What Is Google Play Services? Why Do You Need It?

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

• Google Maps API: This API allows other applications to access Google Maps without leaving the app. If you have used an app to book a cab or navigate to a booked hotel, then you must have used this service.
• Location APIs: Location API can be used to perform automatic actions when a user enters or leaves a specific geographic boundary. Fused Location provider means to reduce power usage while using location services.
• Google Drive API: If you have Google Drive installed on your device, sharing and storing files from other apps is made easier with this API.
• Google Play Game Services: These services are used to create a more competitive and immersive experience in multiplayer gaming sessions through leaderboards and achievements. Moreover, Saved Games API ensures that you do not lose your progress in a game by syncing and saving your game data.
• Google+ platform: You must have come across apps that provide you with “Sign-in with Google+” login option. This service allows you to use a single username and password to access multiple accounts on multiple apps.
• Google Cast Android API: It allows Android applications to cast content on-screen to other devices via Google Cast.
• Google Mobile Ads: Google Mobile Ads is used to integrate advertisements into applications and display intelligent ads such as those based on location or browsing history. This is how thousands of app developers monetize their app.

A few other such services that enhance user experience are:

• Google Wallet
• Google Play Protect
• Google Fit API
• Google account authentication methods

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:

• Calendar
• Camera
• Contacts
• Device & app history
• Device ID & call information
• Identity
• Location
• Microphone
• Phone (call dialing)
• SMS
• Storage
• Wearable sensors/activity data
• WiFi

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 as Google Play Protect, Find My Device, and Nearby 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 can disable Google Play Services just like you disable other apps.

Furthermore, you can take the road of Android rooting if you desperately want the app out of your phone. Or, you can switch to a Google-free device instead.

Is it safe to clear data from Google Play Services?

Although you can 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 or clearing data and cache from Google Play Services can solve this problem.

How do I clear Google Play Services data?

You can follow these simple steps to clear data and cache from Google Play Services:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services.

• Tap on Storage

• Tap on Manage Space

• Select Clear All Data.

• Tap OK on the pop-up.

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.

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