[GH-ISSUE #2138] iOS App - Improvements (Battery Usage and Usability Feature) #4157

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opened 2026-08-05 00:56:12 -04:00 by saavagebueno · 5 comments
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Originally created by @R-Nabil on GitHub (Jun 15, 2024).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/2138

Hi,

Just wanted to share some observation on the iOS app.
1 - Battery drains faster if the NetBird app is left Connected continuously. FYI, I had the same issue in the past with the Wireguard app, and it seemed to be due to DNS going through the VPN rather than staying "local". Could there be some similar possible improvements on the mobile app to help reduce battery usage ?

2 - In my case, I have multiple exit nodes possible, but I want to be able to opt-in rather than them being automatically selected when I connect to netbird . Is there a way for the app to "remember" the last state and start from that ?

Thanks,

Originally created by @R-Nabil on GitHub (Jun 15, 2024). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/2138 Hi, Just wanted to share some observation on the iOS app. 1 - Battery drains faster if the NetBird app is left Connected continuously. FYI, I had the same issue in the past with the Wireguard app, and it seemed to be due to DNS going through the VPN rather than staying "local". Could there be some similar possible improvements on the mobile app to help reduce battery usage ? 2 - In my case, I have multiple exit nodes possible, but I want to be able to opt-in rather than them being automatically selected when I connect to netbird . Is there a way for the app to "remember" the last state and start from that ? Thanks,
saavagebueno added the clientmobileiosbattery-usage labels 2026-08-05 00:56:12 -04:00
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@roenw commented on GitHub (Oct 9, 2024):

+1 on battery drain issue - it’s much worse than the Wireguard iOS client with Wireguard DNS. Screenshot shows WG battery drain between 1800-2200 (left side). Netbird battery drain to the right of that.
IMG_9811

<!-- gh-comment-id:2403675156 --> @roenw commented on GitHub (Oct 9, 2024): +1 on battery drain issue - it’s much worse than the Wireguard iOS client with Wireguard DNS. Screenshot shows WG battery drain between 1800-2200 (left side). Netbird battery drain to the right of that. ![IMG_9811](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/2b6fc48b-a09e-48ea-a2ae-8593d510a2c0)
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@gerwim commented on GitHub (Mar 17, 2025):

Yes, battery drain on iOS is an issue (maybe related: https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/1354 and https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/1140). My iPad lost 29% overnight due to the NetBird app still being open.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2728886020 --> @gerwim commented on GitHub (Mar 17, 2025): Yes, battery drain on iOS is an issue (maybe related: https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/1354 and https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/1140). My iPad lost 29% overnight due to the NetBird app still being open.
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@nazarewk commented on GitHub (Mar 17, 2025):

Just to let you know we are working on a "lazy connections" feature which should positively affect both data and battery usage issues.

https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/pull/3379

<!-- gh-comment-id:2729452801 --> @nazarewk commented on GitHub (Mar 17, 2025): Just to let you know we are working on a "lazy connections" feature which should positively affect both data and battery usage issues. https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/pull/3379
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@bobmarley2021 commented on GitHub (Dec 9, 2025):

@nazarewk is there any update on this? I am absolutely thrilled to see that you’ve just released an android TV app and that Apple TV is imminent along with VPN on-demand being on the roadmap. I’m waiting for these things and battery issues to be resolved before I jump from Tailscale!

<!-- gh-comment-id:3631360872 --> @bobmarley2021 commented on GitHub (Dec 9, 2025): @nazarewk is there any update on this? I am absolutely thrilled to see that you’ve just released an android TV app and that Apple TV is imminent along with VPN on-demand being on the roadmap. I’m waiting for these things and battery issues to be resolved before I jump from Tailscale!
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@air5551 commented on GitHub (Feb 11, 2026):

Just to let you know we are working on a "lazy connections" feature which should positively affect both data and battery usage issues.

#3379

Note: I am using the Testflight version of netbird

There are 7 devices connected to my network and netbird with lazy connections on still destroys my battery (I have an Iphone SE Gen 3) also some times devices connect to each other when there is no network activity (Atleast by the apps I have installed).

Although using the stable release the battery life increases a lot
Image

<!-- gh-comment-id:3887337590 --> @air5551 commented on GitHub (Feb 11, 2026): > Just to let you know we are working on a "lazy connections" feature which should positively affect both data and battery usage issues. > > [#3379](https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/pull/3379) Note: I am using the Testflight version of netbird There are 7 devices connected to my network and netbird with lazy connections on still destroys my battery (I have an Iphone SE Gen 3) also some times devices connect to each other when there is no network activity (Atleast by the apps I have installed). Although using the stable release the battery life increases a lot <img width="750" height="1139" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/60cc6a6e-5098-4a66-8d4c-aa389000c12c" />
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Reference: DYNR/netbird#4157