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Reward apps keep you playing games and watching ads, which uses battery, mobile data and sometimes more personal data than you'd expect. Here's what's normal, how to check usage on your phone, and how to keep control.
Key takeaways
- Games and video ads use battery and data, sometimes a lot. Play on Wi-Fi and while charging where you can.
- Many reward apps ask for usage access to track playtime. That's normal for this kind of app, but it's still data you share.
- Your phone shows per-app battery and data use. Check it after a week.
- You can revoke permissions or uninstall any time.
Why reward apps use battery
Mobile games use the screen, processor and graphics chip heavily, and video ads add more. Reward apps may also run in the background to track playtime or send notifications. Expect noticeable battery drain during long sessions, and some extra warmth, especially on older phones.
Why they use mobile data
Ads are mostly video, which is data-heavy. Games may download extra levels or assets after installation. Installing several new games for offers can also use hundreds of megabytes or more per game. If your plan has a data cap, play on Wi-Fi where you can.
Usage access and other permissions
Some reward apps ask for usage access to track playtime. That's normal for this kind of app, but it's still data you share.
| Permission | Why apps ask | What it reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Usage access (Android) | Tracks which games you play and for how long | Which apps you open and when |
| Notifications | Reminders and bonus alerts | Little data, but can be distracting |
| Location | Region-specific offers, fraud checks | Approximate or precise location |
| Advertising ID / tracking | Attributes game installs and offers | Lets advertisers link activity to your device |
| Camera | One-time identity checks in some apps | Your face, if you complete a scan |
How to check battery and data use
On Android
- Open Settings, then Battery, then Battery usage, to see which apps used the most battery.
- Open Settings, then Network & internet (or Connections), then Data usage, to see mobile data by app.
- To review usage access, search Settings for "Usage access" (often under Security & privacy or Special app access) and toggle apps off.
Menu names differ slightly by phone maker.
On iPhone
- Open Settings, then Battery, to see battery use by app over 24 hours or 10 days.
- Open Settings, then Cellular (or Mobile Data), and scroll to see data by app. You can switch off cellular data for any app.
- Open Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Tracking, to control which apps can ask to track you.
Ways to cut battery and data use
- Play on Wi-Fi, and turn off cellular data for the reward app and its games if you're on a limited plan.
- Lower screen brightness and close games fully when you're done.
- Turn off background activity or background refresh for apps you don't need running.
- Disable auto-play of video previews in app stores.
- Uninstall offer games once you've finished with them; they keep updating otherwise.
Is it bad for your phone?
Normal gaming won't damage a phone, but heat and many charge cycles wear batteries over time. Avoid playing while the phone is very hot, such as in direct sun or under a pillow while charging. If your phone gets uncomfortably hot, stop and let it cool.
Your controls
You can revoke permissions in Settings and uninstall at any time. Uninstalling the app doesn't always delete your account data on the company's servers, so if you're quitting for good, look for a "delete account" option in the app or contact the developer. Many apps' privacy policies explain how to request deletion.
Is the trade-off worth it?
Add up what you earn against what it costs: battery wear, data and the personal information you share. For many people the honest answer is that reward apps are worth it only for fun. See how much do reward apps pay? and are reward apps safe?
A quick weekly check-up
Once a week, spend two minutes reviewing your phone: 1. Open battery usage and see whether any reward app or game ranks near the top even though you barely played. 2. Check mobile data by app and switch off cellular data for heavy users. 3. Look at your installed games and uninstall any you no longer play. 4. Review which apps have usage access, location or tracking permission, and remove anything you don't recognize.
This keeps background drain low and makes it obvious if an app is behaving oddly, such as using data while you weren't playing.
Frequently asked questions
Do reward apps drain your battery?
They can. Games and video ads use the screen and processor heavily. Play while charging or on Wi-Fi, and check per-app battery use in Settings.
How much data do reward apps use?
It varies. Video ads and game downloads are the biggest users. Check per-app data use in your phone's settings, and play on Wi-Fi if your data is limited.
What is usage access on Android?
Usage access is a special permission that lets an app see which other apps you use and for how long. Reward apps use it to track playtime.
How do I stop an app from using mobile data?
On iPhone, go to Settings, Cellular, and turn off the app. On Android, open the app's settings, choose Mobile data, and turn off background or all mobile data.
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