In November 2025, Google introduced a new power-saving mode in Google Maps, exclusive to the Pixel 10. It preserves power while using navigation by utilizing a monochrome color scheme and minimizing the on-screen graphics. A third-party app now unlocks the same power-saving Google Maps navigation mode on older Pixels.
Essentials from developer Sameera Wijerathna adds several basic features to Pixels, such as a screen-off widget, the ability to remap the hardware buttons, app lock, action linking, hide unwanted status bar icons, etc. It can also enable Maps Power Saving Mode on non-Pixel 10 Pros to conserve battery life while using navigation.
According to Reddit reports, the app successfully unlocks this Pixel 10-exclusive feature on older Pixels. The app developer even claims that Essentials can enable the Google Maps power-saving mode on Samsung and other non-Pixel Android devices.
Essentials is simple to use, too, but there’s a catch. While root access isn’t required, you must first install Shizuku on your Pixel to unlock the Google Maps power-saving mode. Other features do not require Shizuku to work.
To get Shizuku to work, you’ll have to enable wireless debugging on your phone and go through the initial pairing process. Once enabled, download and install Essentials to enable the Google Maps power-saving mode. The app is not available on the Play Store; instead, you’ll have to download and sideload it from this GitHub project.
Google Play Protect may block the app installation. If this happens, temporarily disable Play Protect to sideload the app.
Your phone’s battery life may or may not get a boost
After enabling the Maps power saving mode toggle in Essentials, navigate to a place in Google Maps. Your phone should automatically switch to the low-power AOD mode while displaying navigation directions after a while. The first time you start navigation, a prompt may appear asking you to enable the feature.
Do note that while Essentials will unlock Google Maps power-saving mode on non-Pixel 10 devices, there’s no guarantee it will actually improve your phone’s battery life. The feature may not be fully optimized for older hardware, and the results could vary depending on your device.
