Google Play Services are an essential part of the Android operating system. They allow many apps, including third-party apps and games, to exchange information with Google. This can include getting directions from Google Maps, making a Google search, signing into your Google account, and more.
Google Play Services usually stay up-to-date automatically. But if you're experiencing a problem with your phone and suspect Google Play Services might be to blame, or a troubleshooting checklist recommends that you update Google Play Services, here's how to do that.
How to update Google Play Services on Android
1. Start the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Tap "Apps & Notifications." If your Android device doesn't have this option, tap "Apps."
3. Tap "See all apps" if you have that option. Otherwise, you should already see a list of all your apps.
4. Tap "Google Play services."
5. Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap "Advanced," then "App details." If you don't see that, just choose "App details in store."
6. In the Google Play Store, if you see "Install" at the top of the screen, tap that. If there's an update available, tap "Update" instead. If all you see is "Deactivate," then your Google Play services are already up to date.
How to troubleshoot Google Play Services
If you continue to have trouble with Google Play Services, you should clear its cache and data. You can clear the cache without risk, but if you clear the data, you'll need to log into your Google account again, so be sure you have your username and password handy.
1. Start the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Tap "Apps & Notifications," or "Apps" if that's your only option.
3. Tap "See all apps" if you have that option. Otherwise, you should already see a list of all your apps.
4. Tap "Google Play services."
5. Tap "Storage."
6. To clear the cache, tap "Clear cache."
7. To clear the data, tap either "Clear Storage" or "Manage Storage," and then tap "Clear All Data."
Michelle Greenlee contributed to an earlier version of this article.
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