I am using ZeroTier’s free tier to connect my computer, a Raspberry Pi and my phone, and I am loving it. But I have run into one seemingly insurmountable problem. The ZeroTier client on Android seems to be quite a battery hog. As a result I have to keep it switched off most of the time, and manually remember to switch it on now and then so sync’ing etc. will happen.
Are there any alternatives to ZeroTier, or to the ZeroTier client, that might use less battery on Android?
Also, if you want the self hosted option: Netbird. I have been using this for 1 1/2 years, works like a charm and comes with Linux/Windows/Android clients!
And your experience with the Android client and battery usage has been good?
You can indeed use Tailscale ad remember to set the VPN On-Demand so you’ll get connected just when you’re outside your home network :)
I don’t think that really solves the problem here. That will still use the VPN all the time when mobile. So the battery will still drain quickly. Zero Tier I admit is quite heavy compared to Tailscale but the battery issue remains.
You’re indeed right about having the vpn on all the times you’re on mobile, but at least when home it won’t drain more battery as it will closed, so it’s not the best solution, but still better than what OP is using imo
The always-on VPN does NOT close Tailscale when you’re home. At least mine doesn’t. If it’s on, it’s on all the time.
I mean, the entire point of VPN like that is all time online. The better solution is likely a port forward for syncing.
Not sure… the problem may be inherent to VPN and P2P protocol implementation.
However, I saw an alternative Android client for ZT. It was built to have a couple of extra features not sure how secure or how reliable it is.
I use wireguard back to a pfsence box. I don’t notice any increased battery drain
I just need access to my home network, so it dose the job.
That sounds good! Any quick instructions for that? I couldn’t figure it out earlier and zerotier/tailscale seemed a lot easier.
Tailscale uses Wireguard under the hood. ZeroTier uses something of their own.
I assume Wireguard would only be as good as Tailscale regarding your battery problems.
WireGuard alone don’t have this Batterie drain problem. Have it 24/7 on without issues.
I didn’t say it did. I’m saying that whatever is going on now with ZeroTier for this person will likely remain the same after switching to WireGuard.
me too, using the wireguard Clent.
Tailscale uses wireguard with custom modification (to distribute key, use relay, use TCP). It’s not the same protocol as plain native wireguard.
pfsence https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8jQ5UE_7xds
if you don’t have pfsence, google wireguard vpn docker.
I use the wireguard client on android.
this is pretty much all the guide you need but for a client input the same information into your wireguard app
You can try out Tailscale.
Was tied up with something for a few days, but have just now installed Tailscale (for those using it on Android, in case you also use a Private DNS setting, be aware that there’s a problem - follow the point made here). Will report back here on how my battery performs…
Apparently tailscale has the same problem? https://www.reddit.com/r/Tailscale/comments/13y09bp/extreme_battery_drain_on_android/ but there is a reference to switching off DNS which i don’t really follow
I dont have the problem. You should get it a try.
I have tailscale running 24x7 on an s22 ultra. Haven’t noticed any change in battery life at all.
Disabling magicdns is something you do in the tailscale admin portal
Oh this is very helpful to know - I think I’ll try both tailscale.and netbird
Wireguard with a static ip server works
What about TwinGate.
Network Chuck did a piece about it.