Battery Leak Test: Privacy Checker

Find out if your browser is leaking hardware data. Use our battery leak test to detect if websites can track you using your device's Battery Status API.

AI Overview

A Battery Leak Test checks if your browser allows websites to read your battery level and charging status via the navigator.getBattery() API. This data creates a unique digital fingerprint used to track you across different websites even if you use a VPN or clear your cookies.

What is Battery Fingerprinting?

Most browsers include a feature called the Battery Status API. It was originally designed to help websites save power by disabling heavy animations when your battery is low. However, advertisers found a way to abuse it. By reading your exact battery percentage (e.g., 67.12345%) and time until empty, they can create a unique ID for your device.

Privacy Fact: A VPN will not stop this. Battery data is read locally from your hardware, meaning a website can still recognize you even if you change your IP address.

How to Protect Your Privacy

The best way to stop battery status tracking is to use a browser that disables the API by default. We recommend the following on ZKB Tracking:

  • Firefox: Has disabled the API since version 52.
  • Safari (iOS/macOS): Restricts the API to prevent fingerprinting.
  • Brave Browser: Blocks these hardware signals automatically.
  • Chrome/Edge: Vulnerable by default, but you can use privacy extensions to block it.

Why Websites Use This Data

Companies use battery hardware leaks to build a profile of your browsing habits. Some research suggests that travel and ride-sharing apps might even use low battery status to show higher "surge" prices, knowing that a user with 2% battery is more likely to book quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off the Battery API?
In Firefox, it is already off. In Chrome, you usually need an extension like "CanvasBlocker" to stop these leaks.

Does Incognito mode help?
No. Standard Incognito or Private modes do not block hardware APIs. Your battery status remains visible to scripts.

Is this a security threat?
It is a privacy threat, not a virus risk. It doesn't allow hackers to access your files, but it does allow them to track your identity.