ZOLEO Battery Draining Too Fast – ZOLEO

If your ZOLEO device loses battery power faster than expected, its message check interval, Location Share+ usage, satellite visibility, or device software may be affecting battery life. This article explains how to identify and reduce excessive battery use. The information applies to both the ZOLEO 1000 and ZOLEO 1500.

Complete the Initial ZOLEO Battery Checks

Start with a reliable charging source and cable. A damaged cable, an underpowered charger, or charging outside the supported temperature range can prevent the battery from reaching a full charge.

Use the cable supplied with your ZOLEO device or a standard replacement cable with the correct connector. The ZOLEO 1000 uses Micro-USB, and the ZOLEO 1500 uses USB-C.
Use a USB-compliant wall charger capable of supplying at least 1.5 A.
Confirm that the cable and charger can successfully charge another device.
Charge the ZOLEO device between 0°C and 45°C (32°F and 113°F).
Allow the Power LED to turn green before beginning a battery-life test.

For complete charging instructions, see How To Charge Your ZOLEO. If the device was stored for an extended period or its battery was fully depleted, also complete the 24-hour recovery charge described later in this article.

Adjust the ZOLEO Message Check Interval

The message check interval controls how often the ZOLEO device connects to the satellite network to check for incoming messages. The default interval is 12 minutes. Selecting Always On uses the most battery power, while longer intervals or Manual mode conserve battery.

Power on the ZOLEO device and link it to the ZOLEO app.
Select Settings (gear) in the ZOLEO app.
Select My Connected ZOLEO Device.
Select Device Settings > Message check interval.
Select 24 minutes, 60 minutes, or Manual.
Select Save.

A longer interval can delay incoming satellite messages. The setting does not affect messages delivered through Wi-Fi or cellular data, SOS alerts, or Location Share+ updates. For more information, see How To Change the Message Check Interval.

Reduce ZOLEO Features That Use More Battery

Frequent satellite activity increases battery use. Review how often the ZOLEO device sends or checks for information before deciding that the battery is faulty.

Location Share+: Shorter update intervals use more battery. Select a longer interval when frequent location updates aren't required.
Messages: Sending many messages or repeatedly checking for incoming satellite messages increases battery use.
Always On: This message check setting provides the fastest receipt of satellite messages but uses the most battery power.
Extended active use: Using Location Share+, frequent messaging, and a short message check interval together drains the battery faster.

After changing a setting, fully charge the ZOLEO device and monitor it under similar conditions. For more information about these settings, see ZOLEO Battery Management.

Improve Satellite Visibility to Reduce Battery Use

A ZOLEO device may use more power when buildings, dense tree cover, terrain, your body, or a bag obstructs its view of the sky. Position the device where it can connect to the satellite network efficiently.

Carry the ZOLEO device outside your bag or enclosure during active use.
Attach it to a backpack strap or another secure external location.
Keep the buttons and LEDs facing upward with a clear view of the sky.
Keep the device clear of your body and large metal objects when possible.

Good satellite visibility is particularly important while sending messages, checking for incoming satellite messages, or running Location Share+. If the device is used indoors or remains obstructed, compare battery life after using it outdoors in an open area.

Update the ZOLEO App and Device Software

Install available app and device software updates before continuing with more advanced battery troubleshooting. Device software updates are transferred to the ZOLEO device through Bluetooth.

Open the App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone or tablet.
Search for ZOLEO and install any available app update.
Open the ZOLEO app and link your ZOLEO device to the ZOLEO app.
Install the device software update if the app displays a prompt.
If no prompt appears, select Settings (gear), then go to My Connected ZOLEO Device > About My Device > Device Software Update.
Select OK and allow the update to finish without interruption.

The ZOLEO device restarts when the update is complete. Link it to the ZOLEO app again, fully charge it, and repeat the battery-life test.

Factory Reset the ZOLEO Device as a Last Resort

Perform a factory reset only after the other battery troubleshooting steps have been unsuccessful. A factory reset removes customized settings and data stored on the device, including messages waiting to be sent or transferred to the ZOLEO app.

Important: The ZOLEO device must be powered on before you start a factory reset. Attempting a factory reset while the device is off can damage the device.

Review How To Factory Reset Your ZOLEO before starting.
Power on the ZOLEO device and complete the factory reset.
Link the ZOLEO device to the ZOLEO app again.
Reapply your preferred device settings.
Fully charge the device and test its battery life again.

If the device can't remain powered on long enough to complete a factory reset, don't continue attempting the reset. Complete the recovery charge or contact the ZOLEO Customer Experience Team.

Complete a 24-Hour ZOLEO Recovery Charge

A 24-hour recovery charge may help if the ZOLEO device was stored for an extended period or its battery was fully depleted. Use this as a temporary troubleshooting procedure rather than a normal charging routine.

Use a working cable with the correct connector for your ZOLEO device.
Connect the cable directly to a wall charger rated at 1.5 A or higher.
Charge the ZOLEO device between 0°C and 45°C (32°F and 113°F).
Leave the device connected for 24 hours without interruption.
Disconnect the charging cable after 24 hours.
Power on the ZOLEO device and test its battery life under normal conditions.

If the battery continues to deplete rapidly after a full recovery charge, the ZOLEO Customer Experience Team may need to assess the device.

Contact ZOLEO About Excessive Battery Drain

If the ZOLEO device continues to lose battery power faster than expected after you complete the applicable steps, contact the ZOLEO Customer Experience Team. Have the following information ready, if available:

Your ZOLEO device model: ZOLEO 1000 or ZOLEO 1500
Your device's 15-digit IMEI, found on the back of the device or on its original packaging
Your MyZOLEO account number and billing address
The ZOLEO app version and device software version
How long the battery lasts after a full charge
Your message check interval and Location Share+ interval
How often you send messages and whether the device has a clear view of the sky
The troubleshooting steps you completed and the result of each step
How long you have owned the device and when it last operated normally
Whether the device was stored and how it was charged during storage

To find your account number and billing address, sign in at myzoleo.com and select My Account. Your account number appears beside Number in the Account Balance card. Your billing address appears under Billing address in the Payment Method card.

Don't include passwords, verification codes, or complete payment-card information in your support request.