I got tired of my Nexus 5 draining its battery just sitting there in standby. Even if I turned the tablet all the way off, somehow the battery still drained itself (more slowly, but still…). I came up with the tips below so that I wouldn’t have to turn off the Nexus 5 completely between uses. I believe that a smartphone should be in standby and ready to go at all times.
I now get more than a week of battery life in standby.
The biggest battery drain culprit during idle time is behind-the-scenes software — continuously running, polling the Internet, or updating. On a Google device such as the Nexus series, most of that power-hungry activity comes from Google itself. So here’s what we're gonna do. Before we get to the Google stuff, let’s tweak some overall settings and Play Store settings to reduce battery drain in those areas:
First, let’s make sure you’re on the latest OS version for the Nexus 5. In Settings, swipe down to About Phone, choose that, then swipe down to “Android version”. When I wrote this in mid-February 2015, the latest OS version was 5.0.2. Check for OTA updates on the same screen, and update to the latest version if necessary. If rooted, install the latest custom ROM of your choice.
Once updated:
Hit your Play Store icon. Click the three-bar menu at the top left. Select “Settings” near the bottom.
Under “Auto-update apps,” choose “Do not auto-update apps.” (Why? Because that “feature” uses battery juice to download and install stuff whenever it feels like it, instead of whenever you say.)
On the same page, under Notifications, make sure “Notify me about updates to apps or games that I downloaded” is checked. That way you will know if something needs updating.
On the same page, uncheck “Add icon to Home screen for new apps.” Because it’s annoying, not because it uses battery.
Go to your phone's Settings.
Choose “Wi-Fi”.
Tap the three-dot symbol at top right.
Tap “Advanced.”
Make sure “Scanning always available” is unchecked.
While in Settings, let’s turn off some radios:
If you don’t travel much with your phone, disable Location (GPS). You can always re-enable it on demand.
If you don’t use Near Field Communication (NFC) for tap-to-pair features, disable that. You can always re-enable it when ready.
Disable Bluetooth when not using it.
Obviously, keep your device’s screen brightness as low as is comfortable. (The display is the biggest power hog on your device.) You can change the display brightness settings under Settings, Display.
While in Display Settings, disable Ambient Display. (Well, first Google it, because you might actually like the feature.) But it does use battery.
In Settings, under Sound and Notification, go to “other sounds.” Uncheck “Vibrate on touch.” (I have this setting on a custom ROM. I don’t know if the OEM ROM has it.)
When disabling or uninstalling Google apps, DO NOT uninstall anything essential to the smooth running of your phone. That includes:
Google Search
Google Chrome (unless you replace it with another browser)
Google Settings
Hangouts (you can disable Hangouts once you've replaced it with an aftermarket texting app)
Google Now (although we will disable many of its features and opt-out later)
Google Play
Gmail
Now let’s clean up a few apps. We will stay away from system apps, such as Email — because people can get into trouble uninstalling essential system apps.
It’s tough to keep up with every app working in the background or polling the Internet. So, in my opinion, you should uninstall any app that you didn’t specifically put on the phone yourself (system apps not included). This assumes that the app allows you to uninstall. System apps will only allow you to disable them. For example, I uninstalled:
Google Earth
Google +
Hangouts (after I replaced it with Textra)
Google Docs
Google Drive
Google Sheets
Google Slides
Google Fit
Any downloaded apps I’m no longer using, such as wallpaper apps.
For traveling smartphone owners, Google Now can be a godsend — always reminding you of what’s next, keeping you out of traffic jams, and keeping you on schedule. However, with Google Now, the Nexus 5 mic is always on and listening for that “OK Google” search command — which obviously uses battery power.
I found that I didn’t need Google Now at home, where my Nexus 5 sits 90% of the time (I work from home). If you’re like me, (or don't appreciate the privacy invasion and battery use), you can opt-out of Google Now — or at least stop the mic from listening.
We’ll start with the least draconian measure: stopping the mic from listening for the “OK Google” command:
From your main home screen, swipe left until you get to the Google Now screen.
Tap the three-bar symbol at top left.
Choose Settings.
Choose Voice.
Choose “OK Google” Detection.
Uncheck both “from the Google app” and “From any screen.”
If you don’t want Google Now at all (I don’t like it because it’s always updating something or doing something in the background), here’s how you disable it completely, while leaving full Google Search (and Voice Search, by tapping the mic symbol) functionality intact:
Start by disabling “OK Google” voice detection as shown above.
Then, in your Applications, open the Google Settings app.
Tap “Search & Now”.
Tap “Now cards.”
Uncheck “Show cards.”
You will see a message that asks if you really want to turn off Google Now. Go ahead and do that.
From now on, you can still easily search by swiping your finger up from the bottom of any Home screen. And you can still do voice searches by tapping the microphone on any Google Search screen.
I hope these battery-saving features do as much for you as they did for me!
U know 5.0.2 isn't available for the N5 right?
TheContinental said:
I got tired of my Nexus 5 draining its battery just sitting there in standby...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We already have two battery life threads. No need for another.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/battery-life-help-troubleshoot-battery-t2785128
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/general/nexus-5-battery-results-t2509132
Ben36 said:
U know 5.0.2 isn't available for the N5 right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? It's been available for this device since December, just not stock Google 5.0.2.
Hi,
As mentioned we already have an existing battery troubleshooting thread here. Please post your suggestions there rather than create a new thread for the same topic.
Thread closed
Related
Is there a way for the display to stay lit when using google maps? I think it does stay lit when I have it navigate, but sometimes I want it to stay on and just track me. I know I can change the auto time out, but that becomes a hassle.
and I know I can have it always on when charging but I just wanted to see if there was a possibility of it staying on JUST for google maps.
thanks
There's an app on the market called Screen On widget. You select it to turn it on, it keeps the screen on until you turn the widget of. Also I think Settings Profiles had an option for certain apps. I do remember something on the market that referenced this but I don't remember what it was called, sorry. You would think that Google would build this into the app but idk.
there is an app like mentioned before, or you could plug it in a car charger and tell it to keep the screen on, or are you walking? there's also an app called gps tracker, you can check your trail online, it just runs in the background
You shouldn't have to use an app for maps to stay on. Maybe I need to retest that.
Stay awake, on the market, have the time option to cancel itself after the chosen time interval. I then reset to the system default time again.
Yesterday the Android Auto app V2.1.7 was released. So far there was a selection menu only for the streaming and music apps available. This pull down menue is now available at the navigation button as well. Pressing it pushes Google maps to a menu bar. Probably Waze is the alternative navigation app which will be selectable there. Hopefully other navigation apps will be available soon. I would like to use here, Navmii and so on.
Regards
Tom
It would be nice to have Tomtom, as it's the only one with decent traffic info where I live.
But on my play store I still see the old version. I guess 2.1.7 hasn't made it everywhere?
crótach said:
But on my play store I still see the old version. I guess 2.1.7 hasn't made it everywhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone just got it a few minutes ago.
Let be honest though, the only options will be Google Maps and Waze (which Google also owns).
They've been talking about adding Waze for almost a year and I'll bet it turns out to be too hard to let other developers add their own apps.
Google really doesn't want developers doing their own UI's in the car because they believe they are the only ones that can make them safe.
Let's see. To have this jump shortcut means Google provides further API's fo other navigation apps. As an alternative to Waze I would like to see here and Navmii o AA. If this should become successful, Google must open it for other non Google apps as well.
Noticed the little arrow as well. Let's see what will come. I doubt that there will alternative apps.
leonkernan said:
My phone just got it a few minutes ago.
Google really doesn't want developers doing their own UI's in the car because they believe they are the only ones that can make them safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make them safe... oh yes by ridiculous bad UIs (instead of having simple tiles to hear let's say a podcast I am forced to click multiple hierarchies of menus instead of a single click)
Make them safe by forcing me to scroll many time to get a traffic overview because Maps occupies with half of the screen with idiotic turn instructions even if next 50km there are no turns.
Make them safe by forcing me to replug USB every 5 mins after crash
I noticed the arrow too and got excited, then clicked on it to find google maps as the only option.
I hope soundcloud isnt far away either
Google Keep notifications do not appear if the app is not open. Never happen to me on P10. Uninstaled it, worked for a day, again not working
Go to Battery -> App Launch and turn Manage automatically off for Google Keep.
Maybe also Apps, Apps, "3 dots top right", special access, battery optimization and exclude google keep.
Don´t really know why there are two options for battery saving to be honest, if anybody has an idea.....
It's time to clean my phone so I might as well update. I'm currently at Pie November update. My question is what are the main Android 10 issues in summary with our device and are there any serious hiccups for the average everyday user like me? How is the battery life like and such? I need an adequate answer not something like "it sucks" so if you're going to write something of that sort, please refrain from doing so. Thanks in advance.
DON'T UPDATE YOUR PHONE FIRST SEE THIS
Basic things work but I face issues many times. Most common Ghost Touch, Phone Freezes for 10-25 secs and then comes a popup System UI not responding and then wait or reboot for phone to get normal. Everything else works properly but update only if you can handle these on daily basis. I have 4/64 GB variant and my usage is somewhat basic to medium with 3-5 apps in memory and phone starts freezing. Also I would say compared to pie the battery loss has increased
I rooted and stripped out all the garbage (feedback etc.) including most of the Google stuff, and I have zero problems.
I would say, however, that battery life isn't the greatest but that may just be the phone and not the OS.
Exxdeea said:
I rooted and stripped out all the garbage (feedback etc.) including most of the Google stuff, and I have zero problems.
I would say, however, that battery life isn't the greatest but that may just be the phone and not the OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could u pls add more detail what r those bloatware s.. planning to root soon
Wireless range and speed tanked (you can find kernel with pie driver as workaround. Most custom roms use pie driver as well).
Slow emmc that causes the well known frequent hangs. Even just typing on keyboard you often get stutters.
Settings suggestions won't go away.
Battery charging behavior changed: it charges at full speed with screen off, but with screen on it throttles to 1000ma or 500ma as battery temperature increases.
If you're gonna bother to reset and stay rooted, I'd suggest going custom rom already.
foolfunda said:
Could u pls add more detail what r those bloatware s.. planning to root soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disabled all of these, though obviously you can pick and chose which ones you want to keep:
Android accessability Suite
Android Auto
bookmark prov
calendar
calendar storage
call log back up/restore
carrier services
chrome
com.android.partners.partnerbookmarks
default print sevice
device health services
digital wellbeing
drive
duo
Exchange Services
feedback
gmail
google
google contacts sync
google location history
google news
google one time init
google news
google partner setup
google play movies
google play music
google play store
GSF
home screen tips
html viewer
keep notes
lens
market feedback agent
musicFX
photos
print service recommendation
print spooler
proxy Handler (com.android,proxyhandler)
setting sugestions - com.andorid.settings.intelligence
tags
you tube
I just got my Pixel 5a yesterday and immediately am annoyed by the Google stuff. I installed the Nova launcher but still get thrown back to the Pixel launcher or tossed into various assistant screens all over the place. Is there any way to truly turn this stuff off via normal settings? I don't really want to root or get custom firmware, but I despise these forced integrations between everything.
I don't want anything launching of its own volition or because I accidentally touch or look at the phone. I just want the apps to launch when I click them, the 3-button navigation to let me switch between tasks, and a simple homescreen to hold widgets and shortcuts I choose. The first reason I don't want the Pixel launcher is because it doesn't' let me remove the stupid search bar, but I also don't want any of the other hidden and implicit triggers that tie into the assistant.
I also find it annoying that the home button opens some search if I touch it while already on the home screen. Is this coming from the assistant too? I didn't yet find any settings in Nova to adjust the buttons.
I'm with you here. Installed Nova for the exact same reason as you. I do this next thing on all my Android phones: GO to settings > Apps & notifications > see all apps > Google = DISABLE... o some phones it can be uninstalled!
Personally I also disable "Google Play Services for AR" but that is personal choice. I also disable a number of other apps that I know I do not want/use.
I suppose I could use ADB to try and uninstall them, but once they're disabled that is usually good enough. The first one though, Google being disabled, "should" remedy all your issues. I too use the three button navigation and hate ALL assistants!
There's a program on here called 'adpappcontrol' that's great for removing anything you want via ADB.
It's basically just a gui for the command line program. It's worked great for me on at least three phones.
[TOOL] ADB AppControl 1.8.0 🚀 Ultimate App Manager & Debloat Tool + Tweaks
ADB AppControl 🚀 Root is not required. Works with any Android device. Can do almost everything you dreamed about with applications. ADB AppControl - the desktop program, that will allow you to easily manage applications on your android device...
forum.xda-developers.com
Highly recommend. Make sure you tip the dev, since he does it in his spare time.
jaseman said:
I'm with you here. Installed Nova for the exact same reason as you. I do this next thing on all my Android phones: GO to settings > Apps & notifications > see all apps > Google = DISABLE... o some phones it can be uninstalled!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could have sworn I already did that, but just checked and it is enabled. Has yours stayed off? Would the automatic Google Play app updates cause this to be reenabled?
I also now found the Nova setting Gestures -> Home Button that was causing this other search to appear if I press the home button when already on the home screen. Setting it to None with the checkbox still set for Only on main home page seems to give me what I want there...
lightuser said:
I could have sworn I already did that, but just checked and it is enabled. Has yours stayed off? Would the automatic Google Play app updates cause this to be reenabled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine has stayed disabled. I can't speak to whether auto updates may have reenabled it. I always turn auto updates off. I like to see what is being updated on my phone.
jaseman said:
Mine has stayed disabled. I can't speak to whether auto updates may have reenabled it. I always turn auto updates off. I like to see what is being updated on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they wont turn it back on but i have found in the past that sometimes with a os update they will re-enable.