Google play services severe battery drain

jonner101 · 21-11-2013, 19:17

Article here

We've all experienced this at work, well those of us with Nexus devices.

Found that re-booting helps but disappointing, and mean't I had an unexpected dead smart phone when out and about recently.

You get the feeling that Android Kit Kat has been rushed without the proper testing needed.

Zack06 · 21-11-2013, 19:21

After 7h on battery, Play Services is only taking 8% of the battery power on my Nexus 4. I'm on the latest version. I think the power consumption has increased, but for me personally, I haven't seen any adverse effects on battery life.

jonner101 · 21-11-2013, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zack06

After 7h on battery, Play Services is only taking 8% of the battery power on my Nexus 4. I'm on the latest version. I think the power consumption has increased, but for me personally, I haven't seen any adverse effects on battery life.

Sorry but it's a real problem, it can be fixed usually by a re-boot. May depend on what apps you may or may not have run.

Perhaps there is some sort of bug that is triggered causing some sort of infinite loop and constant battery drain.

Edit: just checked the battery settings, google play services is still using a mental amount of battery

Please fix this google.

Virtual Paul · 21-11-2013, 19:38

Changing wifi settings so it's only on during sleep when plugged in and set 'scanning always available' to no have made biggest differences to battery life on my Nexus 5.

Before it was barely lasting a day before needing recharging, now lasts at least 3 days, both very light usage at moment as I'm still mainly using my old phone until the sim expires after the notice period.

I've also turned off Bluetooth and NFC until I ever need them. Not sure on any battery savings but maybe more secure from hackers down the pub!

flagpole · 21-11-2013, 20:44

Not a problem here.

TheSloth · 21-11-2013, 20:45

Google Play Services doesn't even feature on the battery usage screen of my Nexus 5.

Evidently, a service is running amok and it's probably a KitKat related one. My best guess would be Google Now's integration into the launcher. That's based mainly on the fact I turned it off (long-click on home screen, Settings) and I don't suffer chronic battery drain. I'm wondering if the service that listens for the "OK, Google" voice trigger is a bit duff, (it doesn't yet work with the language set to UK English anyway).

Turn it off and monitor things - post back here with any observations. If you systematically disable certain services, you'll most likely track down the culprit.

As it's Google Play Services, I'll also mention I have auto-app updates unticked in the Play app settings - another one to look at if the above fails.

taurus_67 · 21-11-2013, 22:02

I've had this problem with my Nexus 5. When I had google's location services enabled using wi-fi and mobile networks, it drained the battery considerably. Then after a recharge I switched the location services off and Play services barely registered on the battery. At the next recharge I switched location services back on, and again Play seemed to be taking too much battery. I've switched it off again to see if that brings it back to normal. If it does, then I'll try it switched on using the device only gps mode to check how that works.

The annoying thing is my Nexus 7 running jelly bean (and with mostly the same apps loaded) with location services on via wi-fi has not been affected by this nonsense. So, until it gets fixed I guess i wont be updating the 7 for a while.

gavo360 · 21-11-2013, 22:12

I've been having battery drain issues with google services for the last week. I turned off wifi & and mobile network location in location services, rebooted the phone and that's fixed it.

jonner101 · 21-11-2013, 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSloth

Google Play Services doesn't even feature on the battery usage screen of my Nexus 5.

Evidently, a service is running amok and it's probably a KitKat related one. My best guess would be Google Now's integration into the launcher. That's based mainly on the fact I turned it off (long-click on home screen, Settings) and I don't suffer chronic battery drain. I'm wondering if the service that listens for the "OK, Google" voice trigger is a bit duff, (it doesn't yet work with the language set to UK English anyway).

Turn it off and monitor things - post back here with any observations. If you systematically disable certain services, you'll most likely track down the culprit.

As it's Google Play Services, I'll also mention I have auto-app updates unticked in the Play app settings - another one to look at if the above fails.

The chronic battery drain started happening very recently.

I'm back on Dalvik until ART becomes useable with whats app and other essential apps. Will get back on ART asap as the battery seems much better.

I normally have auto updates on.

After rebooting and not using the phone except for a few voice calls and light browsing etc, play services is still taking 15% battery but at least it's not getting destroyed now.

Will try disabling google now see what happens.

Anika Hanson · 21-11-2013, 22:52

I had this problem on my S4 after installing the kitkat launcher which required you to install the google play services.

thebennyboy · 22-11-2013, 04:53

I had this too, disabling google search seem to stop the battery drain. It appeared for me in the last couple of days.

daleski75 · 22-11-2013, 11:15

You guys tried installing the latest google play services?

http://t.co/LBwLCm5LjS

lamby · 22-11-2013, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleski75

You guys tried installing the latest google play services?

http://t.co/LBwLCm5LjS

No update for me. Its on 25% without even using my phone much.

daleski75 · 22-11-2013, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamby

No update for me. Its on 25% without even using my phone much.

Mine is slowly dropping was 24% now 19% (just leaving the phone idle to see what happens)

PollyPerm · 22-11-2013, 13:31

What version of Google Play Services do people have? You can't manually force an update through Google Play. Google rolls out any app updates in a phased deployment. I got a Google Play Services update this morning and am now running 4.0.34(924941-38) and it doesn't seem to be causing any issues with battery drain.

I see from the Google Play site that the last update was on 21st, so I am assuming since I received an update this morning, that I'm running the latest version - I hope for those who are having issues that this means the latest version contains a fix.

lamby · 22-11-2013, 15:48

Google Play Services 4.0.33 (910055-58) now 40%!

Cant force the update.

flagpole · 22-11-2013, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamby

Google Play Services 4.0.33 (910055-58) now 40%!

Cant force the update.

when the phone is in standby what are you expecting to use the most battery?

lamby · 22-11-2013, 16:35

Well device idle. Not 40% for play services

flagpole · 22-11-2013, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamby

Well device idle. Not 40% for play services

what do you think it should be? and what do you think should be using the most power?

lamby · 22-11-2013, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by flagpole

what do you think it should be? and what do you think should be using the most power?

Before, it's been tiny. Afew % now its high. Not sure what should be using most of the power.

qasdfdsaq · 22-11-2013, 16:47

Mostly the radios, cellular and wifi.

Behind that, any services actually using those radios - System kernel, android core, mobile radio, system UI and system monitor are top 5 on my device, and in that order.

Play Services isn't even in the list under battery consumption on my non-malfunctioning device, and something like 80th down the list in system panel.

CoolboyA · 14-12-2013, 16:54

This is eating the battery of my devices, HTC One and Note 10.1 2014. On the Note it accounts for 50% of battery usage!

21-11-2013, 19:17	#1
jonner101 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,153	Google play services severe battery drain Article here We've all experienced this at work, well those of us with Nexus devices. Found that re-booting helps but disappointing, and mean't I had an unexpected dead smart phone when out and about recently. You get the feeling that Android Kit Kat has been rushed without the proper testing needed.

21-11-2013, 19:21	#2
Zack06 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 27,438	After 7h on battery, Play Services is only taking 8% of the battery power on my Nexus 4. I'm on the latest version. I think the power consumption has increased, but for me personally, I haven't seen any adverse effects on battery life.

21-11-2013, 19:32	#3
jonner101 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,153	Quote: Originally Posted by Zack06 After 7h on battery, Play Services is only taking 8% of the battery power on my Nexus 4. I'm on the latest version. I think the power consumption has increased, but for me personally, I haven't seen any adverse effects on battery life. Sorry but it's a real problem, it can be fixed usually by a re-boot. May depend on what apps you may or may not have run. Perhaps there is some sort of bug that is triggered causing some sort of infinite loop and constant battery drain. Edit: just checked the battery settings, google play services is still using a mental amount of battery Please fix this google.

21-11-2013, 19:38	#4
Virtual Paul Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,623	Changing wifi settings so it's only on during sleep when plugged in and set 'scanning always available' to no have made biggest differences to battery life on my Nexus 5. Before it was barely lasting a day before needing recharging, now lasts at least 3 days, both very light usage at moment as I'm still mainly using my old phone until the sim expires after the notice period. I've also turned off Bluetooth and NFC until I ever need them. Not sure on any battery savings but maybe more secure from hackers down the pub!

21-11-2013, 20:44	#5
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	Not a problem here.

21-11-2013, 20:45	#6
TheSloth Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Under Your Bed Posts: 5,508	Google Play Services doesn't even feature on the battery usage screen of my Nexus 5. Evidently, a service is running amok and it's probably a KitKat related one. My best guess would be Google Now's integration into the launcher. That's based mainly on the fact I turned it off (long-click on home screen, Settings) and I don't suffer chronic battery drain. I'm wondering if the service that listens for the "OK, Google" voice trigger is a bit duff, (it doesn't yet work with the language set to UK English anyway). Turn it off and monitor things - post back here with any observations. If you systematically disable certain services, you'll most likely track down the culprit. As it's Google Play Services, I'll also mention I have auto-app updates unticked in the Play app settings - another one to look at if the above fails.

21-11-2013, 22:02	#7
taurus_67 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lancashire, N. England Posts: 4,710	I've had this problem with my Nexus 5. When I had google's location services enabled using wi-fi and mobile networks, it drained the battery considerably. Then after a recharge I switched the location services off and Play services barely registered on the battery. At the next recharge I switched location services back on, and again Play seemed to be taking too much battery. I've switched it off again to see if that brings it back to normal. If it does, then I'll try it switched on using the device only gps mode to check how that works. The annoying thing is my Nexus 7 running jelly bean (and with mostly the same apps loaded) with location services on via wi-fi has not been affected by this nonsense. So, until it gets fixed I guess i wont be updating the 7 for a while.

21-11-2013, 22:12	#8
gavo360 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sheffield Posts: 1,568	I've been having battery drain issues with google services for the last week. I turned off wifi & and mobile network location in location services, rebooted the phone and that's fixed it.

21-11-2013, 22:12	#9
jonner101 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,153	Quote: Originally Posted by TheSloth Google Play Services doesn't even feature on the battery usage screen of my Nexus 5. Evidently, a service is running amok and it's probably a KitKat related one. My best guess would be Google Now's integration into the launcher. That's based mainly on the fact I turned it off (long-click on home screen, Settings) and I don't suffer chronic battery drain. I'm wondering if the service that listens for the "OK, Google" voice trigger is a bit duff, (it doesn't yet work with the language set to UK English anyway). Turn it off and monitor things - post back here with any observations. If you systematically disable certain services, you'll most likely track down the culprit. As it's Google Play Services, I'll also mention I have auto-app updates unticked in the Play app settings - another one to look at if the above fails. The chronic battery drain started happening very recently. I'm back on Dalvik until ART becomes useable with whats app and other essential apps. Will get back on ART asap as the battery seems much better. I normally have auto updates on. After rebooting and not using the phone except for a few voice calls and light browsing etc, play services is still taking 15% battery but at least it's not getting destroyed now. Will try disabling google now see what happens.

21-11-2013, 22:52	#10
Anika Hanson Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: UK Posts: 14,219	I had this problem on my S4 after installing the kitkat launcher which required you to install the google play services.

22-11-2013, 04:53	#11
thebennyboy Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: North Wales Posts: 325	I had this too, disabling google search seem to stop the battery drain. It appeared for me in the last couple of days.

22-11-2013, 11:15	#12
daleski75 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Northampton Posts: 1,014	You guys tried installing the latest google play services? http://t.co/LBwLCm5LjS

22-11-2013, 11:48	#13
lamby Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 3,332	Quote: Originally Posted by daleski75 You guys tried installing the latest google play services? http://t.co/LBwLCm5LjS No update for me. Its on 25% without even using my phone much.

22-11-2013, 12:10	#14
daleski75 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Northampton Posts: 1,014	Quote: Originally Posted by lamby No update for me. Its on 25% without even using my phone much. Mine is slowly dropping was 24% now 19% (just leaving the phone idle to see what happens)

22-11-2013, 13:31	#15
PollyPerm Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London Posts: 72	What version of Google Play Services do people have? You can't manually force an update through Google Play. Google rolls out any app updates in a phased deployment. I got a Google Play Services update this morning and am now running 4.0.34(924941-38) and it doesn't seem to be causing any issues with battery drain. I see from the Google Play site that the last update was on 21st, so I am assuming since I received an update this morning, that I'm running the latest version - I hope for those who are having issues that this means the latest version contains a fix.

22-11-2013, 15:48	#16
lamby Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 3,332	Google Play Services 4.0.33 (910055-58) now 40%! Cant force the update.

22-11-2013, 16:21	#17
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	Quote: Originally Posted by lamby Google Play Services 4.0.33 (910055-58) now 40%! Cant force the update. when the phone is in standby what are you expecting to use the most battery?

22-11-2013, 16:35	#18
lamby Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 3,332	Well device idle. Not 40% for play services

22-11-2013, 16:41	#19
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	Quote: Originally Posted by lamby Well device idle. Not 40% for play services what do you think it should be? and what do you think should be using the most power?

22-11-2013, 16:44	#20
lamby Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 3,332	Quote: Originally Posted by flagpole what do you think it should be? and what do you think should be using the most power? Before, it's been tiny. Afew % now its high. Not sure what should be using most of the power.

22-11-2013, 16:47	#21
qasdfdsaq Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,286	Mostly the radios, cellular and wifi. Behind that, any services actually using those radios - System kernel, android core, mobile radio, system UI and system monitor are top 5 on my device, and in that order. Play Services isn't even in the list under battery consumption on my non-malfunctioning device, and something like 80th down the list in system panel.

DS Forums

Google play services severe battery drain

14-12-2013, 16:54	#22
CoolboyA Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alba Posts: 10,181	This is eating the battery of my devices, HTC One and Note 10.1 2014. On the Note it accounts for 50% of battery usage!