Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesGoogle Play services stopped receiving new releases for Android KitKat in August 2023. The final supported version for KitKat (Android API levels 19 and 20) is 23.30.99. This is a cutoff for the Google Play services component—not an announcement that the Play Store or every app on KitKat instantly stopped working.
What changed for KitKat
Google announced on July 24, 2023, that future Google Play services releases would no longer support KitKat starting in August 2023. KitKat devices would not receive a Google Play services APK newer than version 23.30.99. Google’s announcement described the decision as a consequence of the platform’s age, features and improvements unavailable on KitKat, and declining use.
Google said KitKat accounted for less than 1% of active devices in July 2023. That is a dated figure from Google’s announcement, not a current estimate of KitKat’s share. Product Manager Sarat Tummala wrote: “Therefore, we are no longer supporting KK in future releases of Google Play services.”
Google Play services is not the Play Store
Google Play services is system software that helps Android apps connect to Google services, including Google Sign In and Google Maps. It is separate from both the Android operating system and the Google Play Store app. The KitKat cutoff concerns future releases of the Google Play services APK; it does not itself mean the Play Store was discontinued or that all existing apps stopped working at once. See Google’s explanation of Google Play services.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Will Google Play services still work on a KitKat phone?
A KitKat phone may continue to run the Google Play services version already installed, but it will not receive Google Play services releases beyond 23.30.99. The cutoff therefore does not establish that the component or every app immediately stopped functioning; it means KitKat no longer receives those future updates.
Google’s current help guidance says Google Play services is supported only on devices running Android 7.0 (API level 24) or newer. A KitKat device that cannot update to at least that version is below Google’s stated support floor. This does not guarantee a particular app will stop working on a particular date, but it does mean the device is outside the version range Google currently supports for Google Play services.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Check whether your device can update
- Find the Android version: Open Settings > About phone (or About tablet) > Android version.
- Look for a system update: Open Settings > System > Software updates and follow any on-screen instructions. Menu names and navigation can vary by device.
- If no update is offered, check with the manufacturer or carrier. Availability and timing depend on the device, manufacturer, and carrier; older devices cannot always run newer Android versions. Google’s Android version and update guidance explains how to check.
- Prepare before installing an offered update: Google recommends connecting to Wi-Fi and charging the device to at least 75%.
Should you replace a KitKat phone?
First check whether the manufacturer or carrier offers an update to Android 7.0 or newer. If the phone cannot reach that version and you need currently supported Google Play services, a newer Android phone may be a practical option. Confirm the specific model’s Android version and update policy before choosing one; Google’s guidance does not say that every KitKat owner must replace a device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why clearing Google Play services data is not the fix
Clearing Google Play services data does not restore future updates on an unsupported Android version. Google warns that clearing it may remove saved information such as passwords, transit cards, COVID cards, and virtual payment cards. It may also require you to reauthenticate payment methods and sign in to your Google Account again. Avoid doing this as a routine response to the KitKat support cutoff.
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Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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