I came to this forum with the same problem -- in the last couple of weeks my battery has started draining really quickly. So, it seems that we have confirmed that Google Play Services IS an essential service. This is not at all obvious to many non-techies from its name -- please just assume that those of us who come here look for help don't know what is a core service and what isn't...there are a ton of things called Google blah blah on my phone that I don't use, and a few that I do use and love.
But it seems no one has a solution to the basic problem, which is that my phone is dead by 4 PM when it used to make it to midnight with a decent amount of battery left. Is this due to an update of Google Play Services? Can I revert to a previous version or something? Will Google fix the problem? Or do I need to go buy a big honking extended battery? Because a dead phone at 4 PM isn't working for me.
I may not be a veteran forum user... However, I do know a thing or two about this pesky service. I wasn't fortunate enough to have read any helpful information, and like many other forms of software and or hardware; I felt compelled to tinker myself.
Here is what I've found:
To call Google Play Service essential, is going a bit far. It is clearly dependent on A: Device, B: Android OS Version, and C: The User's Specific Phone's Use. (What they use it for.)
Before I ramble on about this topic. Let me just adress the primary issue that I feel like most folks (including op) have came here about.
Battery Life AKA: LowLife..
The amount of battery life that you're are losing to GPS is likely relevant to what all permissions it has.
IE: If you have "Auto Sync" enabled in your phones settings, GPS will try and sync periodically (More than less).
If under auto sync, you have google+, facebook, gmail, etc checked, then GPS (google play services) will attempt to sync these things, just about everytime you open the apps. Not to mention periodically when an app is left to collect dust for a period of time.
But wait! "Hope".. is on the horizon!..
Depending on your Android OS version, and also your mobile phone service provider, you can limit GPS (Google Play Services) so much, that it barely uses any battery, or memory.
Step 1: Determine what mobile service provider you have.
Many companies, who offer a nice smartphone for free when you enroll, tend to have pre-installed applications.
Many of which can be "hardcoded" into the phones original OS.
(Using the word "hardcoded" to describe apps that a company like MetroPCS©, installs on preloaded android phones).
Apps like; My Metro©, and Metro Browser©, etc.. These apps can often be disabled, but not removed.
If you would like to remove them, you will likely be required to root your mobile phone. Because, the "Setup" applications on these phones, have said apps embedded within them.
This is becoming a longer post than necessary. (Moving on)
So here are tips to keep GPS (Google Play Services) enabled, while not suffering from battery or memory drainage.
1. - Disable any mobile provider apps that you do not use.
2. - Turn auto sync off in settings.
(Or if you choose to leave it on, select the google choice, and uncheck anything you do not need synced.)
For example, Google Play Games, Gmail, Contacts, etc... Do the same for any of the available apps, under your auto sync tab.. These apps will all continue to function normally, if auto sync is disabled.
With the only differences being; that you will not receive a notification when you get an email, or a friend recommends a game. And so on...
3. Turn off location services.
This "significantly" reduces; Battery Drain, Data Usage, and of course.. "NSA Spying!" (Kidding.. Or am I?)
Once disabled,.. if you allow GPS (Google Play Services ) to remain on, you will not suffer from it gathering your location when browsing the web, or connecting to a WiFi hotspot, etc...
Instead.. if a webpage or application wants your location, it will ask your permission first.
(Speaking of WiFi.. If you tend to use hotspots, often... Disable your WiFi when you dont want to use it. Orherwise, you'll suck down battery life, just driving down the street... Especially if you use Xfinity© hotspots....
Once you've connected to one, your phone's WiFi, will connect ,at every intersection you pass. Of course it will then disconnect, once out of range. Which in turn makes your 4G data service, attempt to grab a fresh signal again.)
(This creates an endless loop, of battery usage. That is completely useless.) - It's like the domino effect..
Also; if you do not require any of these features, (provided your os/mobile phone model) allows it...
You can safely disable GPS. (However, If you are uncertain which GPS features you like having, or if something you use on your phone utilizes it. Then do not remove it.)
I do not want to be blamed when your Final Fantasy Record Keeper© game stops sending you notifications.
Or held responsible, for you missing Susie and Greg's, wedding invitation on Facebook©...
~Another option: If possible...
Install a security app, such as a firewall, or services controller app, that allows you to block apps, from starting in the background.
(If you do this, and block GPS. You will need to allow it in the event that you want to utilize it.) This method (in my experience) worked for me briefly. Until GPS started finding a backdoor to my ZL FW.. By making clones of itself... (Much like the dreaded fake "svchost.exe" service, that Windows© Update, kills your pc's CPU with)
Other ways to extend battery life..
1: If you are not using your phone for anything web based while at work, or while running daily errands and such.
You can simply disable mobile data, and wifi, until you need it. By simply going into your android settings.
"Just pull that switch."
Also... If you're going to be away from a charger for a long period, and you are aware that you wont receive incoming calls and or SMS's... You can turn on "Airplane Mode" in your mobile phone's settings... This will conserve a large amount of battery life.. Furthermore, (fun fact) when you're charging your phone, put it in "Aeroplane Mode" to charge it much faster than you're used to..
While "Aeroplane Mode" is off, and your phones wireless signal is active... Your phone's antenna, is constantly searching for a better signal...
Even if you see 5 bars... (Which; for the record.. Are simply inaccurate icons, designed to make consumers believe that their mobile provider, is better than the competition.)
2. Turn down your brightness!!!
If you use your phone for a few minutes at 30-40% brightness...
It will begin to seem just as bright, as it always has, while you've cranked it to that vibrant, and pretty, 100%, that you love so much...
(Even though you know, its bad for your eyes..)
It's understandable to turn it up in certain environments.
For instance; if you're out in sunlight, and it prevents you from seeing your screen clearly.. Turn it up!...
(To Eleven!!!..)... Just Kidding..
("Old people..Like me.." Will get it...)
But once you're in doors again, and do not require heavy brightness, turn it back to 30-40%.
Anyone with a "Backlight On/Off" feature.. Should "DEFINITELY" utilize it. If there's no need for it turned on....Turn it off...
3: This one is a common issue for many people, who are new to smartphone, technology...
Countless folks, have asked me to fix, their phone's, only to find out, that there is nothing wrong with said phone. Other than the fact, that they are totally out of ram, because they didn't shut down any of their applications, after they used them.
How to tell if you suffer from the same mistake...
(If the following applies to your phone.. you're likely, failing to shut down apps, correctly.)
If you see a bunch of small icons across your top bar, you are failing to disable applications, and or notifications.
If left unchecked, this "WILL" eat your battery, alive...
If you're unsure how to end them... Try finding a task manager app.
Or,.. (In most cases, by default..)
Holding your home button down, will commonly display all running apps. Simply, slide the apps to the left in order to disable them..
(Home Button Method Is Common, On Older Phones)
Newer phones however, are beginning to offer a button that looks like two boxes offset from one another.
(Similar to; the "restore size button", in most web browsers...)
Pressing said button, should display all the applications, that are currently running.
Like before;.. Simply sliding the apps to the left, with your thumb, should turn them off.
With no applications running in the background... Your mobile phone, will have nothing sucking down the CPU, GPU, Memory, Data, or Battery...
(Save from, the homescreen, and any, mandatory files, that your phone may require.)
These are just some of the more common methods to extending battery life.
After utilizing these methods, if you still want more battery life.. Try tinkering with different settings, a bit yourself, and see what you can come up with.
Don't be afraid to experiment with some;.. Battery saving/boosting, applications either...
Some are decent additions for some people, and to some people's phones...
(Some phones offer benefits, that others lack...Don't hesitate to explore your settings..)
Another interesting tidbit: I recently removed the Facebook© app from my phone... (Working toward removing Facebook© from my life completely..)
I still periodically check it... However, I do so, by accessing it, via, the mobile site. (From my Google Chrome browser.)
I have to say, that since I've been doing this, I've noticed a significant boost in my battery life...
To sum things up...
I just read this entire thread, while listening to music, and typing this entire reply... (With Google's Play Services running.)
My battery has, diminished from 64% to 49%, and its been a good two hours here...
I hope my post has touched more on the Op's primary question, as well as that of others who visit, or have visited this thread.
PS:...
The debate on whether or not Pauls post was rude, is irrelevant.
In Pauls defense: He clearly meant no disrespect, and was simply being facetious, while addressing the Op's question.
But in defense of the opposition:
I can see; how Pauls post, could come off as undermining, or pretentious.
So.. Rather than debate it between both sides.
Lets try to agree, to disagree.
We can all appreciate the fact that the thread is helpful, all around.
Instead of bickering. Or jumping the gun on accusations.
Let's just address each other with respect... If someones post appears rude... Tell them you feel that way, and ask if that was truly their intent.
The answer will likely be no..
Thus, preventing so many comments that take up server space...(Be it, "insignificant space" or not.)
I've been utilizing this forum for a long time, and it's been more than helpful.
Folks like Paul.. Are only here to help. If they seem otherwise rude, just let it go, and appreciate what knowledge we gain from one another.
This thread, has officially...
"Provoked" / "Enticed"(4LOABW).. me, to finally register on here.
(As opposed, to simply browsing.)
So clearly some good has come from this thread.
Thanks to all the members here, who take the time out of their lives, to help others.
You're all greatly appreciated.
-Gary.
(Hey Android!... Can we get a tab key, on these damn qwerty keyboards already?!) ......