Some Google Pixel users are frustrated with a strange bug causing the “Ambient Display” feature to drain battery — even when it’s turned off. Some users reported seeing Ambient Display rank high in their battery usage stats, consuming as much as 10–15% of the total battery, despite not actively using the feature.
On Reddit users are comparing notes on how this issue appeared after recent updates. Many note that toggling the feature off or restarting the phone offers no permanent solution. Some speculate it could be linked to other settings like “Tap to Wake” or “Now Playing,” which are grouped under Ambient Display’s battery usage.
One user even went as far as factory resetting their device, however, the problem persisted. The good news? Google is already on it. A Googler confirmed the issue was identified and fixed in a beta update. The fix might go live with the next update or with the March feature drop.
For those currently affected, temporary workarounds include disabling features like “Double Tap to Wake”. However, this might not suit everyone. As one user noted, turning off features like Tap to Wake disrupts their usual phone habits.
Until the update arrives, Pixel users are stuck watching Ambient Display drain their batteries — even when it’s doing nothing. While we wait for a fix, here’s what else is going on in the Pixel world.
Dwayne Cubbins
2728 Posts
I cover fast-moving stories across apps, online platforms, and everyday tech — phones, wearables, consoles, and whatever else people are fighting with this week. Bugs, rollouts, scams, policy enforcement, and the occasional internet-culture rabbit hole are all fair game. My goal is simple — make confusing tech news readable. When I'm not working, I'm working out or chilling with my dog. Got a tip? You can find me on X @dcubbins.
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