Play Services Archives

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Your Android Phone Can Now Automatically Back Up Documents – Here’s How

Google Play Services version 26.26 has introduced a new backup feature for Android users that automatically backs up documents in various formats (.DOC, .PPT, .XLS, .PDF) from devices to Google Drive. This feature can be activated through Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup settings, where a new Documents category will appear. Backed-up documents will be stored in a folder named Android backups within Google Drive, but users should monitor their storage space as this will utilize their cloud storage. Alternative backup methods include using manufacturer-specific features or third-party apps like Syncthing.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

These Android Phones Are Losing YouTube App Access In 2026

By 2026, certain smartphones will no longer receive support for popular applications like YouTube. Users can still access YouTube via the web version if their app is no longer supported. Google will not disable these devices remotely. Users are advised to check for software updates by navigating to Settings, selecting System, and tapping on Software Updates. Devices running Android 7.0 or later may have better app functionality, while those on Android 6.0 should consider upgrading. Current Android smartphones from Google and Samsung will receive up to seven years of software updates.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Google Play services update brings seamless wrist payments and a revamped storefront feed

Google has released Play services v26.29 and Play Store v52.5, which include several enhancements for the Android ecosystem. The new Play services version features upgraded Maps APIs for various devices, new utilities APIs for Wear OS, and unspecified improvements to system management and diagnostics. The "Connected apps" section has been rebranded to "Linked apps," and Gboard has been optimized for messaging applications on Pixel devices. The Play Store update focuses on content discovery and user engagement, with a refined Play Games Sidekick dashboard and expanded Play Shorts offerings that include comic book previews. Additionally, the Engage SDK has been updated to help third-party travel applications display previous searches, aiding trip planning.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Google ends Play Services Support, likely to stop these Android phones from downloading apps & games

Google Play Services operates in the background on Android devices, facilitating essential functions such as account management, push notifications, location tracking, maps functionality, security verification, and data syncing. It simplifies signing into Google accounts, provides timely updates, enhances navigation, supports Google Maps, safeguards user data, and ensures consistent data across applications.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

Google Play Store update ensures you don’t forget about widgets from that shiny new app

Google has updated its Play Services to version 26.28, allowing users to display their device's IMEI number on the lock screen, which can aid in device recovery but may pose security risks. This feature is server-side and may not be available on all devices immediately. Other enhancements include audio permission requests in WebViews, Android Credential Manager support for Android TV, and various quality-of-life improvements. The Play Store has been updated to version 52.4, introducing natural language queries for search, expanded search suggestions, limited mobile data usage for app restoration in India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, and the option to add app widgets during installation. Users can update their Google System Services through their device settings.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Android Auto is crashing (again), and nobody knows why (again)

Android Auto users are experiencing frequent disconnections and crashes after the recent update to version 17.2, which was rolled out on July 3. Reports indicate that disconnections last from seconds to minutes, and crashes occur whenever audio is played. The issues affect a wide range of Android devices, and users have recommended delaying the installation of the update or reverting to the previous version. The root cause of the problems is uncertain, with speculation that they may be linked to other updates, such as the Play services update from late June. Google is aware of the situation, as indicated by reports on the Google Issue Tracker, but these issues are categorized under Android 17 beta and differ from feedback on Reddit.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

There’s one group of Android users Google’s new sideloading rules won’t affect

LineageOS will not be affected by Google's upcoming developer verification system, which applies only to certified Android devices that come with Google Mobile Services (GMS). LineageOS operates independently of GMS and does not go through Google's certification process, making it exempt from the new requirements. Starting September 30, 2026, Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand will require all apps to be registered to a verified developer, with a global rollout in 2027. LineageOS has stated that it does not include the verification feature in its ROM and is unaware of any GApps package that would enable it. The project may disable the verification feature if integrated into Play Services in the future. LineageOS acknowledges concerns from organizations like F-Droid and the EFF regarding the potential for increased control over app distribution by Google.

BetaBeacon

July 2, 2026

Pixel phones are reportedly choking on basic games after Android 17

Pixel phones are facing gaming performance issues after the Android 17 update. Some affected games include Brawl Stars, Clash Royale, and Hill Climb Racing 2. Users have tried makeshift solutions but are waiting for an official resolution from Google. The Pixel 10, Pixel 9, and Pixel 8 series are the most impacted. The exact cause of the problem is unclear, with some pointing to the Android 17 update or recent Play Services updates. Users have suggested clearing the cache for Google Play services and adjusting GPU driver preferences as potential solutions.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

All Android users just got an important backup feature

Google is introducing a selective backup feature for Android users, allowing granular control over app data management. This update is initially rolling out to Pixel devices and users of Google Play Services version 26.24. Users can now selectively manage backups for each app, which helps conserve cloud storage space. The feature is available for those using Android 16 and Android 17, with other manufacturers expected to adopt it soon. Once activated, data is securely backed up to the cloud, but users should be aware that disabling backup for an app will permanently delete its previously backed-up data. To manage backups, users can go to their device’s settings under Google Services > Backup > Backup details. The rollout is gradual, primarily targeting Google Pixel smartphones. Most users will receive the update automatically, and they can check their version of Google Play Services in the settings.

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

These Google Apps Need To Be Manually Updated On Your Samsung Phone

Google has rolled out updates for three system applications on Samsung Galaxy devices: Android System SafetyCore (version 0.925574157), Android System WebView (version 149.0.7827.91), and Google Play Services (version 26.22.33). These updates are not listed in the "Available updates" section of the Play Store and may require manual updating. Android System SafetyCore helps protect users from unwanted content, Android System WebView is essential for displaying web content in apps, and Google Play Services manages various functions like app updates and user privacy settings. To manually update these apps, users should go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and tap "App details in store" to access the Play Store. If other apps are not updating, users should ensure a stable internet connection, restart the phone, clear storage space, update the Android version, clear app caches, and check the system date.