Virtual private networks (VPNs) are a terrific method to keep your internet activities secret and safe. Do they, however, affect your battery life? In this article, we explore that question and provide you with the pros and cons of using a VPN.
Table of Contents
What is a VPN?
VPNs are like a security blanket for your online activity, and they encrypt your data and keep it away from prying eyes.
VPNs can significantly reduce your battery life. In theory, a VPN will use up more battery power because it’s constantly communicating with the server. However, there are several things you can do to help your battery last longer.
Here are four recommendations for getting the most out of your VPN while still conserving battery life:
- Make sure your VPN is configured correctly. A poorly set up VPN will use more battery power and may not provide the level of security you expect.
- Use a lower-power mode when using your VPN. The default mode uses the full power of your device, so try using a lower power mode if possible.
- Disable background data updates when using a VPN. This will disable communication with the server but should provide adequate security protection without draining your battery too much.
- Turn off notifications when using a VPN if you don’t need them. Notifications can distract and take away from the peace of mind you get from using a VPN.
There are plenty of other tips for using a VPN beyond the scope of this article. But these four will help you get the most out of your battery while using a VPN.
How does a VPN work?
Your online traffic (including web browsing, streaming, and file downloads) travels through the VPN server instead of your regular internet connection. This can protect you from prying eyes and malicious hackers. However, because a VPN uses the internet, it can drain your battery faster than if you were using the internet.
Does VPN Drain the Battery on Your Phone?
VPNs can help safeguard your privacy and keep your online activities safe, but they can also deplete your phone’s battery. A study published by CNET in 2018 found that using a VPN can reduce battery life by up to 30 percent.
What is the reason behind this? When you use a VPN, the primary objective of your phone is to encrypt all of the traffic that passes through it. This means that your phone is working harder to keep things private, and as a result, it needs more power to do so. VPNs can often slow down your internet connection, which takes even more capacity to handle. Ultimately, all of this extra work can lead to decreased battery life.
If you need to use a VPN but don’t want to sacrifice your battery life, choose one that isn’t too taxing on your device. And if you do find yourself struggling with low battery life due to a VPN use, consider turning it off when you’re not using it. That way, you can still get the security benefits of a VPN without sacrificing too much battery life.
Why Does VPN Drain Battery?
VPNs are known to drain battery life on devices. Because of the way VPN works, this is the case. VPNs provide a secure connection between your device and the VPN server. This encrypted tunnel consumes a lot of battery because it requires the device to encrypt and decrypt data constantly.
To save your device’s battery, you can reduce or stop using the VPN when not needed. You might also try using a VPN that uses less battery.
How Much Battery Does VPN Use?
VPNs use a lot of batteries. A good VPN will use about 3% of your battery per hour, which is high. So if you’re using a VPN on your phone, it’s essential to make sure you have enough battery life to last the whole hour.
How to save battery with a VPN?
If you’re looking to conserve your battery life, a VPN can help. A VPN helps encrypt your traffic and mask your IP address, saving you battery. Here’s how to keep the battery with a VPN:
- Select the right VPN for your needs. Some VPNs work better with specific devices or apps, so make sure to select the one that will work best for you.
- Turn off unnecessary features. Many VPNs have features that can drain your phone’s battery, like automatic reconnecting and streaming music through the app. Turn off these features if possible.
- Keep your device in airplane mode when not using it. When your phone is in airplane mode, it won’t connect to any networks and will conserve battery life.
- Use low-power modes when possible. If you need to use a VPN but don’t have time to turn off all of the features, try using one of the low-power modes available on most devices. These modes will still allow you to browse the internet and access essential apps, but they will use less battery than other modes.
- Use the battery saver feature on your device. Many devices have a battery saver feature to reduce your phone’s battery usage by shutting down non-essential elements. Try using this feature when you need to use a VPN but don’t have time to turn off all features.
- Charge your device regularly. Keeping your device charged will help it last longer and conserve battery life.
- Use a power bank when possible. If you need to use a VPN but don’t have time to turn off all of the features, try using one of the low-power modes available on most devices. These modes will still allow you to browse the internet and access essential apps, but they will use less battery than other modes.
- Charge your device in the morning and at night, which will help it last longer and conserve battery life.
- Turn off notifications and background apps. Many apps and devices send information in the background, which can drain your battery. Turn off notifications and background apps if possible.
- Monitor your battery usage. If you notice that your device uses a lot of battery, try to figure out why and make adjustments to conserve battery life.
How to Choose the Right VPN for You
VPNs are a great way to protect your computer and privacy, but make sure you choose the right one for you. Here are six pointers to consider while choosing the best VPN for your requirements.
- Know What You Need
Before choosing a VPN, make sure you understand what you need it. Do you want to use it to protect your privacy while online, access blocked content, or stay connected when traveling overseas?
- Consider the Cost and Features
When it comes to picking a VPN, price is a major consideration. Some are more costly than others, but they also have more features. Check to see if the features you’re getting are worth the money.
- Look for a Secure Connection
Connection security is one of the most critical factors to consider when buying a VPN. Make sure the VPN you choose is reliable and has robust encryption methods.
- Consider Location and Speed
Another essential factor to consider is location and speed. Make sure the VPN you choose can be used in your country or region and that its rates are acceptable for your needs.
- Look for a Variety of Protocols and Encryption Methods
When choosing a VPN, make sure it offers a variety of protocol options and robust encryption methods. You will have additional options while utilizing the service as a result of this.
- Test the VPN Before You Use It
Before you start using a VPN, make sure it works with your devices and apps. This will help ensure a smooth experience when using the service.
These pointers should assist you in selecting the best VPN for your requirements.
How to Setup a VPN on Your iPhone or Android
It’s simple to set up a VPN on your iPhone or Android, and it may help you safeguard your privacy and security. This is how you do it:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or Android smartphone. Under “General,” tap “VPN.” Tap the desired VPN service. You can also enter a VPN address or port number. Tap “Create New Profile.” Fill out the profile information, and then tap “Save.” You’re now ready to use the VPN!
Open the App Store or Google Play Store on your iPhone or Android device, search for “VPN,” and select the desired VPN app to connect to a VPN. Open a web browser and enter the desired VPN address or port number on a desktop computer. You can also click the “Configure” button in the bottom-right corner of most VPN apps to set up custom settings.
Always take caution while using a VPN and investigate which one is best for you. A good rule of thumb is to choose a VPN with a strong security rating and servers in countries you’ll want to use it.
Finally, while utilizing a VPN, keep an eye on your privacy and security. When using the internet, employ common sense and prudence when sharing personal information.
Conclusion
Yes, VPN can take a toll on your phone’s battery life. When you use a VPN, your device becomes a tiny router, and it has to do all the work of routing data through an encrypted tunnel. In addition to using more bandwidth and draining your battery, this activates some of your phone’s background processes previously dormant. So if you’re worried about how much VPN usage will impact your battery performance, keep an eye on notifications and background polling.
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Arun is a self-published author and blogger with a passion for sharing his knowledge and expertise on Tech with people who are looking to find the perfect content for their needs. He tries to furnish you with genuine content about gadgets & tech that can assist you with deciding whether a gadget is appropriate according to your requirements or not.
