When Google Play services keep stopping, you cannot necessarily download an app through it. Many of our Android-using readers have mentioned that they have experienced this issue at least a couple of times.
So, in this guide, let’s explain how to overcome this issue and use Google Play smoothly again.
Understanding Google Play Services
Google Play Services is responsible for handling various background processes on your Android device. It manages app permissions, facilitates secure communication between apps and Google servers, and ensures that your apps are up to date with the latest features and security patches. It also provides location-based services, push notifications, and Google Play Protect, which helps keep your device safe from malware.
Reasons for Google Play Services Keep Stopping
Several factors can contribute to the issue of Google Play Services constantly stopping. Here are some common reasons:
- Outdated Google Play Services: If you haven’t updated Google Play Services for a long time, it can lead to compatibility issues with other apps and cause it to crash.
- Corrupted Cache or Data: Over time, the cache and data of Google Play Services can become corrupted, leading to instability and frequent crashes.
- Insufficient Device Storage: If your device is running low on storage space, it can affect the proper functioning of Google Play Services and cause it to stop unexpectedly.
- Battery Optimization Settings: Some Android devices have aggressive battery optimization settings that may restrict the background activity of Google Play Services, resulting in frequent crashes.
- Conflicting Apps or Settings: Certain apps or settings on your device may conflict with Google Play Services, leading to instability and crashes.
Solutions You Can Try if Google Play Services Keep Stopping
There can be several reasons for Google Play services to stop suddenly. One of the most common reasons behind this issue is data corruption. However, that’s not the only reason behind this error.
Regardless of the reason, however, the good news is that it is possible to solve it. So, if your Google Play services keep stopping, try the solutions listed below and get it fixed.
Method 01: Clear Data on the Google Play Services and Play Store
One simplest but very effective way to troubleshoot any app is to clear cache and data. This solution applies to both third-party apps and system services.
With this simple method, you can fix a variety of issues that were caused due to corrupted cache files. You should know that a corrupted cache is a pretty common instance. By clearing the cache, you can reset the app and eliminate all the corrupted cache.
In general, like with any other app, Google Play Services collects data as you use the app. The data can eventually grow into a massive chunk, and the files can often corrupt.
Please follow up on a simple guide to clear the cache.
- Go to the “Settings” app on your device.
- Then, choose the option called “Apps.”
- After that, you should launch the option “App Manager” and choose “Manage Apps.” If not, it will appear as “All Apps,” depending on the OEM available on the device.
- You should tap on the icon that appears as three dots when you are there.
- Then, you should enable all the system processes (fix it if your process system isn’t responding issues on your Android). Doing so will add hidden system apps and services to the existing app list.
- Once you have done that, you can locate the option called Google Play Services. Just open it to proceed.
- Tap on the option called “Storage” as well.
- As the final step, you should clear the cache and data.
- Follow the same steps with Google Play Store as well.
- Reboot the device. And see if it works.
Method 02: Uninstall the Updates for Google Play Services
You cannot reinstall apps like Google Play Services because they are system apps. However, you can factory reset those apps to their default settings.
To do that, you should simply uninstall the updates that might have been installed.
Those who don’t know how to do it can follow the below steps.
- Go to the “Settings” app and choose “Apps.” Then, go to “All Apps” and choose “Google Play Services.”
- Now, tap on “Uninstall Updates.”
- Confirm your action once prompted and reboot the device.
Once the device is rebooted, check if Google Play services keep stopping. If it does, move on to the next method.
Method 03: Clear the Data of Google Services Framework
As per this method, you should pay attention to another system service of Google. Namely, it is Google Services Framework.
Google Services Framework is an essential component related to Android OS. This component is directly related to all the services that run under Android OS.
Therefore, any issue related to Google Services Framework can affect other applications on the OS. So, fixing the potential errors in Google Services Framework is a good move.
However, you cannot necessarily reinstall this service because it is a system app. But you can still clear its cache and data to see if it does any good.
Mentioned below is how to clear the data of the Google Services Framework.
- Go to the “Settings” option and “Apps.”
- Choose the “All Apps” option and then navigate to “Google Services Framework” to proceed.
- Tap on the option called “Storage.”
- Now, you should clear the “cache,” and then the “Data”.
- Once you have done that, just restart the device to see if the issue is solved.
Method 04: Get an APK of Google Play Services Installed
If none of the above methods have done the trick for you, you can also try this method. As per this method, you will have to download a third-party APK on your device.
You can find one of those programs through a third-party APK. You will have to download an older version of Google Play services.
You can install an APK of Google Play Services using the below instructions.
- First, you should go to a website where you can download apps for sideloading.
- After that, you should search for Google Play Services. You can choose the latest version of this app or an older version of it. However, we recommend an older version (but it should not be older than two months).
- You can download the chosen APK now and run it on your Android device. When prompted, you should grant the required permission (allow “install apps from untrusted sources”) to proceed. This is required to install apps from third-party sources.
- Install the Google Play services and check if you can notice any improvement.
Method 05: Perform a Factory Reset on Your Device
If none of the above steps have worked, the last resort you can rely on is a factory reset. If you perform a factory reset, all the device configurations will be set to their default settings.
The changes you have made to the device since your purchase will be erased. You can start from scratch as if you bought the device just now after a factory reset. All the accounts will be deleted, apps will be gone, and the OS will remain with the default apps.
Many Android users trust this method to overcome various issues associated with their devices. After a factory reset, the device will eliminate all the corrupted files and misconfiguration.
Also, if the device has malware infections, those will be gone after the reset. Android devices tend to work smoother and faster after a factory reset.
However, performing a factory reset is associated with one major drawback.
- It will delete all the data on your Android device
The photos, contacts, SMS, videos, recordings, and everything else saved on the device will be gone. So, before the device is reset, we strongly recommend you create a backup of the data.
Below are the steps you should follow to factory reset your Android device. These steps are simple to follow.
As we know, it is a very effective solution to try if Google Play services keep stopping. The only drawback is data loss, but you can overcome it simply by creating a backup.
- First, you should go to the “Settings” option on your Android device.
- Then, you should tap on the option labeled “System.”
- Tap the “Backup & Reset” option to proceed to the next step.
- Now, choose the option “Erase all data (factory reset).”
- A message will appear to confirm your action. You should tap on the “Erase all data” option to confirm this action.
That’s it. Your device should perform well now, and you won’t see Google Play services keeps stopping anymore.
However, if you still see the error, you should take the faulty device to an authorized technician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I uninstall Google Play Services?
A1. No, you cannot uninstall Google Play Services as it is an integral part of the Android operating system and is required for the smooth functioning of various Google apps and services.
Q2. Will disabling Google Play Services affect other apps?
A2. Disabling Google Play Services may cause certain Google apps and services to malfunction. It is recommended to use this step as a last resort.
Q3. How often should I clear the cache and data of Google Play Services?
A3. Clearing the cache and data of Google Play Services can be done periodically, especially if you encounter any issues with the app. However, it is not necessary to do it frequently unless you experience problems.
Q4. Why does Google Play Services keep updating?
A4. Google Play Services updates are released to ensure optimal performance, security enhancements, and compatibility with the latest Android features and apps.
Q5. What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?
A5. If none of the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article work, consider reaching out to your device manufacturer’s support or contacting Google support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Encountering the “Google Play Services keeps stopping” error can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article, you can resolve the issue and get your device back to normal.
Remember to keep your Google Play Services updated and periodically clear cache and data to prevent any recurring problems. If the issue persists, consider seeking assistance from your device manufacturer or contacting Google support.
