You must have seen Google Play Services on your Android device. This app has been sitting on our Android devices since the days of Android KitKat. But it doesn’t show up in the app drawer.
You might have thought, “What is the use of Google Play services,” or “What happens if I uninstall Google Play Services?” This app does serve a great purpose on our Android devices and is a crucial app for many other apps to function properly.
What is Google Play Services?
In simple terms, Google Play Services is a background service that runs on Android, which in turn helps in integrating Google’s advanced functionalities with other applications. It is also used to update Google apps. Google’s fragmentation issue is tackled using Google Play Services. It ensures that even older versions of Android enjoy the latest features provided by Google.
Google Play Services is essentially an Application programming interface (API) for developers to enhance communication between apps. It is a bundle of a bunch of other services that aid a user. Some of these are described below:
Services and APIs
A few other such services that enhance user experience are:
Why does Google Play Services need so many permissions?
If you view the App permissions for Google Play Services, you will see that it asks for a lot of permissions to access body sensors, calendar, camera, contacts, microphone, phone, SMS, and storage. It needs so many permissions because Play Services acts as a hub that other apps rely on for security services provided by Google.
Google Play Services have system-level access to provide multiple internal features and hides sensitive information from other apps. Also, almost all Google apps use Google Play Services.
What permissions does Google Play Services need?
As mentioned before, Google Play Services requires several device permissions to work in its full capacity. Here’s a list of the permissions you’ll be asked for in all versions of the app:
Is Google Play Services necessary?
Many apps rely on Google Play Services to access Google APIs for added functionalities. As most apps from Play Store rely on it, disabling or uninstalling the same might cause those apps to break down. Also, Google apps would not work without Google Play Services. Moreover, losing this app also means bidding farewell to features such asGoogle Play Protect,Find My Device, andNearby Share.
How to uninstall Google Play Services?
Now, you are probably thinking about removing it from your phone. But, let me tell you that Google doesn’t really let you do so, considering the crucial nature of this app. However, if you want, you’re able to disable Google Play Services just like youdisable other apps.
Furthermore, you can take the road ofAndroid rootingif you desperately want the app out of your phone. Or, you can switch to aGoogle-free deviceinstead.
Is it safe to clear data from Google Play Services?
Although you may clear data and cache from Google Play Services, we do not recommend it because those data are crucial to the functioning of apps. Moreover, this data will just be automatically generated after being cleared.
However, there are instances when you may have to do so. A common problem is when users face the recurring message “Google Play Services has stopped working.” Restarting your device orclearing data and cachefrom Google Play Services can solve this problem.
How do I clear Google Play Services data?
you may follow these simple steps to clear data and cache from Google Play Services:
Conclusion — Do I need Google Play Services?
Yes. Because the app or API, whatever you call it, is required for the smooth functioning of your Android device. Although it does not have a user interface, we have seen that Google Play Services will enhance your overall Android experience.
Also, it assists in speeding up offline searches and provides maps and location access to other apps. Moreover, it improves gaming experiences by allowing you to retain your progress and achievements even if you play on a different device with your account.
Hope that this article helped you understand what Google Play Services is and why you need them. Share your views in the comments below.
Google Play Services asks you to grant body sensor permission so that users of Google’s fitness tracker app, Google Fit, can get accurate results.
It is an integral app for Android devices that provides many important services such as developer API, Nearby Share, Play Protect, etc. You would need it for Android apps, especially those from Google, to work in the best way possible.
