How to Fix Google Play Services Account Action Required

Hello, I have that annoying “Account action required” Google account notification that doesn’t do anything, and doesn’t go away. I think I’m getting this notification because somehow my Google account sign-in didn’t work. None of my Google apps on my device work (because they “failed to sync”). By going to the Sign-in section in the “Google” section, I’m prompted to “complete sign-in”. This doesn’t do anything, and sometimes even crashes the app.

—from Android Forum

The “Google Play services account action required” notification strikes fear into the hearts of many smartphone users. This ambiguous error message appears unexpectedly, leaving people unsure of how to proceed. Whether it’s due to an un-synced Gmail account or something is wrong with your Android device, we’ve got you covered!

While the notification seems worrying, the underlying issue is usually simple. Just a few troubleshooting steps will typically get the device back up and running correctly. With patience, users can get past this common Android headache. Let’s discuss the possible solutions to this problem.

Part 1: Why Does Google Play Services Say Account Action Required?

The “Google Play services account action required” message can confuse Android users who encounter it suddenly. What exactly does it mean, and why did this error pop up? Let’s have a look at the possible causes:

1. Outdated Google Play Services Version

The outdated Google Play services app version is the core reason for this error. Google regularly launches updates to enhance features and security. If the version on your device falls severely behind, critical authentication issues arise that cause the Google account action problem.

2. Corrupted Cache and Data

Over time, the cached data and temporary files associated with Google Play services can become corrupted. This prevents proper communication between the app and Google servers. Clearing this damaged cache/data allows a fresh start.

3. Problem with Google Play Store App

Issues with the Google Play Store app, like a buggy update or corrupted data, can also trigger the message. Since Play services rely on the store, errors can hinder account verification.

4. Account Sign-in Issues

If you recently changed account passwords, signed out of certain Google apps, or enabled extra authentication, it can sometimes disrupt the sign-in process that Google Play services continuously run. This manifests as an account action error message.

5. Change of Password

Sometimes, a person changes his Google account, and it can affect the Google account services. To use Google services, they must update the password in Google Play services.

6. Security Issues

This issue is one of the common reasons why account action is required these days. When Google detects fraudulent activity or any malware, it logs you out and gives a warning in the form of Google Play Services account action required.

7. Issues with the Gmail Account

If you are involved in sending too many spam emails or your email address is logged in to a suspicious site, Google can prompt you to take action against it.

While ambiguous and frustrating, this error has roots in account verification processes. With some targeted troubleshooting, the issue can typically be resolved.

Part 2: How to Fix Google Play Services Error: Account Action Required

Solving this standard error requires working through a series of troubleshooting steps. Below is a list of different solutions that you can try to fix the Google Play Services error. With the help of these explanations, you can get your Android device back up and running smoothly. Let’s get into it.

1. Restart Your Device

Sometimes, your phone wants just a quick restart. The cache builds up if you use your phone too long without restarting. This could slow your smartphone or lead to a glitch in a Google account action service.

2. Clear Google Play Services Cache/Data

Over time, the cached data for Play services can get corrupted. Clearing this data gives the app a clean slate. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services.

Step 2: Tap on Storage > Clear Cache. If possible, clean the cache of every Google app.

3. Update Google Play Store

An outdated or buggy Play Store version can disrupt dependencies for Play services. Check for updates and install the latest Play Store version.

Step 1: Go to Play Store > Profile icon > Settings > About > Play Store version.

Step 2: If there is a prompt like “Update Play Store,” you should upgrade it.

4. Remove and Re-add your Google Account

This core issue is usually an authentication problem during account sign-in. Removing your Google account from the device and adding it again forces a fresh authentication process. Go to Settings > Accounts > Google and terminate your account. Then, add it again and allow Google Play services to sync the account details fully. This resets the sign-in issues.

5. Disable Notifications Temporarily

A glitch in the phone’s notifications can display this issue while everything works fine. Disabling notifications strips away non-vital processes from Google Play services, allowing it to focus on core account syncing.

Step 1: To disable notifications, go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services.

Step 2: Tap on Notifications and toggle them off.

6. Factory Reset Device

A factory reset will wipe your device and install a clean OS copy if all else fails. Backup data first, then choose Reset options in Settings. Furthermore, after a fresh reset, Google Play won’t make any issues related to account action failure. Go to Settings > search Reset> Erase all data.

Part 3: How to Fix Account Action Required without a Google Account?

What if you encounter the account action required message on a device that doesn’t even have a Google account signed in? This scenario mostly happens on older or secondhand Android phones.

In this case, a tool like FonesGo Android Unlocker can help resolve the issue. This specialized software is designed to bypass Google account verification errors by removing restrictions. FonesGo works directly on the system level to delete account data so the device functions again.

The following are the features of this tool:

• It can disable FRP lock and bypass Google account verification on Samsung, Xiaomi,/Redmi, vivo and OPPO devices.
• It can remove the account action required error and fully reset the phone.
• Compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.
• Can disable Google verification of all Android variants up to 13.

Follow this step-by-step guide to remove the account action required warning:

1. Step 1 Launch the tool and select “Bypass Samsung FRP (Google Lock).” You can also choose “Other Brands” if you have any other Android phone. Connect your smartphone like Samsung with the help of a USB cable.
2. Step 2 On the next screen, select “Start” to proceed. Choose your Android Variant and hit “Next.” If you are not sure, you can go with the first option.
3. Step 3 Here, you need to go back to the Welcome screen and dial the secret code to enter the Diagnostics menu. Then the tool will help you enable USB debugging.
4. Step 4 After a few seconds, Google account verification will be removed. Click “Done,” and your phone will be rebooted automatically.

Conclusion

The Google Play services account action required notification can undoubtedly be frustrating. But with the right troubleshooting approach, you can get past this Android error. The issue can be resolved by updating software, resetting accounts, clearing app data, and restarting your device. With some guided effort and patience, your phone or tablet will again work smoothly. Feel free to comment down below in case of any trouble!