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Google Play Services is an essential component of the Android operating system that allows developers to integrate various features and functionalities into their apps. It provides APIs for accessing Google services, such as Google Maps, Google Drive, and Google Sign-In, as well as features like push notifications and location services. Keeping Google Play Services up to date is crucial to ensure that your apps are using the latest APIs and to maintain compatibility with the latest Android versions. In this blog post, we will discuss how to check the Google Play Services version on Android and why it is important to do so.
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The Challenge of Checking Google Play Services Version on Android
Checking the Google Play Services version on Android can be a challenging task, especially for users who are not familiar with the technical aspects of their devices. Unlike regular apps, Google Play Services is a system-level app that runs in the background and is responsible for providing core functionality to other apps. This means that it is not listed among the regular apps on your device, and you cannot simply open it to check the version number.
However, knowing the Google Play Services version is important for several reasons. First, the version determines which features and APIs are available to your apps. If your apps rely on a specific API that is only available in a certain version of Google Play Services, you need to know the version number to ensure compatibility. Additionally, some apps may require a minimum version of Google Play Services to function properly, so checking the version can help identify any compatibility issues.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods of checking the Google Play Services version on Android, there are a few things you should prepare:
1. Android device: You will need an Android device to perform the steps mentioned in this blog post. The methods may vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer and Android version, but the general steps should be applicable to most devices.
2. Internet connection: Checking the Google Play Services version requires an internet connection as the app needs to communicate with Google’s servers to retrieve the version information. Make sure you have a stable internet connection before proceeding.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s explore the different methods of checking the Google Play Services version on Android.
Method 1: Using Google Play Store
The first method we will discuss is using the Google Play Store app on your Android device. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
2. Tap on the three horizontal lines in the upper-left corner to open the menu.
3. Scroll down and tap on "Settings."
4. In the Settings menu, scroll down and look for the "Play Store version" or "Play Store app version" entry. This displays the current version of the Google Play Store app installed on your device. Note that the version of Google Play Services is related to the version of the Play Store app, so checking the Play Store version gives you an idea of the Google Play Services version as well.
Pros:
1. Easy to access as the Google Play Store app is preinstalled on most Android devices.
2. Provides information about both the Google Play Store app version and the related Google Play Services version.
Cons:
1. The displayed version may not be the exact version of Google Play Services, but it is closely related.
Method 2: Via Google Settings App
The second method involves using the Google Settings app on your Android device. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Google Settings app on your device. The app icon looks like a gear or cogwheel and can usually be found in your app drawer.
2. Scroll down and tap on the "Google" option.
3. In the Google settings menu, scroll down and tap on "Google Account."
4. Tap on the "Security" tab.
5. Under the "Security" tab, scroll down and look for the "Google Play Services" entry. This displays the version of Google Play Services installed on your device.
Pros:
1. Provides direct access to the Google Play Services version.
2. Can be accessed even if the Google Play Store app is not available on the device.
Cons:
1. The Google Settings app may have a different name depending on the device manufacturer or Android version, which could make it harder to find.
Method 3: Using Device Settings
The third method involves checking the Google Play Services version through the device settings. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the main settings app on your Android device. The app icon looks like a gear or cogwheel and can usually be found in your app drawer or the notification shade.
2. Scroll down and tap on the "Apps" or "Applications" option. This may be listed under different names depending on your device manufacturer and Android version.
3. In the list of installed apps, locate and tap on "Google Play Services."
4. On the app info screen, scroll down and look for the "App details" or "Version" entry. This displays the version of Google Play Services installed on your device.
Pros:
1. Directly provides the version of Google Play Services without the need for additional app installations.
2. Can be used on devices where the Google Play Store or Google Settings app is not available.
Cons:
1. The steps may vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer and Android version.
2. The exact name and location of the "Apps" or "Applications" option may differ on different devices.
Method 4: Using Play Services Info App
The fourth method involves using a third-party app called "Play Services Info" to check the Google Play Services version. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Search for "Play Services Info" in the search bar and install the app developed by Google LLC.
3. Open the "Play Services Info" app.
4. The app will display the version of Google Play Services installed on your device.
Pros:
1. Dedicated app for checking the Google Play Services version.
2. Provides additional information about Google Play Services, such as the APK version and the installation date.
Cons:
1. Requires installing a third-party app.
2. The app may have a different name or may not be available in some regions.
Why Can’t I Check the Google Play Services Version? And Fixes
There might be several reasons why you are unable to check the Google Play Services version on your Android device. Here are some common reasons:
1. Google Play Services disabled: If Google Play Services is disabled on your device, you won’t be able to check the version using any of the mentioned methods. To fix this, go to the device settings, locate Google Play Services, and enable it if it is disabled.
2. Outdated Android version: If your device is running an outdated version of Android, you may not have access to the latest version of Google Play Services. Consider updating your device to the latest Android version to resolve this issue.
3. Compatibility issues: In some cases, certain device models or Android versions may not be fully compatible with the latest version of Google Play Services. If you are unable to check the version for compatibility reasons, consider contacting the device manufacturer or checking online forums for possible solutions.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to consider when checking the Google Play Services version on Android:
1. Check for updates regularly: Google Play Services updates are released periodically, and it is important to keep your device up to date to ensure compatibility with the latest features and APIs. Check for updates regularly by going to the Play Store app and tapping on the three horizontal lines in the upper-left corner, then select "My apps & games" and look for Google Play Services updates.
2. Use official sources: When installing third-party apps or accessing external websites for checking the Google Play Services version, make sure to use official sources such as the Google Play Store or reputable app developers. This helps mitigate the risk of installing malicious software or accessing unreliable information.
3. Seek professional help: If you are facing persistent issues with checking or updating the Google Play Services version, consider seeking professional help from a trusted Android technician or contacting the device manufacturer’s customer support.
5 FAQs about Checking Google Play Services Version on Android
Q1: How often should I check the Google Play Services version?
A: It is a good practice to check the Google Play Services version regularly, especially when you encounter issues with certain apps or when new updates are available for your device. Checking the version periodically ensures that your apps are using the latest features and APIs provided by Google Play Services.
Q2: Can I update Google Play Services without updating the entire Android system?
A: Yes, you can update Google Play Services separately from updating the entire Android system. Google Play Services updates are delivered through the Google Play Store, and you can check for updates by going to the Play Store app and tapping on the three horizontal lines in the upper-left corner, then select "My apps & games" and look for Google Play Services updates.
Q3: What should I do if my device does not have the Google Play Store app?
A: If your device does not have the Google Play Store app, you can try other methods mentioned in this blog post, such as using the Google Settings app or the device settings. Alternatively, you can visit the official Google Play Store website on a web browser and sign in with your Google account to check for updates and manage your installed apps.
Q4: Are there any alternatives to Google Play Services for accessing Google services on Android?
A: Google Play Services provides the official APIs and libraries for accessing Google services on Android. While there may be alternative solutions or third-party libraries available, it is recommended to use Google Play Services for the best compatibility, performance, and security.
Q5: Can I downgrade Google Play Services to a previous version?
A: Generally, it is not recommended to downgrade Google Play Services to a previous version, as it may cause compatibility issues with your installed apps. However, in some cases, you may need to revert to an older version to resolve specific issues. If you decide to downgrade, be cautious and ensure that you have a backup of your device’s data and apps.
In Conclusion
Checking the Google Play Services version on Android is an important task that ensures compatibility with the latest features and APIs provided by Google. In this blog post, we discussed four different methods to check the Google Play Services version on Android, including using the Google Play Store app, the Google Settings app, the device settings, and a third-party app called Play Services Info. We also provided additional tips and addressed common FAQs related to this topic. By keeping your Google Play Services up to date, you can ensure that your Android apps are functioning properly and taking advantage of the latest advancements in technology.