Skip to main content

Battery Optimization

Settings and tips to reduce battery usage without losing GPS fixes.

Built-in Optimizations​

  • Notification throttling: Max 1 update per 10 seconds, plus 2-meter movement filter
  • Batch processing: 50 items per batch, 10 concurrent network requests
  • Smart sync: Only syncs when queue has items and network is available
  • Battery critical shutdown: Stops tracking below 5% (when unplugged)

Tips​

  1. Increase GPS interval -- 5s to 30s saves significant battery
  2. Enable accuracy filtering -- Reject poor GPS fixes to avoid unnecessary processing
  3. Use batch sync instead of instant -- Reduces network usage and wake-ups
  4. Create geofences for home/work -- GPS stops completely in zones
  5. Enable movement threshold -- 10--50m, skip stationary updates
  6. Disable battery optimization for Colota in Android settings to prevent the OS from killing the service

Android Battery Settings​

For reliable background tracking, configure Android to not restrict Colota:

  1. Go to Android Settings > Apps > Colota > Battery
  2. Select Unrestricted
  3. This prevents Android from killing the foreground service