Fix “Google Play Services Keeps Stopping” Issue: 10 Solutions

Sometimes, you may encounter the “Google Play Services keeps stopping” error on your Android device. This error can interrupt app downloads from the Google Play Store, Google account syncing, and even basic Android system functions. This post provides 10 solutions to help you fix this issue.

Why Does Google Play Services Keep Stopping?

Google Play Services is a system-level component that enables authentication, synchronization, location services, and app updates. It runs in the background and connects core Google features to your apps. Any crash can cause widespread issues.

Common reasons why Google Play Services keeps stopping include:

• Corrupted cache or app data
• Outdated Google Play Services version
• Android system bugs
• Incorrect system date and time
• Storage issues
• Conflicts with recently installed apps
• Incomplete Android updates

Fix 1. Restart Your Android Device

Sometimes the simplest fix works.

A temporary system glitch can cause Google Play Services to crash repeatedly. Restarting refreshes background processes and clears minor memory conflicts.

Steps:

1. Press and hold the Power button on your Android device.
2. Tap Restart.
3. Wait for your phone to reboot.
4. Check if the “Google Play Services keeps stopping” error appears again.

If the problem persists, continue with the next method.

Fix 2. Clear Cache of Google Play Services

Corrupted cache files are one of the most common reasons Google Play Services keeps stopping. Try clearing the cache. Clearing the cache does not delete personal data.

Steps:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Go to Apps (or Apps & Notifications).
3. Tap See All Apps.
4. Scroll and select Google Play Services.
5. Tap Storage & Cache.
6. Select Clear Cache.
7. Restart your Android device.

If clearing cache alone doesn’t fix the issue, try clearing storage data next.

Related: How to Clear Cache on Your Android Devices: Easy Guide

Fix 3. Clear Storage (App Data)

If Google Play Services keeps stopping after clearing the cache, the stored app data may be corrupted. Continue clearing app data to see if it resolves the issue.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Select Google Play Services.
3. Tap Storage & Cache.
4. Choose Clear Storage or Manage Space.
5. Confirm the action.
6. Restart your phone.

Note: You may need to re-sync your Google account afterward.

Fix 4. Update Google Play Services

An outdated version of Google Play Services can cause compatibility problems with newer Android updates or apps. If Google Play Services keeps stopping, updating it often resolves hidden system conflicts.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Select Google Play Services.
4. Scroll down and tap App Details.
5. You’ll be redirected to the Play Store.
6. Tap Update (if available).

If the update button doesn’t appear, your version is already the newest.

Related: How to Update Google Play Store on Android

Fix 5. Update Android System Software

Sometimes the issue isn’t Google Play Services – it’s your Android system. System patches fix bugs that may trigger the “Google Play Services keeps stopping” error.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Tap Check for Updates.
5. Download and install any available update.
6. Restart your device.

Keeping your Android OS updated prevents recurring crashes.

Fix 6. Reset App Preferences

If permissions or background restrictions were changed, Google Play Services may fail to function properly. Resetting app preferences restores default configurations without deleting apps.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap the three-dot menu (top right).
4. Select Reset App Preferences.
5. Confirm the reset.
6. Restart your phone.

If Google Play Services keeps stopping due to misconfigured permissions, this often resolves it.

Also read: How to Download Google Play Store App for Android or PC

Fix 7. Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect system time can interfere with Google server authentication. If Google Play Services keeps stopping unexpectedly, incorrect date settings are sometimes the hidden cause.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Select Date & Time.
4. Enable:
   • Automatic Date & Time
   • Automatic Time Zone
5. Restart your device.

After syncing with network time, test if the issue persists.

Fix 8. Free Up Storage Space

Low internal storage of your Android device can prevent background services from running correctly.

If your storage is nearly full, Google Play Services keeps stopping because it cannot create temporary files. Follow the steps below to free up storage space on your Android device.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Storage.
3. Check available space.
4. Delete:
   • Unused apps
   • Large videos
   • Cached files
5. Restart your phone.

Ideally, keep at least 10–15% free storage.

Fix 9. Remove and Re-Add Your Google Account

Google account synchronization errors may trigger repeated crashes.

If Google Play Services keeps stopping after login attempts, resetting your account connection may fix it.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Passwords & Accounts.
3. Select your Google Account.
4. Tap Remove Account.
5. Restart your phone.
6. Go back to Add Account.
7. Sign in to your Google account again.

This refreshes authentication tokens and background sync services.

Also read: Google Play Store Not Working or Opening: 10 Fixes

Fix 10. Factory Reset Android (Last Resort)

If none of the previous methods resolve the issue, a factory reset may be required. Warning: This will erase all data on your Android device. Please think twice.

When Google Play Services keeps stopping due to deep system corruption, this is often the final fix.

Steps:

1. Back up your data on your Android device.
2. Open Settings.
3. Tap System.
4. Select Reset Options.
5. Tap Erase All Data (Factory Reset).
6. Confirm.
7. Set up your device again.

After setup, check if the error reappears before reinstalling apps.

How to Prevent Google Play Services Errors in the Future

To avoid seeing the “Google Play Services keeps stopping” error again, do the following:

• Keep Android updated
• Avoid installing apps from unknown sources
• Regularly clear cache
• Maintain sufficient storage space
• Update Google apps frequently

Small maintenance habits prevent recurring system crashes.

Related: How to Update Apps on Android: 4 Methods + Issue Fix

Final Thoughts

The “Google Play Services keeps stopping” error can be annoying, but in most cases, it’s not permanent. Whether the cause is corrupted cache, outdated software, storage limitations, or account conflicts, one of the 10 solutions above should resolve the problem.

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