Update Google Play services, the Google app and Android System WebView in the Play Store, clear the cache of Google Play services and the Google app, set date and time to automatic, and restart. If it continues, reset app preferences.

The short explanation

Google Play services runs in the background for sign-in, location, notifications and many apps. When it crashes, apps that rely on it crash too. “Google keeps stopping” refers to the Google app, while “Google Play services keeps stopping” is the separate background service. In March 2021 a faulty Android System WebView update crashed Gmail, the Google app and many other apps; updating WebView and Chrome fixed it, so check those updates first.

Symptoms

  • “Google Play services keeps stopping” or “Google keeps stopping” alerts.
  • Apps crash on open.
  • Notifications or sign-ins fail.

Why it happens

  • Outdated or corrupted Play services/Google app.
  • Android System WebView bug.
  • Wrong date/time.
  • Low storage or disabled system apps.

Try these fixes

  1. Update key appsPlay Store → update Google Play services, Google, Chrome and Android System WebView.
  2. Clear cacheSettings → Apps → Google Play services → Storage → Clear cache; repeat for the Google app.
  3. Date and timeSettings → System → Date & time → Automatic.
  4. Re-enable disabled appsMake sure Google Play services, Google and WebView aren't disabled.
  5. Reset app preferencesSettings → Apps → ⋮ → Reset app preferences (no data is deleted).
  6. Remove and re-add Google accountAs a later step, if sign-in features fail.
How to tell it worked: No crash pop-ups and Google apps open normally.

Avoiding it in future

Keep Play Store auto-updates on and storage free.