It is always wise to ensure software is current on your devices, as remaining on older software can lead to significant issues. If you are among the many Android device users facing mysterious battery drain recently, Google has just indicated that Instagram could be the cause.
“Beginning today, Instagram is introducing an updated app designed to address a battery drain concern on Android devices,” a Google community manager mentioned in a support post on Android’s help forum on Wednesday. “Please confirm that you have the latest version of the Instagram app (build 382.0.0.49.84) to fix this problem.”
If you use Instagram on any of your Android devices, visit Google Play to make sure you have the most recent version of the app. You can also verify your version number by pressing and holding the app icon and then selecting App info.
Earlier this month, 9to5Google reported that Pixel device users had been voicing concerns about their batteries unexpectedly draining faster than normal since shortly after the May 2025 update. At that time, the cause of the battery drain was not entirely understood, but it has now been confirmed that the Instagram app was responsible for the Pixel battery issues.
As for the specifics of what happened with that Instagram app that led to quicker battery drain on Android devices, we have no information, and frankly, we may never find out.
