Google Play Services is an essential component of the Android operating system that enables many key features and keeps your apps running smoothly. However, sometimes Google Play Services can experience issues like crashing, freezing, or displaying error messages. If you’re encountering problems with Google Play Services on your Android phone or tablet, resetting it can often resolve the issues.

In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to reset Google Play Services and get your Android device back to normal. While the process may seem a bit technical, it’s actually quite straightforward if you follow the instructions carefully. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Check for Android System Updates

Before resetting Google Play Services, it’s a good idea to make sure your Android operating system is up to date. Google frequently releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. Installing the latest Android update, if available, may resolve any issues you’re having with Google Play Services.

To check for Android updates:

1. Open the Settings app on your device
2. Scroll down and tap System > System Update
3. If an update is available, tap Download and Install
4. Wait for the update to finish installing, then restart your device

Step 2: Clear Google Play Services Cache and Data

Clearing the cache and data for Google Play Services can resolve many common issues without requiring a full reset. This step will not delete any of your personal data or settings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap Apps & notifications > See all apps
3. Scroll down and tap Google Play Services
4. Tap Storage & cache
5. Tap Clear cache, then Clear storage
6. Restart your device

Step 3: Uninstall Google Play Services Updates

If clearing the cache and data didn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to uninstall any updates to Google Play Services and revert it back to the factory version that came with your device. Don’t worry – Google Play Services will automatically update itself again after this step.

To uninstall updates:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap Apps & notifications > See all apps
3. Scroll down and tap Google Play Services
4. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner
5. Tap Uninstall updates
6. Tap OK to confirm
7. Restart your device

Step 4: Update Google Play Services

After uninstalling updates, you should check for a new version of Google Play Services and update it if one is available. Updating will restore any features or functionality that may have been removed.

To update Google Play Services:

1. Open the Google Play Store app
2. Tap the three-line menu icon in the upper-left corner
3. Tap My apps & games
4. If an update for Google Play Services is available, tap Update
5. Wait for the update to finish installing

Step 5: Re-Add Your Google Account

If you’re still experiencing issues with Google Play Services after updating, you can try removing and re-adding your Google account on your device. This will force Google Play Services to fully reset and re-sync with your account.

To remove your Google account:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap Accounts
3. Tap the Google account you want to remove
4. Tap Remove account > Remove account to confirm

To re-add your Google account:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap Accounts > Add account > Google
3. Follow the prompts to sign in to your Google account
4. Wait for your account to fully sync

Step 6: Factory Reset Your Device

If none of the above steps have resolved your Google Play Services issues, the last resort is to perform a factory reset on your Android device. A factory reset will erase all data on your device and restore it to its original state. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

To factory reset your device:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap System > Reset options
3. Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
4. Tap Reset phone or Reset tablet
5. If prompted, enter your device PIN or password
6. Tap Erase everything to confirm

After the factory reset finishes, your device will restart and you’ll need to go through the setup process again, including signing in to your Google account. Once setup is complete, check to see if your Google Play Services issues have been resolved.

Conclusion

Resetting Google Play Services on your Android device is a multi-step process that can resolve many common issues and restore functionality to your apps. By following the steps outlined in this article – checking for Android updates, clearing cache and data, uninstalling updates, updating Google Play Services, re-adding your Google account, and factory resetting as a last resort – you should be able to troubleshoot and fix any Google Play Services problems you encounter.

While dealing with technical issues on your device can be frustrating, taking the time to methodically go through these reset steps can save you a lot of headaches in the long run and keep your Android device running smoothly. Don’t hesitate to seek additional help or contact Google support if you continue to have problems with Google Play Services after trying these steps.