Technology for a mobile repeater operable to operate in a low power mode is disclosed. The repeater can comprise of detecting an uplink signal from one or more mobile devices for a selected period of time. The repeater can comprise of setting the mobile repeater to the low power mode when the uplink signal is not detected within the selected period of time to reduce a power draw. Wherein setting the mobile repeater to the low power mode comprises turning off one or more signal chain components in one or more signal chains including at least one power amplifier (PA) to reduce a power draw of the mobile repeater. Wherein the one or more signal chain components further comprises a low noise amplifier (LNA); a gain block; or a variable attenuator.