Can't update Google Play Services via Play Store

Cqtlgxf

Hello everyone,

I installed GrapheneOS on my Pixel 4a. I also installed the Google Play Services from GrapheneOS App store. It shows that I have version 24.40.34 (190400-682300402) installed.

I open the Google Play Store without being signed in and I can still navigate to "Updates", where I am seeing one pending update for Google Play Services. I try to update it but it always just ends with "Google Play Services can't be installed. Try again...etc." (I translated the error message from german.)

Could somebody help me how I could achieve to update Google Play Services?

Thank you all!

de0u

Cqtlgxf Unfortunately, the 4a is end-of-life from Google's perspective (source) and is in harm-reduction legacy extended support from GrapheneOS's perspective (source). While some things may work, many new features do not, including newer releases of Google Play.

Cqtlgxf Could somebody help me how I could achieve to update Google Play Services?

I suspect you'll need a 6a or newer.

Please note that I don't speak for the GrapheneOS project.

pxlkng

Cqtlgxf

The 4a is a very insecure device lacking critical security patches. You should get a supported device ASAP and cease using the 4a for anything requiring privacy or security. You cannot expect security from this device and it is likely not getting extended support updates anymore.

Cqtlgxf

de0u Thanks for the reply. I am aware the 4a is end-of-life and that it is in extended support (https://grapheneos.org/faq#supported-devices).

I just didn't expect that this would mean that Google Play Services can't be updated through the Play Store, which suggests an update. That wouldn't make sense to me.

Is that the case for sure?
Pixel 4a can't get the latest Google Play Services update through the Play Store?

de0u

Cqtlgxf In general, as Google adds features to Play the GrapheneOS developers must add corresponding updates to the compatibility layer.

At any given time the compatibility layer allows Play updates up to a specific version number that is baked in, and rejects versions of Play that are too new.

I'm pretty sure that's what's happening here.

Cqtlgxf

de0u
pxlkng
Thank you both for your replies! As I said, I know the 4a is end-of-life, is insecure and is lacking security patches. I have a Pixel 8 as my daily driver, and I just wanted to use the 4a as a local wifi-only (generally no internet connection) control unit for different projects, light bulbs and other local stuff.

Still, I would need Google Play Services for the relevant apps, so I would need to do updates from time to time (Google Play Services and apps), and then turn off internet connectivity again.

I just want to make sure, that my error with updating Google Play Services really comes from the 4a being end-of-life, and not some other error.
So, can anyone say that for sure? No Pixel 4a can update the Google Play Services via Play Store right now? It affects every single 4a, not just mine?

de0u

Cqtlgxf I just want to make sure, that my error with updating Google Play Services really comes from the 4a being end-of-life, and not some other error. So, can anyone say that for sure?

I think right now the GrapheneOS developers are very busy working on support for the 9a. So if you are hoping for an official answer there may be a wait.

But overall I think it is accurate to expect that a 4a will become rapidly less able to update software over time. And I wouldn't be at all surprised if the GrapheneOS project completely stopped issuing 4a updates when the 10 series ships (of course, it could happen sooner than that).

fid02

For some time now Play Store has not itself been able to update Play services and support for this has ended. It's now solely the GrapheneOS App Store that updates Play Store and Play services: https://grapheneos.org/usage#sandboxed-google-play-installation
https://github.com/GrapheneOS/os-issue-tracker/issues/4696#issuecomment-2602811027