
Get exclusive tech offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Updated
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
For all the large screens and powerful processors modern smartphones feature, battery life has remained frustratingly insufficient across the board.
There are a hundred tips and tricks for extending the battery life on your phone, but one of the lesser known ones is to disable Wi-Fi scanning. Here's what it is and how to do it.
Most people know that turning off Wi-Fi will extend their phone's battery life. You knew that, right? It will, but you'll want to watch your data usage after you've done it!
But it's not just a binary on/off option here.
You can also leave the Wi-Fi on and disable the Wi-Fi scanning feature. In fact, unless you tell your phone not to perform Wi-Fi scanning, it'll do so even when you've turned off Wi-Fi.
That's because Wi-Fi scanning isn't about finding a network for you to connect to. It's actually part of the location services on your phone, meaning that it's scanning for networks to get a better idea of where you are at any given time.
It sounds sinister, but it's the feature that allows services like Siri and Google Assistant to tell you about all the cool stuff in your immediate vicinity.
But it does use up battery along the way, so here's how to disable it.
You may think you'll find it tucked away inside your Wireless Network options but no, it's not there. In fact, if your phone doesn't have a search function in the settings, it can be tricky to locate.
In a pure form of Android, such as the one found in the Pixel range from Google, it's actually in the Security and Location settings.
You'll find it at "Security & Location". Under the "Privacy" subhead, tap "Location" then tap "Scanning". You'll have the option to turn off both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning if you like.
For all other Android phones, it should be in a similar place. Again, search it if your phone offers that much-needed feature.
As of iOS 11, you can't choose to disable Wi-Fi scanning for location services.
Apple has made it clear that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections will still be available for a number of system features, including location, even when you've turned them off. That's just the way it is.
Nokia's latest super-affordable feature phone isn't fancy – but that's totally the point.
Wi-Fi dongles and pocket Wi-Fi are an easy way for you to get connected to the Internet while you're out and about.
Huawei's Freebuds Pro are comfortable and inconspicuous with solid noise cancelling – as long as you're using an Android phone.
The US model of the iPhone 12 has superior 5G support compared to the Australian model, but there are some details to be aware of before you order an American iPhone 12.
These are the best GPS Navigation Systems in Australia for 2020, as determined by thousands of real customer reviews.
Amazon Prime Day has kicked off for another year. Here are the best tech deals so far, including laptops, phones, headsets, tablets and more.
Apple's entry-level iPad has really only had a processor update this year, but it remains the best tablet that you can buy.
WiFi plans come with a modem so you can get connected to the Internet at home ASAP. Compare plans here.
The Oppo Find X2 Lite brings good 5G and app performance to a new low price point, although its camera quality isn't superb.
We explain how 4G modems can help you during an NBN outage and your other options when it comes to getting your home back online.