Prime Highlights:

Google assures that the latest update of Instagram solves battery drain on Pixel phones.
Version 382.0.0.49.84 is now available on Google Play Store.

Key Facts:

Battery drain issue arose after a Pixel software update in May 2025.
Pixel phones ranging from Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 are impacted.
Non-Pixel Android phones are not confirmed if they were impacted.

Key Background

Google Pixel users complained of heavy battery drain and overheating in May 2025 following the recent security update. The problem was very prevalent among Pixel users from Pixel 6 to Pixel 9. As much as the exact reason was not evident, investigations showed that the Instagram app was a prime suspect.

Google confirmed the problem on a support post, telling users to update their Instagram app to version 382.0.0.49.84, which they could do through the Google Play Store. Those who had the issue were informed to go to their app version by pressing down on the Instagram icon, tapping “App info,” and looking at the version number at the bottom. If they were on an older version, they were asked to update the app.

The battery drain problem began with users who upgraded their devices with the May 2025 patch. The patch started rolling out to Pixel users and even some Samsung users like those with Galaxy S25. Initially, the users thought it was a glitch with the patch itself, but it was discovered later that there was some compatibility problem with Instagram that led to this problem.

This installment emphasizes the problems that can occur when application updates collide with system-level updates in operating systems. Even though the issue seemed to be pixel-related, it was important to address the consequence for all users of Android devices. Google’s prompt acknowledgment and Instagram’s prompt release of an update reflect the urgency required in addressing user-reported issues.

For users residing in Pune, Maharashtra, and elsewhere, it is advisable to make sure all applications, especially heavy-use applications like Instagram, are updated from time to time to avoid such issues. Updating apps and checking battery usage from time to time can help detect and fix such issues beforehand.

Generally, the collaboration between Google and Instagram in addressing the issue of battery draining is a demonstration of the importance of synergy among platform providers and app developers in ensuring devices remain in their optimum state of functioning.