Restarting Google services often involves clearing the cache and data of Google Play Services. This action can resolve issues related to app updates, account syncing, and other Google-related functionalities on your Android device.
Steps to Restart Google Play Services:
Here's a step-by-step guide to "restart" Google Play Services by clearing its cache and data:
- Open Settings: Go to your device's Settings app.
- Navigate to Apps: Tap on Apps. The label might slightly differ depending on your Android version.
- Find Google Play Services: If you see a limited list of apps, look for an option like See all apps. Then, find and tap on Google Play Services.
- Access Storage & Cache: Within the Google Play Services app info, tap on Storage & cache.
- Clear Cache: First, tap on Clear cache. This removes temporary files that might be causing issues.
- Clear Storage: Next, tap on Clear storage or Manage storage, then Clear all data. Confirm by tapping Delete. This will reset the app data, effectively restarting the service.
Important Note: Clearing data will reset Google Play Services to its default state. This means you might have to re-enter some preferences or re-sync your Google account data.
What does clearing the cache and data do?
Clearing the cache removes temporary files stored by the app, which can sometimes become corrupted and cause problems. Clearing the data resets the app to its default state, removing all your settings and preferences. It's like reinstalling the app, but without actually uninstalling it.
When to Restart Google Play Services:
Consider restarting Google Play Services (clearing cache/data) if you encounter:
- Problems downloading or updating apps from the Google Play Store.
- Issues with Google account synchronization.
- Errors or crashes related to Google apps or services.
- Battery drain issues potentially linked to Google Play Services.
