Note: Battery Status API is deprecated. This feature has been removed from modern browsers.
The charging status was part of the Battery Status API, indicating whether a device was plugged into power or running on battery. Like battery level, this was removed due to privacy concerns.
Charging status was intended to help websites adapt behavior based on power availability. The idea was that websites could be more aggressive with features when plugged in, and conservative when on battery.
Device is plugged in and charging
Device is running on battery power
API completely removed from modern browsers. No longer accessible.
| Browser | Status | When Removed |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Removed | Version 103 (2022) |
| Firefox | Removed | Version 72 (2020) |
| Safari | Never supported | N/A |
| Edge | Removed | Following Chromium |
Charging status contributed to device fingerprinting, especially when combined with battery level and other system information.
While a simple binary value (charging/not charging) seems innocuous, it enhanced fingerprinting when combined with:
Advertisers could infer daily routines. For example, if someone charges from 10pm-7am daily, that reveals sleep schedule. Charging at the same location (work) from 9am-5pm reveals work schedule.
The Battery Status API, including charging detection, has been completely removed from all modern browsers. You're automatically protected.
The removal of battery APIs demonstrates browser vendors taking privacy seriously by removing features that, while useful, posed unreasonable privacy risks.