Keep your device & apps working with Google Play Services (2024)

Google Play Services keeps your apps updated and running smoothly on Android devices.

What is Google Play Services?

Google Play Services connects apps to other Google services, like Google Sign In and Google Maps. Google Play Services isn’t the same as the Google Play Store app, and is included with Android.

Google Play Services doesn’t make your battery drain faster or use too much of your mobile data plan. You can’t force stop or uninstall Google Play services.

Important: Google Play services are only supported on devices with Android 5.0 (API level 21) or higher. Learn how to check and update your Android version.

Fix problems with Google Play Services

Step 1: Make sure Google Play Services is up to date

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app .
2. Tap Apps & notifications See all apps.
3. Scroll down and tap Google Play Services.
4. Scroll down and tap App Details.
5. Tap Update or Install. If you don’t see these options, follow the steps in Step 2 and Step 3.

Step 2: Clear cache & data from Google Play Services

Important: When you clear Google Play Services data or storage, it may delete some information saved to your device, including transit cards, COVID cards, and virtual payment cards saved to Google Pay. You may also need to reauthenticate your payment methods on Google Pay, and sign back into your Google Account on all devices.

Step 3: Clear the cache & data of the Play Store

This gives the app a fresh start and can help fix issues.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app .
2. Tap Apps & notifications See all apps.
3. Scroll down and tap Google Play Store .
4. Tap Storage Clear Cache.
5. Tap Clear data.
6. Re-open the Play Store, and try your download again.

If these steps don’t work, see other troubleshooting steps.