BikeCompanion, like any cycling GPS app, can be battery-intensive as it uses GPS and keeps the screen on for extended periods. Here’s a complete guide to optimize your smartphone’s battery life during your rides.
What battery life can I expect?
On a recent smartphone (example: iPhone 14 Pro) with 4 connected sensors (heart rate, cadence/power/speed, and Garmin Varia) and 50% screen brightness, you can complete 7-8 hour rides covering over a hundred kilometers (more than 60 miles).
However, battery life can be significantly reduced on:
- Older phones
- Less powerful devices
- Degraded batteries
Fortunately, there are simple solutions you can implement to avoid running out of battery before the end of your bike ride!
Essential solutions for saving battery
Before the ride
- Fully charge your phone
- Download maps in “offline” mode
During the ride
- Enable airplane mode if you don’t need connectivity
- Use voice navigation to keep the screen off or use the automatic brightness adjustment option offered by BikeCompanion (Settings “gear” menu > “Battery saver”)
- For OLED screens: activate dark mode (Settings “gear” menu > “Battery saver”)
- Prefer displaying indicators in full screen rather than the map
External factors
- Be mindful of temperature: cold weather can accelerate battery drain
- In areas with poor coverage (mountains, woods), the constant search for internet/phone signal consumes more energy than the GPS itself
Alternative solution: External battery
If you want an optimal solution to forget all battery concerns, opt for:
This affordable solution will guarantee sufficient battery life for all your rides, regardless of their duration.
Summary of best practices
- Prepare your ride (full charge, offline maps)
- Optimize display (lock when possible, otherwise use BikeCompanion’s auto-brightness adjustment, dark mode if available)
- Manage connections (airplane mode if possible)
- Plan for an external battery on long rides
