Help GPS Draining Battery - How to tell which app is using GPS constantly?

[imp81318]

About a week or two ago I did all kind of typical updates of apps on my S3 on Verizon Wireless, and suddenly my battery life tanked. I was pretty quickly able to trace the problem to the GPS remaining active. I have done soft re-boots, but with GPS on my phone is constantly having its location set by the GPS, which of course kills my battery. I'm not sure exactly when this problem started, and I likely updated or added multiple apps at once. Since I know the problem is fairly new (i.e. not a problem with the phone from the factory) and what is causing the battery drain, is there a way to figure out which apps are using the GPS service at a given time?

For now, my temporary fix is to just turn GPS off until I need it, but this is annoying.

 

[damewolf13]

I have moved this thread into the SGS3 forum (American version) for further discussion, as I think you are more likely to get the help you need here.

 

[Rxpert83]

I would try either better batter stats or gsam battery monitor. You can usually pinpoint what's easy battery with those

 

[imp81318]

I would try either better batter stats or gsam battery monitor. You can usually pinpoint what's easy battery with those

I know what is draining my battery - it is the GPS. What I cannot find is WHY the GPS is constantly updating my location. I used navigation on my phone last night and forgot to turn GPS off when I was done. I had over 60% battery when I went to bed. Phone was off and would not turn on without being plugged in when I woke up this morning. As long as I remember to turn GPS off I am fine

 

[Rxpert83]

The gps is only running when something tries to update its location. The gps isn't likely your problem, the problem is whatever app keeps trying to get your location. One of those apps I mentioned will tell you what is calling upon the GPS.

If you're on jellybean, its probably Google now

 

[phil75231]

I know what is draining my battery - it is the GPS. What I cannot find is WHY the GPS is constantly updating my location. I used navigation on my phone last night and forgot to turn GPS off when I was done. I had over 60% battery when I went to bed. Phone was off and would not turn on without being plugged in when I woke up this morning. As long as I remember to turn GPS off I am fine

I second GSam Battery Monitor. It will tell you EXACTLY what is draining your battery. After having GSam installed for the past month, with average use I now average 15 hours of battery life on my Verizon s3. If I don't touch my phone at all I can get 58 hours. I think that's pretty darn good. This is all from using information that GSam provided me.