.
