Google Play Services are essential for your apps to run smoothly. In this guide, we’ll explain step-by-step how to activate, update, and install Google Play Services, including on devices like Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, or Vivo, and how to troubleshoot common app issues.
Important:
- Download apps only from safe platforms.
- Some methods may cause instability in your Android system, so use them with caution and only if you’re comfortable with these risks.
- “Google Play Services” and “Google Play Store” are the English names for the apps, but the names may vary depending on your system’s language.
Why and when should you activate, update, or install Google Play Services?
Google Play Services is a system application that runs in the background of your Android device, enabling synchronization, authentication, location services, and more. Without it, most apps from the Google Play Store won’t work correctly or at all.
When should you update or reinstall Google Play Services?
- Getting error messages: Messages like “Unfortunately, Google Play Services has stopped” or “Google Play Services keeps stopping” indicate the app isn’t functioning properly.
- Apps not working correctly: If apps like YouTube, Gmail, or Google Maps aren’t working, the issue might be related to Google Play Services.
- Setting up a new device: When you purchase a new Android device, you may need to activate or update Google Services to access all functionalities.
Essential requirements for using Google Play Services
To work correctly, Google Play Services requires:
- A stable internet connection.
- Sufficient storage space on your device to download and install necessary updates.
- A version that is compatible with your current Android version.
How to activate Google Play Services
Activating Google Play Services is a simple process but necessary to ensure your apps work properly on your device.
Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings → Apps.
- Find Google Play Services in the list of installed apps and open it.
- If the app is disabled, you’ll see an “Enable” option. Tap it to activate.
How to update Google Play Services
Updating Google Play Services is crucial for ensuring compatibility with the latest apps and features.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Go to Manage apps & device → Updates available.
- Tap “Update all.”
- Restart your device.
How to uninstall Google Play Services
Normally, uninstalling Google Play Services isn’t recommended as many apps depend on it.
However, if you wish to disable it, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Navigate to Apps and find Google Play Services.
- Tap “Force stop,” then tap “Uninstall.”
How to troubleshoot common Google Play Services issues
Sometimes, even after activation, update, or installation, various issues can occur. Here’s how to resolve them:
Ensure you’re using the latest Android version: Go to Settings → About phone / About tablet → Software update → Download and install.
Make sure all installed apps are up to date: Open Google Play Store and go to Manage apps & device → Updates available → Update all.
Clear the cache: Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Storage, then tap on “Clear cache.”
Uninstall the latest Google Play Services updates: Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Advanced (three vertical dots in the top-right corner) → Uninstall updates.
Reinstall Google Play Services: If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall Google Play Services using the methods described in this article.
Factory reset your device: In extreme cases, a factory reset may be necessary, but be sure to back up your data first.
How to install Google Play Services
If Google Play Services are not installed on your device, you’ll need to install them manually.
Download the APK for Google Play Services: Search for Google Play Services on a trusted Android app platform like apkpure.com, apkmirror.com, etc., and download the app according to your Android version.
Allow installation of apps from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps, and then enable the option for the “Files” app.
Install the APK: Locate the downloaded file in the file manager and tap it to begin installation.
Restart your device: After installation, restart your phone/tablet to ensure all functions are active.
Installing Google Play Services on Huawei
Download and install GSpace or Googlefier.
These apps are common solutions for Huawei users who want access to Google Play Services. They create a virtual space on your device where Google apps can run normally.
Install and configure: Open the GSpace / Googlefier app after installation and follow the in-app instructions to install Google Play Services, Google Play Store, and other Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, etc.
Open Google Play Store and try to download an app. If everything works correctly, you’ve successfully installed Google Play Services on your Huawei device.
Installing Google Play Services on Xiaomi (Chinese versions)
Xiaomi phones made for the Chinese market do not come with Google Play Services and Google Play Store pre-installed.
Install Google Installer:
- Search for and download “Google Installer APK” from a trusted source like apkpure.com, apkmirror.com, etc.
- Enable installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Security → Allow installation of apps from unknown sources.
- Install Google Installer and follow the steps to install Google Play Services and other necessary components.
Installing Google Play Services on Oppo and Vivo
Similar to Huawei and Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo devices made for the Chinese market may lack Google Play Store.
Install Google Installer APK:
- Search for “Google Installer APK” specific to Oppo or Vivo, and download it from a trusted source like apkpure.com, apkmirror.com, etc.
- Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
- Open Google Installer APK and follow the steps to install all necessary components (Google Play Services, Google Play Store, etc.).
How to install Google Play Services on various Android devices
There are many brands of devices that may be sold without Google Play Services, especially those intended for the Asian market or lesser-known Android devices. The general method for installing Google Play Services on these devices is as follows:
1. Search for a compatible APK: Make sure to download an APK file compatible with your device’s Android version. Ensure you use a secure source for download, such as apkpure.com, apkmirror.com, etc.
2. Set the necessary permissions and install the app: You will need to allow installation of apps from unknown sources in settings, run the APK, and follow the installation instructions.
3. Test and Update: After installation, check the functionality of Google apps and perform all possible updates.
Google Play Services play a vital role in the smooth functioning of your phone/tablet. If you have problems with your apps, make sure these services are activated and up to date.
