The configuration data is stored in a local database within Play Services. By clearing this database, you reset the flags. By denying permissions to the database folder, you prevent new ones from being written.
Here is a short story about the struggle and how to actually win the battle. The Ghost in the Machine
. On older devices or those with limited data plans, the background activity of Google Play Services can be a significant drain. These XML files often contain instructions for "GmsCore" (the heart of Play Services) to initiate component updates or analytical pings. By disabling these downloads, users can significantly reduce background battery consumption and prevent "update loops" that occasionally plague older versions of Android. Mechanism of Control
Why this works: Google Play Services spawns a background process specifically for fetching remote config (often called GmsConfig ). Limiting background processes forces Android to kill this fetcher regularly. XML downloads then occur only when you open an app that forces Play Services to restart.
tag that references the Play Services version, which usually looks like this:
: Restricting background data can impact certain functionalities. While you can still use the Play Store manually, notifications may be delayed, and automatic updates will stop.
: In Android Studio, you can disable specific Google plugins via File > Settings > Plugins to prevent them from auto-inserting code. Google Groups Complete Disabling (Advanced Users)
Google Play Services runs silently in the background to connect your apps with Google's core infrastructure. To function correctly, it routinely fetches configuration files from Google servers. These configurations are written in XML (Extensible Markup Language).
: Disabling related plugins in IDEs like Android Studio (e.g., Firebase, Google Cloud Tools, or Google Login) is often necessary to stop the IDE from automatically re-inserting code into the manifest.
Many Android users encounter a frustrating issue where their device continuously attempts to download or update an "XML" file related to Google Play Services. This glitch can drain your battery, consume mobile data, and cause persistent, un-dismissible notifications.
Some users dislike when Google silently enables new features (e.g., new ad formats, Assistant triggers). Freezing XML downloads prevents remote feature toggling.
For users running de-googled setups (like GrapheneOS or CalyxOS) or those trying to minimize background data usage, these constant "phone home" requests are unnecessary.