Yes, a VPN drains your battery power – this is how to fix it‍

Why Does a VPN Use More Battery?

VPNs work by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. This encryption makes it impossible for anyone to intercept your online traffic. However, it also requires your device to continuously encrypt and decrypt data. That uses more processing power, which means more battery drain.

We’re not talking big numbers here. Tests show a VPN typically adds about 5–20% to battery usage while active—closer to 5–7% with lightweight protocols, and higher with older settings, weak signal, or older devices. That’s probably not a difference you’re going to notice.

Still, there are times when every bit of battery life matters. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make sure your battery lasts longer, even while using a VPN.

How to Reduce VPN Battery Drain

Here's how to keep your battery healthy while preserving your privacy online.

1.    Use split tunneling

We talked earlier about how a VPN creates a tunnel between your device and the internet. Split tunneling is one of the best ways to preserve your battery life.

This feature allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which don’t. For example, you could use a VPN to protect your connection to a client’s database, but browse unprotected in another window. Or, use a VPN to outsmart geographical content restrictions while streaming, and your regular internet connection for online shopping.

Because the VPN only protects some of your traffic, it will use less power. Choose a VPN provider that offers split tunneling to stay charged.

2.    Pick a nearby server

The server you connect to via your VPN makes a big difference. Using a server that is closer to you means that your device will use less energy sending and receiving data. Where possible, choose a server in your country or region instead of one on the other side of the world. This shorter network path helps preserve battery life and increases browsing speed.

3.    Choose a lightweight protocol

Choose a lightweight protocol A VPN protocol is a set of rules determining how your device interacts with the server. Different VPN providers offer multiple protocol options, each with its own balance of speed, security, and power usage. To reduce battery drain, choose a lightweight, modern protocol in your VPN settings. These options provide strong encryption with less overhead, so they require less processing power from your phone or other device. If your app lists protocols, look for descriptions like “lightweight,” “mobile‑optimized,” or “low‑power,” and switch to that option to squeeze a bit more juice out of your battery.

4.    Turn off the VPN when you don’t need it

We all slip into bad habits sometimes. However, maintaining good discipline with apps you keep running can have a huge effect on your battery life.

If you’re not using the internet, there’s not much of a point having your VPN running. Switching it off when you don’t need it will help to protect your device’s battery life. Many VPN apps offer auto-connect features. That way, you can make sure the VPN activates on specific networks, helping to reduce power consumption.

Why VPNs Are Worth It

Realistically, you’re unlikely to notice a drop in your device’s charge level from the VPN alone. Closing unwanted apps, disabling notifications, and reducing brightness will make a bigger difference to battery life than using a VPN.

And the tiny drop-off in the battery life is a fair trade-off for protecting your data. Public Wi-Fi networks are easy targets for hackers, and a VPN protects you from being a victim.

With features like split tunneling and lightweight protocols, you can set up your VPN so it barely affects your battery life. That way, you can stay protected and still use your VPN to stay safe.