Battery Usage Tips While Using FieldEdge

When you're out canvassing, it's essential to be mindful of your phone’s battery usage. FieldEdge relies on your device's GPS and mapping features to show you where to go and track your progress — but these features can use significant battery power. This isn’t unique to FieldEdge; any app that uses maps and location tracking, like Google Maps or Apple Maps, will drain your battery in a similar way.

To help you stay powered up while canvassing, here are some best practices and tips:

Why Battery Usage is Higher When Canvassing

When FieldEdge is in use, especially in Maps View, your device's GPS is constantly running in the background to:

• Track your location in real-time

• Display map data and route information

• Update your progress as you knock on doors

This ongoing location tracking is battery-intensive and can reduce your phone’s battery life faster than usual.

Tips to Maximize Battery Life

Here are a few ways to help conserve battery power while using FieldEdge:

1. Fully Charge Your Phone Before You Start

Before you head out to knock doors, make sure your phone is charged to 100%. Starting with a full battery will give you more time in the field without worrying about running out of power.

2. Bring a Power Bank / Portable Charger

A portable power bank is one of the best ways to stay charged throughout the day. Keep a cable handy and plan to top up your battery when you take breaks.

3. Use List View Instead of Map View

If you don’t need real-time maps, switch to List View in FieldEdge. List View uses less battery because it doesn’t need to load and update the map or constantly track your location.

Switch to List View to save some battery

4. Close Unnecessary Apps

Running multiple apps in the background can drain your battery faster. Before canvassing, close any apps you won’t need during your shift.

5. Lower Screen Brightness

Dimming your screen can make a big difference over the course of a few hours. Reduce brightness manually or turn on Auto-Brightness to help your phone adapt.

6. Use Low Power Mode

Both iOS and Android offer Low Power Mode (or Battery Saver Mode) to help extend battery life. You can enable this mode before or during your canvassing shift to limit background activity and reduce battery consumption.

7. Adjust Location Settings (Optional — Use With Caution)

If you're using iOS, you can reduce battery drain by turning off Precise Location for FieldEdge. However, this will make your location on the map less accurate, which can impact how the app recommends nearby houses. FieldEdge may show you doors that aren’t actually close to you, making your canvassing less efficient.

If you still want to try this option:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

2. Find and tap FieldEdge.

3. Toggle off Precise Location.

For Android users, the equivalent setting is to reduce Location Accuracy:

1. Go to Settings > Location > Location Services > Google Location Accuracy.

2. Turn off Improve Location Accuracy.

Important: Lowering your location accuracy will cause your current position on the map to be less precise. This can lead to FieldEdge selecting doors that aren't actually nearby, which may result in a frustrating canvassing experience. We only recommend this option if you are very familiar with the area and don’t need accurate mapping.