One of Android users’ most common and frustrating issues is the “Unfortunately, Google Play Services has stopped” error.
Google Play Services is a critical component of the Android ecosystem, ensuring seamless operation of apps, syncing data, and enabling essential functions like push notifications.
When this service malfunctions, it can disrupt the overall functionality of your device.
In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of this error and provide practical, step-by-step solutions to fix it on your Android tablet. Let’s dive in.
What Is Google Play Services and Why Is It Important?
Google Play Services acts as a bridge between Google’s apps, your Android operating system, and third-party applications.
It ensures that:
- Apps can communicate with Google APIs.
- Features like location tracking, authentication, and push notifications to work correctly.
- Your data syncs with your Google account.
Without Play Services, many apps and essential Android features can’t function properly, making it vital to resolve any issues quickly.
Why Does the “Google Play Services Has Stopped” Error Occur?
This error can result from several underlying causes:
Outdated Software: The version of Google Play Services may not be compatible with your current Android OS or apps.
Corrupted Cache or Data: Accumulated or corrupted data can disrupt Play Services.
Software Glitches: Bugs in the Android OS or third-party apps can interfere with Play Services.
Storage Issues: Low storage space can prevent updates or smooth operation of the service.
Incompatible GApps: Flashing incorrect Google Apps (GApps) packages on custom ROMs can cause this error.
Connectivity Issues: Network problems or incorrect sync settings may lead to errors.
How to Fix the “Unfortunately, Google Play Services Has Stopped” Error
Follow these methods step by step. Start with the easiest fixes and proceed to advanced solutions if the problem persists.
Restart Your Device
- Restarting your tablet is the simplest way to resolve temporary glitches.
- Press and hold the Power button.
- Tap Restart (or Power Off, then turn it back on).
- Check if the error persists.
Clear Cache and Data for Google Play Services
Clearing the cache and data can resolve issues caused by corrupted files.
Steps to Clear Cache and Data:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps.
- Scroll down and tap on Google Play Services.
- Tap Storage & Cache.
- Select Clear Cache.
- Next, tap Clear Data and confirm.
- Restart your device and test the app again.
Update Google Play Services
Using an outdated version of Google Play Services can cause compatibility issues.
Steps to Update Google Play Services:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap the menu icon (☰) and select My Apps & Games.
- Look for Google Play Services in the list and tap Update (if available).
Alternatively, download the latest version from trusted sources like APKMirror if the update option isn’t available.
Reinstall Google Play Services
If updating doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling Google Play Services.
Steps to Reinstall:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps.
- Select Google Play Services.
- Tap the Uninstall Updates button.
- Restart your device.
Visit the Google Play Store and reinstall the latest version of Google Play Services.
Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data
Sometimes, the error is related to the Google Play Store rather than Play Services.
Steps to Clear Cache and Data for Play Store:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps.
- Tap Google Play Store.
- Tap Storage & Cache.
- Select Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Check Permissions for Google Play Services
Google Play Services requires specific permissions to function. If these are disabled, it can cause errors.
Steps to Enable Permissions:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps.
- Scroll to Google Play Services and tap Permissions.
- Ensure all required permissions (like Location, Storage, and Phone) are enabled.
Sync Google Account
Sync issues with your Google account can also trigger this error.
Steps to Re-Sync Your Account:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Google.
- Select your Google account and tap Remove Account.
- Restart your device.
- Add the account back by going to Settings > Accounts > Add Account > Google.
Update Your Android OS
An outdated Android OS may conflict with the latest version of Google Play Services.
Steps to Check for Updates:
- Go to Settings > System > System Update.
- Tap Check for Updates and install any available updates.
- Restart your device after updating.
Free Up Storage Space
Insufficient storage can prevent Play Services from updating or functioning correctly.
Steps to Free Up Space:
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Identify and delete unnecessary apps, files, or media.
- Use a storage cleaner app (if needed) to remove temporary files.
Use Safe Mode to Identify Third-Party Conflicts
Booting your device in Safe Mode disables third-party apps, helping you identify if they’re causing the issue.
Steps to Enter Safe Mode:
- Press and hold the Power button.
- Long-press Power Off and select Reboot to Safe Mode.
- Test the device in Safe Mode. If the error disappears, uninstall recently added apps causing the conflict.
Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If none of the above methods work, a factory reset may be necessary.
Steps to Perform a Factory Reset:
- Back up your important data.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset).
- Confirm and wait for the process to complete.
Warning: Factory reset erases all data on your device, so ensure you’ve backed up everything.
Preventive Tips to Avoid This Error in the Future
Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your Android OS and apps.
Use Trusted Sources: Download apps and updates only from the Google Play Store or trusted websites.
Avoid Unnecessary Apps: Limit third-party apps to reduce the risk of conflicts.
Monitor Storage: Maintain adequate free storage space for system updates and app functionality.
Regular Maintenance: Clear the cache periodically and restart your device to prevent glitches.
FAQs
Why does the “Google Play Services has stopped” error keep appearing?
This error occurs due to outdated software, corrupted cache, or conflicts with third-party apps.
Can I uninstall Google Play Services?
Google Play Services is a system app and cannot be completely uninstalled. However, you can uninstall updates and reinstall them to fix issues.
Will a factory reset fix the error?
Yes, a factory reset resolves most software-related issues, but it should be your last resort as it erases all data on your device.
Why does the error occur after updating Google Play Services?
The update might not be compatible with your current Android version. Reverting to a previous version may help.
How can I update Google Play Services if the Play Store isn’t working?
Download the latest Google Play Services APK from trusted sources like APKMirror and install it manually.
Can third-party apps cause this error?
Yes, certain third-party apps may interfere with Google Play Services. Boot into Safe Mode to identify and uninstall problematic apps.
Is it safe to clear Google Play Services cache and data?
Yes, clearing cache and data is a safe and effective way to fix many app-related issues, including errors with Play Services.
How do I check if my Android OS is compatible with Google Play Services?
Ensure your Android OS is updated to the latest version, as older versions may not support newer Play Services updates.
Does rooting my device affect Google Play Services?
Rooting can disrupt system apps like Google Play Services, especially if the GApps package installed is incompatible with the custom ROM.
How often should I clear the cache for Google Play Services?
Clear the cache only when issues arise, as doing it too frequently may cause unnecessary app syncing or loading delays.
Why does the error persist even after clearing the cache and data?
If clearing cache and data doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be due to:
- Corrupted system files.
- Incompatible updates for Google Play Services.
- Third-party app interference. Try uninstalling updates for Google Play Services or booting into Safe Mode to identify conflicts.
Can I disable Google Play Services temporarily?
Yes, you can disable Google Play Services temporarily, but many essential apps and functions (like syncing, notifications, and Google apps) may not work properly.
Steps to Disable:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps.
- Select Google Play Services.
- Tap Disable (if the option is available).
- Re-enable it after troubleshooting.
Will deleting Google Play Services’ data erase my app data?
No, clearing data for Google Play Services will not erase your app data. It only resets settings specific to Play Services, such as cached files and preferences.
Can I use third-party app stores instead of Google Play Store?
Yes, you can use third-party app stores like APKPure or Amazon Appstore, but they may not offer the same level of security and reliability as the Google Play Store. Always exercise caution when using alternative sources.
How do I reinstall Google Play Services on a custom ROM?
If you’re using a custom ROM, you’ll need to flash the correct GApps package for your Android version. Ensure you download a compatible package from sources like OpenGApps.org.
Does Google Play Services require internet access to work?
Yes, many features of Google Play Services (such as syncing, push notifications, and app updates) require an active internet connection.
Why does the error occur after installing a new app?
Certain apps may conflict with Google Play Services, especially if they have background processes that rely on system APIs. Booting into Safe Mode can help identify problematic apps.
Is there a way to monitor Google Play Services usage?
Yes, you can monitor its resource usage:
- Battery Usage: Go to Settings > Battery > App Usage and check Google Play Services.
- Data Usage: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage > Google Play Services.
High usage could indicate a problem, such as excessive syncing or app conflicts.
Why does the error occur after a system update?
System updates may temporarily cause incompatibilities between the OS and Google Play Services. Updating Google Play Services or clearing its cache and data can often resolve the issue.
How do I fix the error on rooted devices?
For rooted devices:
- Ensure the GApps package matches your custom ROM.
- Use apps like Root Explorer to check and edit system files (e.g., clearing the host file).
If necessary, re-flash the correct GApps package.
Can the error be caused by insufficient storage?
Yes, insufficient storage can prevent updates or normal operation of Google Play Services, triggering the error. Free up storage by deleting unnecessary apps or files.
Why does Google Play Services consume so much battery?
High battery usage by Google Play Services can result from:
- Frequent syncing.
- Location services are continuously active.
- A buggy update.
Try disabling unused Google features, such as location tracking, and clearing its cache.
Is there an alternative to Google Play Services?
There’s no direct alternative to Google Play Services for Google apps, as it’s a critical system component. However, on custom ROMs, you can try alternatives like MicroG, but this may not provide full functionality.
Can I prevent Google Play Services from auto-updating?
To prevent auto-updating:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps.
- Select Google Play Services.
- Tap the menu (⋮) and uncheck Enable Auto-Update.
Be cautious, as outdated versions may cause compatibility issues.
Why does Google Play Services need so many permissions?
Google Play Services needs extensive permissions (e.g., location, storage, phone) because it serves as the backbone for many system-level and third-party app features.
Can clearing the Google Services Framework cache fix the error?
Yes, clearing the Google Services Framework cache can resolve issues related to syncing and communication with Google servers.
Steps to Clear Cache:
- Go to Settings > Apps > See All Apps.
- Scroll to Google Services Framework.
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache.
Does resetting app preferences help?
Yes, resetting app preferences can resolve conflicts between system apps like Google Play Services.
Steps to Reset App Preferences:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications.
- Tap the menu (⋮) and select Reset App Preferences.
- Confirm the reset.
Can I sideload a specific version of Google Play Services?
Yes, you can sideload an older or specific version of Google Play Services from trusted sources like APKMirror. Ensure the version matches your device’s architecture (ARM, ARM64, x86).
How do I fix the error without factory resetting my device?
Try the following steps before resorting to a factory reset:
- Clear cache and data for Google Play Services and related apps.
- Update or reinstall Google Play Services.
- Boot into Safe Mode to identify third-party app conflicts.
Can Google Play Services errors affect app downloads?
Yes, errors in Google Play Services can disrupt app downloads, updates, and syncing. Fixing the issue is essential for restoring Play Store functionality.
Does this error affect non-Google apps?
Yes, many third-party apps rely on Google Play Services for APIs like location, notifications, or authentication. If Play Services stops working, these features may also fail.
How do I fix the error on older Android devices?
For older devices:
- Update Google Play Services to the latest compatible version.
- Free up storage to allow smoother operation.
- Reinstall Google Play Services if the device is rooted.
Does a custom kernel affect Google Play Services?
Yes, custom kernels can interfere with system components, including Google Play Services. Ensure your custom ROM and kernel are compatible.
Why do I keep seeing this error after flashing GApps?
If you flashed GApps on a custom ROM, ensure:
- The package matches your Android version and device architecture.
- Google Play Services has the required permissions.
Can I disable Google Play Services permanently?
Disabling Google Play Services is not recommended, as it will break many features and apps that rely on it. It’s better to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Why does the error happen only on certain apps?
Some apps may rely more heavily on specific APIs within Google Play Services. If the API is malfunctioning, those apps will encounter issues.
Is there a diagnostic tool for Google Play Services?
Yes, apps like Play Services Info or Device Info can help diagnose issues related to Google Play Services and its version.
Can I manually update Google Play Services on a tablet?
Yes, you can manually update Google Play Services by downloading the latest APK from a trusted source like APKMirror and installing it on your device.
Does rooting void my ability to fix this error?
Rooting doesn’t prevent you from fixing this error, but it introduces complexities like ensuring compatibility with custom ROMs and GApps packages.
Can enabling developer options help troubleshoot this error?
Yes, enabling Developer Options can help you monitor background processes and troubleshoot Google Play Services.
Steps to Enable Developer Options:
- Go to Settings > About Phone.
- Tap Build Number seven times.
- Access Developer Options in Settings and enable USB debugging or monitor background services.
Conclusion
The “Unfortunately, Google Play Services has stopped” error can be a major inconvenience, but with the right approach, it’s entirely fixable.
Following the solutions outlined in this guide—from clearing cache to updating software—you can restore your Android tablet to its optimal performance.
Remember to maintain your device with regular updates and periodic maintenance to prevent this error from reoccurring.
If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.
