Google Play services authorizations many key properties on Android devices that may not be obvious to end users, and Google is now offering annotation directly on your phone as part of a new approach.
If you go to Settings > Apps > See all > Google Play services, you’ll see a new “All Services” item as the first thing under Disable and Force Stop in the App info list. Tapping lets you “See details about services used on your device”. Google’s high-level statement on Play services is as follows:
Google Play services help you make your device more secure and reliable. It is an essential part of many features on your device and is different from the Play Store app.
Note that turning off services may affect the way your device works.
The last line clearly refers to how some people disabled it. Google specifically highlights 17 talents. Tapping takes you to the settings pages, while the Info button next to things takes you to various support/help articles.
Of the devices we checked today, this only appears on Android 13 Pixel phones. The feature that allows Play services to add this “All services” page to App information requires the latest version of the operating system.
Account Management: Used for secure sign-in and better control of your Google Account
- Links to the following settings: Device phone number and Google Account
Ads: Used to control ad preferences and prevent ad spam
- Allows you to: Reset Advertising ID, Delete Ad ID or Enable debug logging for Ads
- Also shows device advertising ID
Autofill with Google: Used to fill in your information such as passwords and payment methods
- Shows settings to enable/disable Autofill with Google
- Links to your Saved Personal information, Addresses, Payment methods and Passwords, as well as to your Preferences
Persons: Used to sync your contacts with your Google Account and other devices
- Links to settings for Google Contacts sync and restore contacts
Data backup and transfer: Used to backup and restore your data, app settings and account information
- Settings > System > Links to Backup settings
Developer features: Used for features that app developers can add to make their apps better and more reliable
Device connections: Used to connect to other devices such as car, watch or Chromebook
- Links to settings: Cast options, Chromebook, Devices, and Share with Nearby
fitness: Used for fitness services in apps like workout tracking and sharing data with other fitness apps
- Links to settings for: Connect apps and devices and Manage data
Games: Used to manage your auto-login, leaderboards, achievements and player profile
- Links to settings: Game Control Panel and Play Games
location accuracy: Used to improve location accuracy using Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors
- Allows you to: Enable/disable Enhance Location Accuracy
Location sharing: Used when you share your location with others
- Lets you see active posts
Security and emergency: Used for emergency notifications and services such as sharing your location and receiving crisis alerts during emergency calls
- Links to settings for: COVID-19 Exposure Notifications, Earthquake alerts, Emergency Location Service, and Silence while Driving notifications
Security: Used for security features such as encrypting passwords, locking your device, blocking unwanted calls, and finding a lost device
- Links to settings for: Find My Device, Password Manager, SMS verification codes, and Smart Lock
Support: Used for features such as device setup, providing feedback to Google, and contacting Google support
System diagnostics: Used to collect data about your device and services and improve device experience
- Links to settings: Operation and diagnostics
System Management: Used to keep system services up to date and improve device performance
Purse: Used to pay for purchases made on this device, including contactless payments
Thanks Dee!
Dylan Roussel contributed to this article.
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