wi-fi & gps power consumption ??

**Johno007** · 11-15-2008, 07:19 PM

When the gps and wi-fi are turned on does it consume more battery,or just when they are being used. please advise,thanks.

**brhinehart** · 11-15-2008, 07:26 PM

I started leaving the GPS enabled and haven't seen much difference in the battery. I think it only gets used when a app tries to use it. The wifi on the other hand probably is constantly searching for new wifi spots so it might use up the battery if you don't need it.

**Crashdamage** · 11-15-2008, 07:28 PM

GPS is only active when you need it, even if you leave it enabled all the time. IOW, if the little satellite icon isn't in your toolbar at the top, it's not doing anything or using any power. I leave GPS on all the time no problem.

WiFi is a little bit different. If you leave it enabled, it may search around for a signal even if you have no intention of using it instead of Edge or 3G, like whenever you open the browser or check email. So I installed AnyCut and made a shortcut to 'Wireless Settings' so it's easy to enable/disable WiFi when I specifically want to use it. However, if you do just leave it enabled all the time it's not a big hit on the battery.

**NismoG35** · 11-15-2008, 09:19 PM

I agree on the GPS thing but when it is being used it is a major drain. I would just say turn it off unless you are useing it.

The wifi is always looking for new networks and or is transmitting data so i would say turn it off unless you are useing it as well. Local can help you with this

**Johno007** · 11-15-2008, 11:41 PM

Thanks guys, thats what I thought but was unsure. I must give two thumbs up for this community website and 96% of the people that use it.

**ghoonk** · 11-16-2008, 02:13 AM

Thanks for the info as well. I was wondering about the GPS bit, as I have noticed that the icon only comes on as and when an application calls on GPS data.

**Crashdamage** · 11-16-2008, 06:32 AM

NismoG35 said:

I would just say turn it (GPS) off unless you are useing it.

But then ghoonk said:

I have noticed that the (GPS) icon only comes on as and when an application calls on GPS data.

Exactly right, like I said before. So the point I was making is, Android turns it on and off for you automagically, as needed. There's absolutely no point in turning it off manually unless you never intend to use it at all, ever. Even then it's kinda pointless to turn it off 'cause if you never use any of the apps that would access GPS, it will never be active anyway.