A significant issue with Google Play Services has left many Pixel users unable to access essential Google apps, including Gmail, following the rollout of a recent beta update. Reports began surfacing on Reddit, with users expressing frustration over a persistent error message stating that their devices do not support Play Services.
The user reported, “An update to Google Play Services (beta) seems to have broken device recognition. I can’t seem to use any app that relies on Play Services since it doesn’t recognize my device.” The user further noted that they couldn’t even share feedback through the feedback app due to a broken Google sign-in across all applications. The problematic version of Play Services identified was 24.43.63, running on Android 15 QPR1 beta 3 on a Pixel 8 device.
This disruption is mainly for the Android 15 users and those who have subscribed to the Google Play Services BETA version. It has made major apps almost non-functional and therefore very disruptive. Several users agreed that uninstalling recent updates or exiting the beta program has temporarily resolved the problem.
While some users have successfully mitigated the issue by reverting to stable versions of Play Services, others who never joined the beta program also reported facing the same problems. The actual cause of the problem seems to be connected with the recent update of the Play Services beta version, 19.04.04 for Android smartphones and tablets, that may have a conflict with more applications.
How to Resolve the Google Play Services Issue?
For those affected, two primary workarounds have been suggested:
1. Leave the Play Services Beta:
- Access the Play Services listing on the Play Store and exclude yourself from the beta program.
- Restart your Pixel device.
- Reinstall the stable version of Play Services from the Play Store.
2. Uninstall Updates:
- Navigate to the “Settings” menu, select “Apps,” and then select “View all apps.”
- Select “Show system” by tapping the three dots in the upper right quadrant.
- Locate Google Play Services and select it.
- Select “Uninstall updates” by tapping the three dots once more. Please be advised that this may result in the deletion of saved data from associated Google applications.
Although these methods may restore functionality, they may also result in other minor issues that necessitate further attention at a later time. Users are advised to exercise caution, particularly if they heavily depend on Google services.
For those without immediate access to a secondary device or willing to wait, it may be best to refrain from making changes and wait for an official response from Google regarding a permanent fix for this issue.
