Google Play services enables useful services on your device and helps make your device more secure and reliable. Device connections is one such service that is provided as part of Google Play services. Learn more about Google Play services.
Important: Google Play services is different from the Google Play store.
You can use Google Play services for device connections to:
- Connect to Android Auto. For example, if your vehicle is compatible with Android Auto, you can connect your phone to your car's infotainment so you can focus while you drive. Check your vehicle's compatibility with Android Auto. You may control features like navigation, maps, text messages, calls, and music. Learn how to connect to Android Auto.
- Connect to driving mode. For example, you can put your phone into driving mode when you are driving your vehicle to limit interruptions like text messages and calls. Learn how to use driving mode.
- Pair via Bluetooth to share with or cast to nearby devices. Learn how to connect through Bluetooth. For example, you can use Bluetooth and instant tethering to pair and easily transfer media to other devices. Learn how to transfer media.
- Sync your notifications and unlock your devices. For example, when your phone is connected to a Chromebook, you can sync notifications on your mobile device and Chromebook. Learn how to sync notifications.
Important: Some device connections functionality only works on Android 8.1 and up. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
Control your preferences
You can manage Google Play services for device connections.
- Go to Settings
.
- Tap Connected devices
- To control the preferences of each, tap the options below:
- Bluetooth
- Cast
- Quick Share
- Android Auto
- Driving mode
- Chromebook
.How Google Play services for device connections handles your data
Google Play services for device connections may collect and share certain information and use certain permissions to support device connections-related functionality on your device, such as the examples described above.
Permission use- Location, which may control features like navigation on Android Auto. Learn how Google Play services can use location.
- Phone permission, which may be used to connect to driving mode and detect phone state. Learn how Google Play services can use phone permission.
- Nearby devices, which may be used to share and fast pair with available devices around you. Learn how Google Play services can interact with nearby devices.
- Contacts, which may be used to view contacts when connected to Android Auto. Learn what Google Play services can do with access to contacts.
- SMS, which may be used to read, view, and send text messages when connected to Android Auto. Learn how Google Play services can use SMS.
- Microphone, which may be used to support phone calls on your device when connected to Android Auto. Learn how Google Play services can use your microphone.
Any information that Google collects is handled in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy.