Android Gets Easier: Check New System Services in Settings
Google introduces a new ‘System Services’ settings page on Android to manage core features, view updates, and improve control over background services.
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Google has introduced a dedicated 'System services' settings page on Android, designed to give users more control over the core services that keep their devices running. The rollout begins with users enrolled in the beta program, and the feature supports devices running Android 6 and above.
The new page consolidates a range of essential Google components that function in the background and usually lack user interfaces. This includes features such as Adaptive Connectivity Services, Android System Intelligence (responsible for Live Caption and Smart Reply), Android System Key Verifier, and Android System SafetyCore. Others include Cross-Device Services, Device Connectivity Service, Device Health Services, Google Play Services (enabling Fast Pair, Quick Share, and tracker alerts), Google Play Services for AR, and Settings Services.
Until now, managing these individual services required users to navigate through multiple settings or find specific apps via the Play Store. The centralized interface streamlines updates and improves transparency. Services are grouped under three categories: Available Updates, Not Installed, and Up to Date. Though most services update automatically, users can now manually check and install updates without opening the Play Store.
Disabling any of these services may degrade device functionality, Google warns. The system also indicates if the user is part of the Google System Services beta, which, as of September, is accessible by joining the Play Services beta in the Play Store.
To access the new page, users can open the Settings app, tap their profile icon (available on Android 16), navigate to the "All services" tab, then proceed to the Privacy & Security section and select "System services."
