How to Fix Google Play Services Won’t Update Issue
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Preliminary Fixes
Fix 1: Set the Correct Date and Time
Sometimes, incorrect data and time on your device throw out Google Play Services update problems. Here’s how to fix it.
Step 1:OpenSettingson your phone and go toSystem.
Step 2:Tap onDate & time. On the next screen, enableAutomatic date & time.
If it’s already enabled, turn it off and then re-enable it.
Fix 2: Clear Cache and Data
This is also a well-known method to fix the Google Play Services not updating error. All you need to do is clear the cache for Play Services and the Play Store. If the problem continues, then try clearing data for them as well.
To clear the cache and data for Play Services, follow these steps:
Step 1:OpenSettingson your phone and go toApps/Application Manager.
Step 2: UnderAll AppsorSystem apps(if available), look and tap onGoogle Play Services.
Step 3:Tap onStorageand hit theClear cachebutton. Do the same for the Google Play Store.
Finally, restart your device. If the issue persists, tap on Clear data/storage (as shown in step 3) for both Google Play Services and the Play Store.
Fix 3: Reset App Preferences
Many times, resetting app preferences also helps in fixing the Play Services update issue. To do so, go to phoneSettings>System>Resetoptions >Reset app preferences.
Doing that will not delete any data, but it will reset settings to default.Know what happensby resetting app preferences and other methods to do it.
Fix 4: Uninstall Updates
If disabling it seems like a tough task, try uninstalling its updates.
To uninstall Play Services updates, go toSettings>Apps>Google Play Services. Tap on thethree-dot iconat the top-right corner and selectUninstall updates.
After uninstalling, give it some time to update.
Fix 5: Update Google Play Services
There are two ways to update Google Play Services: from the Play Store and manually.
Method 1: Update from Play Store
If you search for Google Play Services on the Play Store, you will rarely see the app. However, open itthrough the link, and you are taken to its page. Tap onUpdate(if available).
Once the app gets updated, the Google Play Services update problem will be resolved forever. If you can’t update Google Play Services from the Play Store, check out the next method.
Method 2: Update Play Services Manually
For that, you need to download the APK file from Play Services and install it manually. Here are the steps:
Step 1:Download theAPK filefor the latest version of Google Play Services from a trusted source.
Step 2:Tap on the downloaded file to install it. You will be asked to permit third-party apps to install other apps. Allow it and install Play Services.
Step 3:Restart your phone, and your issue will be fixed.
If the issue persists, download a previous version of the app instead of a new one. If you have any queries that we may have missed, check out the FAQ section below.
FAQs on Fixing Google Play Services Won’t Update Issue
No, Google Play Services is a core system component, and its updates are usually tied to other app updates. You can’t selectively update only Google Play Services.
While you can uninstall updates, it’s generally not recommended as it may cause issues with other apps that rely on the latest version of Google Play Services. It’s better to troubleshoot update problems instead.
If compatibility issues arise, check your device’s system requirements for the latest version of Google Play Services. If your device doesn’t meet them, consider updating or upgrading your device.
As Play Services is a system app, it is updated in the background. So, except for updating Play Services manually, you must wait at least five minutes to let your phone complete the installation process.
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Last updated on 07 August, 2024
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