google now draining battery - G2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have used G2 for about a week, battery life has been superb, decided to turn on google now yesterday, drained my battery like 20% in 10 hours while I was sleeping it was keeping phone awake
I turned it completely off now. Does anyone use google now? Anyway to use it but not drain battery?

I use it. Idk how much it drains at night cause that's when I charge the g2. My battery does pretty well though and I'm on it a ton and it still lasts all day.
LG G2

tannor said:
I have used G2 for about a week, battery life has been superb, decided to turn on google now yesterday, drained my battery like 20% in 10 hours while I was sleeping it was keeping phone awake
I turned it completely off now. Does anyone use google now? Anyway to use it but not drain battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Now will use some more battery because it's checking for updates and probing for location periodically, but nothing like you describe, so something else was going on.

go to google settings, location, and turn off location reporting and location history. Google Now will still work fine, but your battery will immensely improve.

stevessvt said:
go to google settings, location, and turn off location reporting and location history. Google Now will still work fine, but your battery will immensely improve.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK great thanks going to give it a try, what about do I check off Access Location under that same menu or keep it off?

You can leave that on, it shouldnt impact your battery by itself.

stevessvt said:
You can leave that on, it shouldnt impact your battery by itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks one more question, under main settings -> Location access
Do I need any of these on (Access to my location)? and if so which ones? GPS & Verizon or Wi-fi & mobile network location. Right now I have all of it, not sure which is least battery drain

You only need GPS on if you need very accurate pinpointing, like using navigation, mobile network location is fine to leave on.

Another tip: Google Now>settings>Phone Search
You can change which apps Google Now searches on your phone. This sped up Google Now for me as well as helping with battery.

Related

How I'm finally getting awesome battery life.

I recently installed Froyo (I know, about three weeks late). One of my hopes was that it would improve my battery life (~8 hours previously) but I found the opposite. After installing Froyo I was getting about 4 hours of battery. Horrible.
So I factory reset and started installing apps one or two each day, paying close attention to see if I could find what the problem was. A stock rom would be just fine with nothing installed - lasting all day and ending the day with 40% battery with normal usage.
I discovered that my battery started sucking when I activated Latitude. With further testing I found that Latitude did not suck my battery with the GPS off, and if I left the GPS on but Latitude deactivated I also did not have any major problems with battery.
By deactivating GPS and leaving latitude on I went from a 45% drop over two hours to a 6% drop over two hours.
Click for full size
Not bad! I don't want to give up hardware and I don't want to give up Latitude, so I purchased Tasker and set up the following profiles:
App - Earth: GPS ON
App - Maps: GPS ON
App - Wireless Tether: 4G ON
App - Internet: 4G ON
Battery Level below 35%: 4G OFF
Battery Level below 15: Brightness to minimum, 4G OFF, WiFI OFF, Auto-Sync OFF
I set up additional profiles to turn on WiFi when I'm at work or at home, and one that writes my battery level to a text file along with status of the hardware devices every time the battery percentage changes (for further tracking).
I now have not had to give up my GPS being on, WiFi working, auto-sync, or even 4G to keep great battery life. True that 4G takes a minute to turn on, GPS might take a few extra seconds to get a fix, but it's worth it. I've been unplugged for 6 hours now and I'm sitting at 83% so I should be able to get well over a day with this setup.
I'm interested in hearing if others having major problems are running latitude with GPS ON and if this setup solves the problem. Also, if you have ideas for additional power saving Tasker profiles.
I gotta say I am really must be missunderstanding whats going on here lol.
So without this tasker your phone would die in 4 hours because all that stuff was turned on and working hard? However with the tasker your phone at 6 hours is only at 85%? This is where I am confused, if you dont already see the problem with the math here. If the tasker is only killing things at 35% and thus everything is running how it was before until you get to 35% then shouldnt your phone be down to 35% by say 3.5hours and then suddenly your tasker takes over lol. I mean everything is running exactly the same from 100%-35% as it was without the tasker so why the heck isnt it killing the phone just as fast? Well why isnt it killing the phone down to 35% just ask fast is the better question?
I dont think the tasker solved your problem I think you inadvertantly solved your own problem. Or I am wrong and I am missing something. Maybe I didnt read your post correctly.
This is a great development. I too noticed that my battery would drain quickly when GPS was on, and I never once thought about Latitude (of which is enabled at all times on my phone)
Lattitude confuses me. You are essentially allowing anyone to track you, and doing it willingly? Am I missing something?
uniquenameevo said:
Lattitude confuses me. You are essentially allowing anyone to track you, and doing it willingly? Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's used to update your location to your friends - only those you explicitly approve.
I was underwhelmed with Latitude. It reports my position okay on my phone (great, I know where I am) but if my wife is right next to me on the couch, Latitude says she's a mile away in the middle of a park. What's the point? I can get general locations from Facebook updates?
And, yeah, it's also kicking GPS on all the time and draining battery. I have filed Latitude under the "gimmick" heading for now.
twilk73 said:
I gotta say I am really must be missunderstanding whats going on here lol.
So without this tasker your phone would die in 4 hours because all that stuff was turned on and working hard? However with the tasker your phone at 6 hours is only at 85%? This is where I am confused, if you dont already see the problem with the math here. If the tasker is only killing things at 35% and thus everything is running how it was before until you get to 35% then shouldnt your phone be down to 35% by say 3.5hours and then suddenly your tasker takes over lol. I mean everything is running exactly the same from 100%-35% as it was without the tasker so why the heck isnt it killing the phone just as fast? Well why isnt it killing the phone down to 35% just ask fast is the better question?
I dont think the tasker solved your problem I think you inadvertantly solved your own problem. Or I am wrong and I am missing something. Maybe I didnt read your post correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah sorry - that could be a little more clear. Each line is a separate profile, so I leave GPS off by default now and have it automatically turn on when I enter Google Earth or Google Maps. Since GPS was the main problem, this has completely fixed my battery issue while still allowing me to use Latitude.
The other stuff, like the extreme low battery settings, are just icing on the cake for battery savings.
SilverZero said:
I was underwhelmed with Latitude. It reports my position okay on my phone (great, I know where I am) but if my wife is right next to me on the couch, Latitude says she's a mile away in the middle of a park. What's the point? I can get general locations from Facebook updates?
And, yeah, it's also kicking GPS on all the time and draining battery. I have filed Latitude under the "gimmick" heading for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe the person you think is your wife is actually an evil doppelganger. Better knock her out and head to the park to save your real wife.
I actually like Latitude a lot. I have a bunch of my friends on there and it's always interesting to see what they are doing or be alerted when they are nearby. The cool thing is that the alerts "learn" when you would normally be by that person and only alert you if you are nearby at an unusual time or location. It's also great if someone is on their way to meet you, you can pop in and see where they are and how soon they will be there without calling or texting them (this is the most useful thing I do with it).
Has it significantly improved my life? Not really. Is it still fun? I open it up 3 or 4 times a week, so it must be.
gthing said:
Ah sorry - that could be a little more clear. Each line is a separate profile, so I leave GPS off by default now and have it automatically turn on when I enter Google Earth or Google Maps. Since GPS was the main problem, this has completely fixed my battery issue while still allowing me to use Latitude.
The other stuff, like the extreme low battery settings, are just icing on the cake for battery savings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I see now. I also read in another thread that GPS with latitude on was a battery death blow lol. I dont use latitude so that probably why I was so confused with your post to begine with. My bad.

Increase battery life by 50%

I simply switched off location services and my battery life has gone up by ~50%.
I was really surprised that the location services took this much energy. I usually have Wifi off except when at home (if that's important) I haven't really missed the lack of location services - I just remember to re-enable it before running "Places" or similar
I'll try it, thanks.
I'm overseas on holiday and have had no data for 2 days (no wifi no mobile data). The battery hardly drained (%30). I was playing games and texting so I am now convinced that it is data and voice calls that drain battery.
gf_gollum said:
I simply switched off location services and my battery life has gone up by ~50%.
I was really surprised that the location services took this much energy. I usually have Wifi off except when at home (if that's important) I haven't really missed the lack of location services - I just remember to re-enable it before running "Places" or similar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How you switched off location services ?
I want to know how you turn off that as well thanks!
I'm guessing menu>settings>location and security> switch off wifi location and GPS location
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA Premium App
robotnoize said:
I'm guessing menu>settings>location and security> switch off wifi location and GPS location
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - that's all I've done.
Yes, all options is turn off.
My battery:
1d 1h 56min on battery
and now battery level is 38%.
Is the result same with you?
I'm getting ~10% drop over 10 hours when the phone is idle overnight. Obviously battery usage increases with calls etc. to 26% over 10 hours with some light calls and 3G based app updates. (no Wifi)
Increase battery life 10000% by turning phone off and removing battery
Number picked at random, YMMV.
DirkGently1 said:
Increase battery life 10000% by turning phone off and removing battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried this. Phone doesn't work
I turn on "Use only 2G networks" (in Settings --> Wireless & networks --> Mobile networks) and the battery life is incredibly increased ^^.
In addition, I also turn off the "Data enabled", whenever I need to access the 3G networks, I just turn them on again.
OferR said:
I've tried this. Phone doesn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give you £20 for it
Seriously though, rather than trying to eke out every last milliamp of power from their batteries, i wish people would just buy a spare one and use that instead.
DirkGently1 said:
Increase battery life 10000% by turning phone off and removing battery
Number picked at random, YMMV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried that but my phone is bricked now. Doesn't boot anymore. xD
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA Premium App

Google maps or Latitude consuming battery

On JHV.
Seems like maps is consuming much battery. Haven't even started it since I disconnected from charger (4 hours ago). Even though it stands for 30% usage. Battery now is 83% and have been.
Any suggestions?
try turn off Latitude
DummyPLUG said:
try turn off Latitude
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. I love the app. Didi'nt use this much battery on Froyo.
same problem here, only on GB roms, so I hope it will be fixed next roms or the next version of gmaps.
kicsihuszar said:
same problem here, only on GB roms, so I hope it will be fixed next roms or the next version of gmaps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have also experienced insane battery drain on ALL SGS rom's I've ever had (froyo, ginger). As if its typical for this device. If you turn on latitude, don't expect more than half a day on battery... especially if 3G is also turned on.
I also have a ZTE Blade. It has I believe a 1100 mAh battery, easily taking 2 days on battery with normal use + latitude + 3G.
Yeah, I loved latitude until the day I got GB, then I had at most a full day of battery life. Now, without Latitude I can manage up to three days. So, hopefully Google can find a fix.
Battery drain is caused by Latitude in GB. If you turned it off but battery drain didn't stop - simply check off/on Use wireless networks in Location and Security Menu. It should help.
mio520 said:
Battery drain is caused by Latitude in GB. If you turned it off but battery drain didn't stop - simply check off/on Use wireless networks in Location and Security Menu. It should help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that the "Use wireless networks" option in the "Location and security" menu in the settings is draining battery. I think Google is using this to create a worldwide map of wireless networks to be able to use it for position estimation when GPS is off or unavailable. They are warning you when you switch it on, so it's not spying on you without your knowledge. The problem is that it seems that the software is not well written and drains your battery. I've switched it off and the battery use improved a lot.

Battery tip for people with bad battery life.

I've had bad battery life since I bought this phone on release day. I would get no more than 1.5-2 hours screen on time. The battery wouldn't last more than 12 hours. I've been messing around with it since then but still had bad battery life up until the last few days. Now I get 3.5-4 hours screen on time and I'm a moderate user.
Here is what I did:
1. Go to Google maps and then go to settings and untick anything that is ticked then click on "location reporting" and set it to do not update your location.
2. Go into the phone settings>location services and untick everything. When you want to use maps just turn on gps.
3. Get the app "battery calibration". First charge your phone to 100% and keep the charger plugged in and then go to the app and Press calibrate. Then use your phone till the battery is dead (turns off) and plug the charger in and let it charge to 100% while it is off.
Turn it on and then use it till the battery is dead again and charge while off to 100%.
I'm not saying this is guaranteed to work for you but it has for me.
You know my problem is I did that and when on Jb lib battery drain like crazy.Back on ICS no problem with battery can you explain that why on ICS calibration is not needed ???
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 10:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 PM ----------
goose2515 said:
You know my problem is I did that and when on Jb lib battery drain like crazy.Back on ICS no problem with battery can you explain that why on ICS calibration is not needed ???
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O end yes maps drain battery I turn this off
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
uf21 said:
Up until now I had bad battery life since I bought this phone on release day. I would get no more than 1.5-2 screen on time. The battery wouldn't last more than 12 hours. I've been messing around with it since then but still had bad battery life up until the last few days. Now I get 3.5-4 hours screen on time and I'm a moderate user.
Here is what I did:
1. Go to Google maps and then go to settings and untick anything that is ticked then click on "location reporting" and set it to do not update your location.
2. Go into the phone settings>location services and untick everything. When you want to use maps just turn on gps.
3. Get the app "battery calibration". First charge your phone to 100% and keep the charger plugged in and then go to the app and Press calibrate. Then use your phone till the battery is dead (turns off) and plug the charger in and let it charge to 100% while it off.
Turn it on and then use it till the battery is dead again and charge while off to 100%.
I'm not saying this is guaranteed to work for you but it has for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First two items I agree on. GPS uses up a lot of battery, though from personal experience, it didn't dent my battery too much anyway as long as I don't have running apps using it.
But the last point. I believe those battery calibrations are actually useless. There was some article from the android team describing why.
The 2nd and 3rd are completely useless.
People who use gps know that even if you tick those location services, it only gets enabled when an app requires gps. Thua, battery is only lost if you use loads of navigation services. Unchecking those won't do any good.
Battery Caliberation is just what you can call the perfect reading that is shown on your status bar. Ultimately, whether you caliberate or not, battery gets charged upto 100% only. It won't surely exceed that.
Sent from Hell!!
uf21 said:
I've had bad battery life since I bought this phone on release day. I would get no more than 1.5-2 hours screen on time. The battery wouldn't last more than 12 hours. I've been messing around with it since then but still had bad battery life up until the last few days. Now I get 3.5-4 hours screen on time and I'm a moderate user.
Here is what I did:
1. Go to Google maps and then go to settings and untick anything that is ticked then click on "location reporting" and set it to do not update your location.
2. Go into the phone settings>location services and untick everything. When you want to use maps just turn on gps.
3. Get the app "battery calibration". First charge your phone to 100% and keep the charger plugged in and then go to the app and Press calibrate. Then use your phone till the battery is dead (turns off) and plug the charger in and let it charge to 100% while it is off.
Turn it on and then use it till the battery is dead again and charge while off to 100%.
I'm not saying this is guaranteed to work for you but it has for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A better idea:
Disable auto sync for accounts
Disable GPS (and wifi gps)
Disable auto backup of Gmail account
Set wifi sleep policy to “when plugged in”
Disable motion
Check your apps settings and disable useless background sync​
Setup a static IP via your router.
I had issues with Chrome Sync - when enabled it prevented phone from going into deep sleep. So if you use Chrome and struggle with battery life this is one more thing to look at ...
Official Facebook app uses a lot of power and waking device for many times. Use browser for facebook or alternatives...You will see the diference !
Darkside Agent said:
A better idea:
Disable auto sync for accounts
Disable GPS (and wifi gps)
Disable auto backup of Gmail account
Set wifi sleep policy to “when plugged in”
Disable motion
Check your apps settings and disable useless background sync​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good list id like to add:
freeze unused apps/battery hogs if used sparringly (with titanium backup)
set wifi to always on, switch off manually when not in use
firewall apps that dont require internet
I agree on the Facebook app. I will charge my phone to full, reboot it, and then let it sit overnight without using any apps and it will be one of my top processes in better battery stats. I really like using facebook simply for the picture and phone number syncing. I guess I could always go back to haxsync. On my Galaxy Nexus since I can't use facebook app to sync I just use mobile page and it definitely is better on battery life.
I've been trying to improve my battery life on 4.1.1 LIB as if I leave it on Wifi overnight with no use after reboot and full charge I'll see Deep Sleep at maybe 90% if I'm lucky. I'm losing almost a full hour of sleep time over the course of 7-8 hours. I think Facebook is part of it, also it seems to be worse when I use the S3's built in alarms.
Go into Settings -> Location and disable everything? You mean that we should disable:
1) Use wireless networks (location determined by wi-fi and/or mobile networks). I really don't see how this saves battery.
2) Use GPS satellites. This uses up battery ONLY when an app requires GPS (and when the icon shows).
3) Use sensor aiding. See above.
4) Location and Google Search. (only used to get your location when you're connected to GPS and/or wifi/mobile network).
I really don't see how this saves battery.
On a side note, one might want to freeze unwanted apps, not use too many live wallpapers, sync only when needed, and get rid of unwanted widgets. THAT might help.
Better tip. Use your phone with everything turned on as it was designed like I do and get 4 hours + screen on time, and 1 to 2 days useage depending on how much it's used.. simples...
I really don't see the point of buying a phone like this and turning everything off!
Google now won't work properly with all the location stuff switched off.
I always get through the day with everything turned on, in use power saving at work and switch off wifi that's it.
If the battery runs down have a back up waiting, galaxy s3 owners are always going on about it being good that our phone has a removable battery and iphone doesn't but there are still many people not happy that their battery runs down quick!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
The best thing I ever spent on for this phone was the official samsung battery kit. At least I don't have to worry about the battery at all and I can leave all the features on.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
The best app to see exactly what's happening on the phone is "Better Battery Stats".
I can have access to all partial wavelocks and see exactly what app is sucking my battery like a vampire on a virgin.
Companies creates amazing devices but forgot to create the amazing batteries that go with them!
DeadSOL said:
Go into Settings -> Location and disable everything? You mean that we should disable:
1) Use wireless networks (location determined by wi-fi and/or mobile networks). I really don't see how this saves battery.
2) Use GPS satellites. This uses up battery ONLY when an app requires GPS (and when the icon shows).
3) Use sensor aiding. See above.
4) Location and Google Search. (only used to get your location when you're connected to GPS and/or wifi/mobile network).
I really don't see how this saves battery.
On a side note, one might want to freeze unwanted apps, not use too many live wallpapers, sync only when needed, and get rid of unwanted widgets. THAT might help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's true but this is not for everyone. I don't use Google now and why should I use wireless networks when there is a built in GPS.
Thank you OP. That was the problem with my phone. Now its awake when the screen is on. Before that, it was awake every 5 minutes. !!!!
And after you've turned every single feature off, you can stand back and admire your Nokia 3310
boundy said:
And after you've turned every single feature off, you can stand back and admire your Nokia 3310
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're only turning of location services. Why does the phone need to know where you are 24/7? Just turn it on when you need to use maps or location. Not hard.
My car was designed to be driven, does that mean it should be left on while I'm not using it? Think about that.
terranoid said:
Thank you OP. That was the problem with my phone. Now its awake when the screen is on. Before that, it was awake every 5 minutes. !!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help.

Do people keep location reporting on or off?

I've always had it off, whenever I turn it on Google Play Services MULLERS my battery. It shoots straight up and when i'm on LTE my battery drains 2-5% per hours idle instead of sub 1%.
Anyone else?
ben-fisher-bro said:
I've always had it off, whenever I turn it on Google Play Services MULLERS my battery. It shoots straight up and when i'm on LTE my battery drains 2-5% per hours idle instead of sub 1%.
Anyone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep it ON, at all times with High Accuracy, since I have Android Device Manager enabled for my security concerns. Of course, It takes a hold on battery life, so if you are not much concerned with that kind of stuff, you can keep it OFF.
Well google device manager works with location just set to on, it's the reporting that kills battery.
ben-fisher-bro said:
Well google device manager works with location just set to on, it's the reporting that kills battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do know, but I also rely on other services like Maps to navigate, at most times. So is the reason of setting it to high accuracy.
On all the time. No battery problems for me.
On. Every so often it goes a bit haywire with the battery and play services, but it's rarer than it was a few iterations back. Have the OP other apps that might mess with it?
Mine is ON with battery saving. When I need car navigation, I set high accuracy with Power Toggles (only one tap to switch between battery saving and high accuracy if you're rooted)
Nexus 6P with Chroma rocks!
I keep mine off all the time. I only turn it on when I need to utilize GPS which is very rare.
Use to keep off, but now it's on Battery save since I'm paired with Huawei SmartWatch..

Categories

Resources