As of the latest update, Google has made an app to teach Android users how to use many major features that might not be obvious at first. The update is part of a new approach with an app that explains these features in-depth.
If you go to Settings > Apps > See all, you’ll see a new “All Services” item at the top of the list. Tapping on this shortcut will open up a “Services Detail” screen where you can see which apps use Google Play services.
The Google Play services app is an essential part of many features on your device. It’s different from the Google Play Store app, so make sure you know which one to tap in order to ensure your phone works right.
Remember that turning off services can impact the way your device works.
In general, tap twice for settings and three times for help articles. Sometimes, people disable the functionality if that’s what they want.
This statement only appears on Android 13 Pixel phones, and it requires the latest version of the operating system.
Account management: Used for secure sign-in and better control of your Google Account
- Links to settings for: Device phone number and Google Account
Ads: Used to control ad preferences and prevent ad spam
- Lets you: Reset advertising ID; Delete advertising ID; or Enable debug logging for ads
- Also shows device advertising ID
Autofill with Google: Used to fill in your info, 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 Preferences
Contacts: 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 back up and restore your data, app settings, and account info
- Links to settings for: Settings > System > Backup
Developer features: Used for features that app developers can include to make their apps better and more reliable
- Links to help page
Device connections: Used for connecting to other devices, such as a car, watch, or Chromebook
- Links to settings for: Cast options, Chromebook, Devices, and Nearby Share
Fitness: Used for fitness services in apps, such as workout tracking and sharing data with other fitness apps
- Links to settings for: Connect apps and devices and Manage data
Games: Used for automatic sign-in, leader boards, achievements, and managing your gamer profile
- Links to settings for: Game Dashboard and Play Games
Location accuracy: Used to improve location accuracy using Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and sensors
- Lets you: Enable/disable Improve Location Accuracy
Location sharing: Used when you share your location with others
- Lets you see active shares
Safety & emergency: Used for emergency notifications and services, such as sharing your location during emergency calls and receiving crisis alerts
- Links to settings for: COVID-19 Exposure Notifications, Earthquake alerts, Emergency Location Service, and Silence notifications while driving
Security: Used for security features such as encrypting passwords, locking your device, blocking spam calls, and locating 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
- Links to help page
System diagnostics: Used to collect data about your device and services and improve device experience
- Links to settings for: Usage & diagnostics
System management: Used to keep system services up to date and improve device performance
- Links to help page
Wallet: Used to pay for purchases made on this device, including contactless payments
- Opens Google Wallet app