Updated
Updated · Pocket-lint · Jul 20
Pixel 10 User Extends 4,970mAh Battery by Disabling Google App Features
Updated
Updated · Pocket-lint · Jul 20

Pixel 10 User Extends 4,970mAh Battery by Disabling Google App Features

3 articles · Updated · Pocket-lint · Jul 20

Summary

  • A Pixel 10 owner traced unusual battery drain to the pre-installed Google app and said battery life improved after turning off or limiting its features.
  • The biggest drain came from Discover, which preloads in the background for faster access; disabling it in the Google app — and optionally in Chrome new tabs — cuts that overhead.
  • A less drastic fix is blocking the Google app's background activity in Android battery settings, which reduces power use but also limits live updates such as news, weather and sports alerts.
  • The strongest battery-saving step is disabling the Google app entirely, though that can affect compatibility with apps that depend on Google services.
  • Because the Google app ships on most Android devices, the same settings changes could help phones beyond the Pixel lineup.

Insights

Android 17 targets battery-draining apps, so why is Google's own application a primary culprit?
Is Google deliberately sacrificing your phone's battery for its own app's features?
After a $135M settlement, is Google's app still costing you through excessive battery drain?