How to Fix ‘Google Play Services Keeps Stopping’ Error

The dreaded “Google Play Services Keeps Stopping” error can be a major headache on Android devices. It can disrupt everything from app updates to location services. Fortunately, this issue is often fixable with a few troubleshooting steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various solutions, from simple fixes to more advanced techniques, to get your Google Play Services back on track.

Understanding Google Play Services

Before diving into the fixes, let’s understand what Google Play Services actually is. It’s a system app that provides essential functionality for many Android apps. It handles authentication, synchronizes contacts, provides location services, and more. When it malfunctions, many apps can misbehave, leading to the error message.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

These are the quickest and easiest solutions to try first:

  • Restart Your Device: This is the first and often most effective solution. A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches that may be causing the error.
  • Check Your Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for Google Play Services to function correctly. Make sure you are connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network or have a strong mobile data signal.
  • Check Date & Time Settings: Incorrect date and time settings can interfere with Google Play Services. Ensure that your device’s date and time are set automatically.

How to Check and Correct Date & Time Settings:

  1. Go to your device’s Settings app.
  2. Tap on General management or System (the name may vary depending on your Android version).
  3. Select Date and time.
  4. Enable Automatic date and time and Automatic time zone.

Clearing Cache and Data

Clearing the cache and data of both Google Play Services and the Google Play Store can resolve many issues.

Clearing Cache and Data for Google Play Services:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications Manager).
  2. Find Google Play Services in the list of apps.
  3. Tap on Storage.
  4. Tap on Clear Cache.
  5. Tap on Manage Space (or Clear all data) and then Clear All Data.

Clearing Cache and Data for Google Play Store:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications Manager).
  2. Find Google Play Store in the list of apps.
  3. Tap on Storage.
  4. Tap on Clear Cache.
  5. Tap on Clear Data.

Updating Google Play Services and Google Play Store

Using outdated versions of Google Play Services or the Google Play Store can also cause problems. Make sure you have the latest versions installed.

Updating Google Play Services:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Search for Google Play Services.
  3. If an Update button is available, tap it to update the app. If only Open is showing, then you have the latest version.

Updating Google Play Store:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
  3. Go to Settings > About.
  4. Tap on Update Play Store. This will update the app to the latest version, or tell you it is already updated.

Reinstalling Google Play Services Updates

Sometimes, an update to Google Play Services can be problematic. Reinstalling updates can fix these issues.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications Manager).
  2. Find Google Play Services in the list of apps.
  3. Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top right corner.
  4. Select Uninstall updates.
  5. Restart your device. The Play Store should automatically update Google Play Services to the latest compatible version.

Checking App Permissions

Incorrect app permissions can sometimes cause conflicts with Google Play Services. Review the permissions granted to Google Play Services and ensure they are appropriate.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications Manager).
  2. Find Google Play Services in the list of apps.
  3. Tap on Permissions.
  4. Make sure necessary permissions like Location, Contacts, and Phone are enabled.

Free Up Storage Space

Insufficient storage space on your device can also lead to various problems, including issues with Google Play Services. Free up space by deleting unnecessary files, apps, or media.

Reset App Preferences

Resetting app preferences can resolve conflicts between apps that might be affecting Google Play Services.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications Manager).
  2. Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top right corner.
  3. Select Reset app preferences.
  4. Confirm the reset. This will reset disabled apps, default app choices, background data restrictions, and app permissions.

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions work, a factory reset should be considered as a last resort. This will erase all data on your device, so make sure to back up important information before proceeding.

  1. Go to Settings > General management > Reset.
  2. Select Factory data reset.
  3. Confirm the reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Conclusion

The “Google Play Services Keeps Stopping” error can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and restore your device’s functionality. Remember to start with the simplest solutions and work your way up to the more complex ones. Good luck!