Hot topics

How to update Google Play Services, the easy way

NextPit Google Play Services
© Shutterstock

Everything the Play Store does with the apps on your phone goes through Google Play Services. This tells your phone's system when to update apps and introduces new features and settings to your Android phone or tablet. Find out how to install and update Google Play Services, both the easy way or the more technical way with a newer APK.

Google Play Services is an app that is very closely linked to the Android system itself that allows your smartphone to benefit from the latest versions of apps and security patches without upgrading to the latest version of Android. Despite the confusing names, this is different from the Google Play Store where you can access, buy, and download media such as apps and games.

Google Pixel 6 smartphone for $599.00

Jump to:

Google Play Services latest version: what's new?

You can check out the changelogs for the latest version of Google Play Services here, and also view the timelines and logs for earlier releases. Most of what the updates do are small changes under the hood such as streamlining aspects relating to ads, games, fitness etc., and making the overall Google ecosystem operation more efficient and stable.

AndroidPIT google pixel 3a chin
Google Play Services is the general overlord of apps, and you're best off when it's up-to-date / © NextPit

Install Google Play Services: the easy way

Keeping Google Play Services up-to-date is beneficial for all users, even the most casual ones, as the improved efficiency it brings will save battery life and improve offline services.

The simplest way to always have the latest version of Google Play Services installed is to keep an eye on this page, where we'll provide you with a download link to the very latest versions available in the Play Store. Just tap the install button below to ensure you have the current version.

However, as with most things Android, there are always newer and better versions available if you're willing to put in a little more effort. For example, there are multiple versions of Google Play Services for the different versions of Android you might have. So, if you want the very latest version, just follow the steps below.

Google Play Services 00
First, you need to know which version of Android you have/ © NextPit

Install Google Play Services: the technical way

Users who want to make absolutely sure they have the latest updates or want to access a beta or test different versions of Google Play Services might want to use a more technical method. This can be useful for app developers, or for anyone who is suffering from a software error that blocks Google Play Services from updating normally.

First, you'll need to know which version of Android you have.

  • Go to Settings > About Phone (or just About on some devices) and look for Android version or Software information.

Then, you'll need to check which apps are allowed to install from unknown sources:

  1. Open the Settings apps.
  2. Choose the and then Apps option (or Apps & notifications).
  3. Tap See all apps.
  4. Find the app which you will be installing from - usually your mobile browser or a file explorer. Tap on it.
  5. Tap on Advanced to expand the page.
  6. Select the Install unknown apps option.
  7. Activate the option to Allow from this source.
Google Play Services 01
You can allow your mobile browser or file explorer to install apps/APKs from unknown sources / © NextPit

Next, you need to use that same browser to find a Google Play Services APK. Here's how you do that:

Download Google Play Services APK

Now you simply have to choose the right Google Play Services version for you. You can find the latest versions of Google Play Services hosted on APK Mirror and it's always a good idea to select the latest stable version and not a beta version. Then, just download and install Google Play Services onto your phone.

Did you find this guide useful? Any tips or information you think we missed out on? Let us know in the comments!

 The best smartphones under $400

  Editorial tip Price tip 3rd place 4th place 5th place
Product
Image Google Pixel 6a Product Image Apple iPhone SE (2022) Product Image Samsung Galaxy A53 Product Image OnePlus Nord N20 Product Image Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Product Image
Review
Review: Google Pixel 6a
Review: Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Review: Samsung Galaxy A53
Not yet tested
Not yet tested
Price (MSRP)
  • $449.00
  • $429.00
  • $449.99
  • $299.00
  • $399.00
Offer*
nextpit receives a commission for purchases made via the marked links. This has no influence on the editorial content and there are no costs for you. You can find out more about how we make money on our transparency page.
Go to comment (124)
Brittany McGhee

Brittany McGhee
Editor androidpit.com

Brittany loves to keep up with the latest technology and innovation, so she is excited to have the opportunity to write about the wonderful world of Android. She thinks spreadsheets and numbers are fun, in addition to reading books and volunteering.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
124 comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing

  • 49
    storm Jan 18, 2022 Link to comment

    The automatic behaviors have been fine for me. I don't recall it ever needing tweaking.

    Rubens EishimaZois Bekios Zannikos


  • Angela Williams 1
    Angela Williams Jun 6, 2021 Link to comment

    Yes, I found your article QUITE HELPFUL. Thank you very much. Definitely APPRECIATE your expertise!!


  • 1
    kenyah griffith Nov 3, 2020 Link to comment

    I have a lenovo TB3-X07F and google play services did not come preinstalled so I'm having difficulties in installing it when I do try its saying unfortunately its stop working and my device is useless without the service can you help me please..


  • MTKArena.com 3
    MTKArena.com Oct 8, 2020 Link to comment

    This method Working 100%


  • 2
    Pathetic 7 Mar 11, 2020 Link to comment

    Thank you so much.It has been a rough time for me trying to solve the problem i'm facing.Now i can dowload the new google play service version and not stuck at issue "Turn on sync" while logging in Chrome.That made my day.Love you 😘,i hope you will keep writing more useful guide like this.Sorry for my bad english skill XD


    • 3
      Uptofast Mar 11, 2020 Link to comment

      Very good and helpful article I have read and experienced it


  • 1
    Renu Dec 27, 2019 Link to comment

    I don't know what went wrong my play store is not even opening.......how do i fix it😭😭


  • 2
    dangelo Nov 22, 2019 Link to comment

    dangelo


  • 2
    Pdoggydog Nov 19, 2019 Link to comment

    I cannot believed that man walked on the moon' but its impossible to update Google play.

    mothersgirl_5


    • 1
      mothersgirl_5 Dec 1, 2019 Link to comment

      That a lie also, I can't get telephone and internet together 😬😬👽👽but they sent a metal device in the atmosphere,to an unknown place,, ????😿🙊🙉🙈🌛🌜🌝can try to fool all the people all the time


      • 1
        UJusGotThroated Jan 26, 2020 Link to comment

        Sooo, because you are too stupid to figure out how to button your own shirt... that EQUATES to the moon landings being fake? LOL What? That's not any kind of algebra taught in an actual school. It's hard to admit that you're a dumbass, and I can sympathize with that... but the facts are... the moon landings are clearly real... but I'm I'm having the damnedest time trying to convince myself that YOU actually exist. My condolences... hit me up if you are having an urgent need to commiserate. Thanks buddy, I really needed a good laugh.


  • 1
    Citra Sep 25, 2019 Link to comment

    Suddenly i got notification on my phone that my google play store has stopped , but i don't know why. Then I've tried some ways above, but it doesn't work.
    Can anyone tell my what should i do now?


  • 2
    Rashid Sep 7, 2019 Link to comment

    Honor 8 google play services play store gmail driv not download hellp me


  • 1
    Myragail Aug 29, 2019 Link to comment

    No matter what I do the app won't download what should I do google play services was disabled by accident.


  • 1
    purplepotato Jun 5, 2019 Link to comment

    you should NOT update play services unless you absolutely need to. I recently updated, and now my phone is plastered with ads every. Previous ad blocking is no longer working.


  • WickedSweetDreamz 10
    WickedSweetDreamz Nov 14, 2018 Link to comment

    I recently got a different phone, and the google play store version on this one doesn't seem to have all the apps the other phone I had did and I really wanted to see if I could update it. Well, I checked the version I have and the numbers/letters, etc, look ABSOLUTELY NOTHING like they usually do and since I couldn't find a way to place a screenshot here I'll just write it down. I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Version 7.0 and this is what it says in the google play store app in my phone:
    Version 12.4.30-all[0] [PR] 220544349
    Can someone please help me figure out what this means and how to update it? Thanks


  • 1
    Benson kariuki Sep 2, 2018 Link to comment

    Thanks


  • Razvi Meraj 2
    Razvi Meraj Aug 25, 2018 Link to comment

    Not open my play store

    Sorin


  • Rusty H. 33
    Rusty H. Jul 15, 2018 Link to comment

    Didn't an updated play service within the last month have a bug, that screwed up the play store or google pay?

    Sorin


  • Jake Dacles 1
    Jake Dacles Jun 29, 2018 Link to comment

    Pls help me with this problem when try to update apps or download app it says that "can't download app error[0]" and I try to clear date or cache and still its not working...
    Any suggestion will be appreciated..
    Pls help me ASAP

Show all comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing