this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2023
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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?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

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!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

And your experience with the Android client and battery usage has been good?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

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 :)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

I mean, the entire point of VPN like that is all time online. The better solution is likely a port forward for syncing.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (3 children)

That sounds good! Any quick instructions for that? I couldn't figure it out earlier and zerotier/tailscale seemed a lot easier.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

WireGuard alone don’t have this Batterie drain problem. Have it 24/7 on without issues.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

me too, using the wireguard Clent.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Tailscale uses wireguard with custom modification (to distribute key, use relay, use TCP). It's not the same protocol as plain native wireguard.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

this is pretty much all the guide you need but for a client input the same information into your wireguard app

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

What about TwinGate.
Network Chuck did a piece about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYmXPF3XUwo&t=647s

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

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.

https://github.com/kaaass/ZerotierFix

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Wireguard with a static ip server works

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

You can try out Tailscale.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

I dont have the problem. You should get it a try.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Oh this is very helpful to know - I think I'll try both tailscale.and netbird

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

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...