How To Fix Google Play Services Update Error: Unable to Update Google Play Services

Problem using Google apps and services? getting a pop-up error saying “Google play services has stopped working”? If you think that this error is triggered by Google play store app on Android and want to fix the Google Play Services Error, stick to the article.

Google Play Services vs Google Play Store?

The common misconception among Android users is Google Services is the same as Google play store. But, Google Play Services might sound similar to Google Play Store but let me tell you Google play Services is quite different from Google play Services.

Google Play services is responsible for running all Google products and apps on Android like Google Maps, Gmail Account, Google Play Store, Google Games and other Android apps and services by Google.

Whereas the Google Play store is a stand-alone core app on Android phones used to download and update apps on Android devices.

This was an overview of the Google Play Services and Google Play Store now let’s move to the google play services errors.

Why can’t I update Google Play services?

Google Play services is a core process on Android mobile and tablets required for using Google services like Google Maps, Google Play Store, Google sign-in. Unlike Google Play Store, the Google Play services don’t drain your mobile’s battery or use lots of data.

Some app crashes or cache memory errors can cause the Google Play services to malfunction and hence making it impossible to update Google Play services. To fix the Google Play services update problem you can follow the steps below:

Read Also: Looks Like Another App Is Blocking Access To Google Play

1. Clear the Play Services Cache and Storage data

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings
  2. Tap on Apps & notifications to see all installed apps.
  3. Scroll down and open Google Play Services.
  4. Tap on Storage and then Clear Cache.
  5. Tap on Clear Storage data.

Try to update by going to settings>app>Google Play services>Update.

2. Clear the Play Store Cache

However, Google play services is completely different from Google play store. But still, updating and download apps are processed by Play store itself.

Improper cache management can cause the play store to malfunction and hence casing error while updating the google play services. Clearing the cache data of Google play store can help you to fix the Play services update error.

To clear the Play store cache

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings
  2. Tap on Apps & notifications to see all installed apps.
  3. Scroll down and open Google Play Store.
  4. Tap on Storage and then Clear Cache.

3. Allow Google Play service to “run in background”

Google Play services is a core app and needs to keep running in the background in order to use Google apps and services on Android.

Disabling the “run in background” permission for Google Play services accidentally or intentionally can cause Google Play services to show error while updating.

In order to fix the Google play services update error, it is recommended to enable the “run in background” option in settings.

Enabling “run in background”  for Google Play services

Restart the devices and try to update the Google play services. Moreover, you can also get a play store download pending error if you disable the background permission to Google play services.

READ ALSO: GOOGLE PLAY STORE TROUBLESHOOT BIBLE

How can I update Google Play services without Google Play?

Google Play services is not an app and have nothing to do with the Google play store you can simply update the Google play services by going to the Android app drawer and simply open Google play services and tap update.

To Update Google Play Services

  1. On Android phone or tablet, open the Settings
  2. Tap on Apps & notifications.
  3. Scroll down and tap on Google Play Services.
  4. Find and tap App Details.
  5. Tap Update or Install Updates.

Why is Google Play services not working?

In order to fix the Google play services error, you need to check for the series of error and fixes. In, most cases a simple restart of Android will fix the error but if you are still getting an error while updating or using Google products on Android you can follow the post here:

HOW TO FIX GOOGLE PLAY SERVICE ERROR?

Meanwhile to make Google play services here are some common troubleshoots you can apply

  • Force Restart Android: Press and hold the power button to force restart the Android and see if you are still getting the error while opening the Google services.
  • Reset App Preferences
  • Clear Play Services Cache
  • Set Correct Date and time

etc.

Google Play Services Update Error: Final Words

Google Play services update errors are often caused by improper cache management, missing required permissions and corrupt play store app on Android. This was an easy guide to solve the play services update error on Android. Don’t forget to check our TROUBLESHOOT section for other useful error fix guides for Android.

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