How to update Google Play Services

Google Play Services is a critical part of your Android device. Apart from enhancing the overall user experience, it holds your Google account and apps together like glue. In fact, you can think of it as a bridge between your Android system and the apps you install on your smartphone. Several third-party apps use Google Play Services to offer unique cloud services and targeted ads.

But if you’ve ever been searching for it on your Play Store, you’re probably confused because the term does not yield any results. And if you suspect your Google Play Services is out of date, chances are you’re probably right. So, here’s a quick guide to help you update it on your device.

What happens if your Google Play Services is out of date?

Before we go ahead, you might want to determine if Google Play Services on your phone or tablet is actually outdated. If your Android device begins acting up or is constantly plagued with battery drainage, chances are that you might need that update. This issue usually doesn’t crop up if your automatic updates are switched on; however, in any other case, you might need some time before Google Play Services is updated on your smartphone. Here are some ways to go about it.

How to update Google Play Services on an Android smartphone

The Google Play Services search result will not show up if you search for the term on your Google Play app. However, here’s another way to look for it:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your smartphone and navigate to the Apps options
Step 2: Within Apps, tap on See All Apps
Step 3: Locate the Search bar on top
Step 4: Search for ‘Play’ to find Google Play Services
Step 5: Once the results show up, you will find the official Google Play listing on the list
Step 6: Tap on the option and then on Update to begin the process

ALSO READ: 4 benefits of keeping your mobile OS up to date

It is vital to note that if you don’t see the Update button, your Google Play Services could already be up to date. However, if you still think there’s a newer version out that can be installed on your device via APKMirror.

How to update Google Play Services using APKMirror

Once you’ve determined whether or not the latest version of Google Play Services has been installed on your smartphone, navigate to Settings > Apps and Google Play Services. Tap on the listing and note down the version number. Now, you can search for this number on APKMirror to check if it matches the latest available version of the app. If it does, you’re updated. If it doesn’t, there are a few additional steps you can follow to update it:

Step 1: Locate the Google Play Services page on APKMirror
Step 2: Tap on the latest listing and check the available download versions mentioned under it
Step 3: When prompted as ‘harmful file’, tap on Download Anyway
Step 4: Tap on Update once complete

With this, Google Play Services on your phone will be updated. It is crucial to keep checking for updates to keep your Android device secure at all times. Additionally, updating this could help keep bugs and strange, vampire battery-draining issues at bay.