How do I fix Google Play services error?

Google Play services is an essential component of many Android devices and apps. It lets apps integrate Google services like account syncing, authentication, location-based features, Google Play games, and more. Unfortunately, Google Play services errors can prevent apps and devices from working correctly.

If you encounter problems with Google Play services, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here are the most common Google Play services errors and how to fix them.

Google Play Services Has Stopped

Seeing the “Google Play services has stopped” error is one of the most common issues. This typically occurs when there is a problem with the Play services app itself or its connection to Google’s servers.

Here are some steps to fix the “Google Play services has stopped” error:

Restart your device – A simple restart can clear temporary glitches and get Play services working again.
Check for updates – Open the Play Store app and go to My Apps & Games > Updates to see if any Play services updates are available. Install any pending updates.

Clear cache & data – In your device Settings, find the Apps or Application Manager. Locate Google Play services, tap it, then choose Clear Cache and Clear Data. This erases temporary files and resets the app.
Uninstall updates – In the App info screen for Play services, tap the three dots menu and choose Uninstall Updates. This reverts it to the original factory version.
Restart your device again – After clearing data or uninstalling updates, restart your device and check if the error persists.

Check date & time – An incorrect date and time setting can sometimes cause connection issues with Play services. Make sure automatic date & time is enabled in your settings.

In most cases, one of these steps should resolve the “Google Play services has stopped” error. If not, you may need to factory reset your device or reflash the OS as a last resort.

Google Play Store Error Retrieving Information

The “Error retrieving information from Google servers” message in the Play Store usually indicates connectivity issues reaching Google’s servers. Here are some ways to troubleshoot it:

Check your internet connection – Make sure you have an active WiFi or mobile data connection. Try toggling Airplane mode off and on to refresh the connection.
Switch networks – If you’re on WiFi, switch to mobile data, or vice versa. There may be an outage on one network.
Clear Play Store cache & data – In your device Settings, find the Play Store app. Tap Storage, then choose Clear Cache and Clear Data.

Restart your device – A simple restart can often resolve temporary network problems.
Check Play services – Make sure the Play services app is updated and working correctly without errors.
Factory reset – As a last resort, a full factory reset can eliminate any underlying system problems causing Play Store issues.

This is usually a temporary glitch that gets fixed by refreshing your network connection or clearing app data. If the error persists for more than a day, there may be larger connectivity issues or a problem on Google’s end.

Google Play Services Update Failed

When the latest Google Play services update fails to install, it’s often due to inadequate storage space, Pending updates, or system level problems:

Free up storage space – Play services updates can be large files. Make sure you have at least 100MB of free space.

Check pending updates – Install any other waiting app updates, which may include a prerequisite update for Play services.
Clear cache & data – Wipe temporary data and cache files from the Play Store and Play services apps.
Restart device – After freeing space and clearing data, reboot your device.

Remove account – Sign out of your Google account on the device, restart, then add your account back.
Factory reset – If Play updates still fail, a full factory reset can eliminate system issues.

Continued Play services update failures usually point to an underlying problem with your device’s OS or storage. A factory reset should clear out any corrupted files preventing the update from finishing.

Google Play Services Draining Battery

Google Play services running constantly in the background can sometimes drain your battery faster than normal. Here are some tips to extend battery life if Play services is using excessive power:

Check app usage – In Settings > Battery, check which apps are consuming the most power. Tap Google Play services to see specific usage.
Force stop Play services – Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and long press the Play services app icon. Tap the “i” icon and choose Force stop.

Limit background data – For the Play services app, tap Data usage and enable Restrict background data.
Turn off auto-updates – Disable auto-updates for apps in the Play Store’s My Apps & Games menu.
Disable Location services – Turn off Location services in your device settings if you don’t need constant location monitoring.

Restart your device – A reboot can clear any processes stuck in the background.
Uninstall updates – Factory resetting Play services often reduces battery drain if an update was buggy.

With these tweaks, you should see Google Play services using less battery in the background. Be aware this may disable some app functionality relying on Play services.

Google Play Services Using Excessive Data

Like battery life, Google Play services can sometimes consume cellular data in the background without you realizing it. Try these steps to reduce data usage:

Disable auto-updates – In Play Store > My Apps & Games, turn off auto-updates which run in the background.
Restrict background data – For the Play services app specifically, enable Restrict background data.

Limit syncing – Turn off auto-sync options you don’t need under Accounts in device settings.
Check app data usage – See which apps are using the most data in Settings > Data usage.
Toggle location services – Turn off Location services when not needed to limit background requests.

Factory reset device – As a last resort, reset your device to eliminate any glitches causing excessive data use.

With a few adjustments, you should be able to prevent Google Play services from hogging cellular data in the background. Monitor your data usage periodically to make sure it’s back to normal levels.

Google Play Services Won’t Update

If your Play services app refuses to update, the underlying cause typically involves connection issues, inadequate storage space, or pending updates:

Check for pending updates – Install any waiting app updates first, especially to Play Store and Play services.
Switch networks – Toggle between WiFi and mobile data in case one network is blocked.
Clear cache & data – Wipe temporary data and cache for Play Store and Play services.

Free up storage space – Play services updates require at least 100MB of free internal storage.
Factory reset device – A clean slate eliminates any software glitches preventing updates.

Play services updates are large files pushed in the background, so network and storage constraints usually cause update failures. A factory reset is the nuclear option to fix stubborn Play services update problems.

Google Play Store Crashing or Force Closing

Frequent Play Store crashing or force closing is another common issue tied to connectivity problems, outdated apps, or system-level bugs:

Check connection – Make sure you have a stable internet connection when opening the Play Store.
Clear data & cache – In Settings, wipe app data and cache for the Play Store.

Check for updates – Install any pending updates for Play services and Play Store.
Restart device – A reboot can clear any processes stuck in the background.
Try safe mode – Restart your phone in safe mode to check if apps are causing the crash.

Factory reset – A clean slate often resolves force closing and freezing issues.

The Play Store relies on constant internet connectivity and background services. Network glitches, outdated apps, and OS bugs commonly cause the app to crash or force close. Factory resetting your device is an effective fix if other troubleshooting steps don’t work.

Google Play Services Re-Enabling Itself

Google Play services re-enabling itself after being disabled is often a sign of spyware or other system-level problems:

Scan for malware – Use a trusted anti-virus app to scan your device for spyware or adware.
Check unknown sources – Make sure Install from Unknown Sources is disabled in your Android settings.
Clear defaults – Go to Apps > Google Play services > Open by default and clear defaults.

Factory reset – As a last resort, a full factory reset should erase any malware.

Malware with deep system access can covertly re-enable services without your knowledge. A clean install via factory reset is the most thorough measure to eliminate this behavior.

Can’t Log Into Google Play

If you’re unable to log into your Google account in the Play apps, the cause is usually connected to your account, verification issues, or the need to reset your advertising ID:

Verify account – Make sure you enter the correct email and password for your account.
Complete verifications – Check for any pending email or phone verifications for your account and complete them.
Remove account – Sign out of your Google account completely, restart your device, then add your account back.

Clear Play data – Wipe app data and cache for the Play Store and Play services apps.
Reset ad ID – Go to Google Settings > Ads and reset your advertising ID.
Factory reset – If your account still won’t log in, a full factory reset often works.

A factory reset should force any corrupted Play services files or odd account settings to be erased and restored to default.

Google Play Store Missing Apps

Seeing missing or disappeared apps in your Play Store listings usually comes down to app availability in your country, account issues, or the need to reinstall Play services:

Check app availability – The app may not be available in your country or was pulled by the developer.

Switch accounts – Try switching to a different Google account temporarily.
Clear Play data – Wipe cache and data for the Play Store app.
Reinstall Play services – Uninstall all updates and reinstall the latest Play services version.

Factory reset device – A full reset can restore Play services and default settings.

Certain apps get restricted by country or pulled entirely. Resetting Play services forces a refresh of your Play Store data and listings.

Google Play Store Showing Wrong Account

Seeing the wrong Google account in the Play Store is often fixed by removing your accounts properly or clearing Play app data:

Sign out of accounts – Double check that the wrong account is fully signed out of your device.
Remove accounts – Don’t just sign out – fully remove unwanted accounts from your device.
Clear Play Store data – Wipe the cache and data for the Play Store app.

Turn off auto-sync – Disable auto-sync under Accounts in your device settings.
Factory reset device – As a last resort, a full reset will erase account issues.

Properly removing accounts and resetting Play Store data should correct any improper account associations. A factory reset gives you a clean slate if account settings are still confused.

Fix Google Play by Factory Resetting your Device

After trying various troubleshooting steps, a full factory reset is the most definitive solution for major Google Play problems like:

Persistent “Google Play services has stopped” errors
Failing Play services updates

Play Store crashes and force closes
Unexplained high data/battery use by Play services
Continued Play Store account issues

Inability to log into your Google account

Resetting your device erases any corrupted OS files, cache issues, spyware, or odd settings that may be causing hard-to-fix Google Play problems. It gives you a fresh start with Play services and the Play Store.

Here are the key steps to factory reset your Android device:

Back up important data – Photos, contacts, etc. Resetting erases everything.
Open Settings and go to System > Reset options.
Choose Erase all data (factory reset).

Tap Reset phone at the bottom of the screen.
If prompted, enter your lock screen passcode.
Wait for the reset process to complete. The device will restart.

Once your device boots up after the reset, go through the onboarding process and set it up like new. Log into your Google account, reopen your apps, and restore your data from backup. In most cases, this should fully resolve stubborn Play services and Play Store problems.

Conclusion

Google Play services errors and issues can certainly be frustrating, but are usually fixable with basic troubleshooting. Clearing app data, updating Play services, switching networks, and restarting your device can get Play functioning again in many cases. For serious or persistent problems, a full factory reset gives you the nuclear option to wipe any system-level bugs causing Google Play issues and start fresh.