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Can't uninstall Google Play Services update due to Device Administration Settings?

decotex

Lurker
Android version 7.0 Model Number SM-G930V

I updated google play services today. It obliterated my battery life, slowed my phone, and heats the entire thing up. Almost unusable unless plugged into a fast charger constantly.

I found the following tutorial for uninstalling updates:
  • Remove updates to the app (Settings > Applications > All > Google Play Services > three dots menu > Uninstall updates). You might need to head to Settings > Security > Device Administrators and disable Android Device Manager first.
I can get all the way to Uninstall updates, but when I select that option I get a message that says "Can't uninstall because this package is an active device administrator."

I then click "Manage Device Administrators" and am taken to "Phone Administration Settings" menu, where it lists Find My Device and Google Pay as administrators. I cannot disable either of them, as the "deactivate" buttons are greyed out and cannot be pressed.

Any advice?
 
well google play services is a system app which you will not have access to unless you root your phone. you need play services if you want to update apps and be able to get apps from the play store. it is so integrated into android that it is an essential app for android.

have you tried to reboot your phone? how do you know play services is responsible for slowing your phone down?
 
well google play services is a system app which you will not have access to unless you root your phone. you need play services if you want to update apps and be able to get apps from the play store. it is so integrated into android that it is an essential app for android.

have you tried to reboot your phone? how do you know play services is responsible for slowing your phone down?

I know, but google play services updates tend to cause battery drain on older phones. This is the article I was referencing -> https://www.androidpit.com/google-play-services-what-is-it-and-what-is-it-for

Aside from my phone heating up, slowing down, and draining battery immediately after installing the update (also the only thing I installed that day), it's used 25% of my battery life according to the phone app stats.

The issue isn't that i want to uninstall google play services, it's that I want to uninstall the UPDATE that i just downloaded. According to the article it's possible but it's not working on my version & phone so I'm wondering why. I have the option to uninstall updates for google play services - it just won't let me due to administration settings and then won't let me edit administration settings. Happy to root my phone if that's the only option. Just need this update uninstalled, because my phone is pretty much unusable currently. Dying constantly even when it's not in use & screen off & plugged in.
 
Could try a factory reset?

I've also got a Galaxy S7, SM-G930F, but mine is on 8.0 Oreo, along with the latest Google Play updates, and it's aright, no excessive battery drain, no overheating.

Yours is SM-G930V, is that a Verizon variant in the US? Has it not been updated yet to 8.0 Oreo?
 
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well even on my note 8 i can't uninstall play service.....not that i want to. like mikedt mentioned try a factory reset......or like the article you linked you can always root your phone.
 
Could try a factory reset?

I've also got a Galaxy S7, SM-G930F, but mine is on 8.0 Oreo, along with the latest Google Play updates, and it's aright, no excessive battery drain, no overheating.

Yours is SM-G930V, is that a Verizon variant in the US? Has it not been updated yet to 8.0 Oreo?

It is a Verizon phone. When I got it I was told by the staff member not to update because it would slow down my phone, as it's an older model and the new updates are trying to get you to upgrade to a newer phone. I've been really happy with 7.0's battery life for the 2 years I've had it, and have never seen a reason to upgrade to 8.0. I'd rather have maximum battery life vs better features. That said, if I'm going to be forced to factory reset I might as well try updating to 8.0 first.

It's really bricked right now. Phone is turning off from battery drain while nothing is running, screen is over, power saving mode is on, and it's plugged in charging. Google play services is taking up 25% of battery. I'm not sure I'd be able to leave the house without it just turning itself off in under an hour, which makes me worried as I need it to receive calls and use the GPS.

Factory reset is sort of a last resort for me for sentimental reasons, but I'm definitely keeping it in mind.
 
well even on my note 8 i can't uninstall play service.....not that i want to. like mikedt mentioned try a factory reset......or like the article you linked you can always root your phone.

I read that Verizon has a big problem with rooting your phone and can deny service? Not sure if this is a rumor, but would love to avoid rooting as it would definitely void warranty. Rooting and factory reset are both last-resort options, and I'm not really sure which I'd prefer. I appreciate the answer though. Bummer that you can't uninstall play service updates.
 
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