If you’ve been rocking an Android phone or tablet for any amount of time, you’ll be familiar with the over-the-air (OTA) software update trifecta that the operating system encompasses. Firstly, there are system updates, which are linked to major OS security patches and feature upgrades. Secondly, there are Google Play system updates, which are deployed independently and are related to under-the-hood Google services. Lastly, there are third-party app updates, which can be managed either through the Google Play Store or via any number of alternative software marketplaces.

What if I told you, however, that your Android device has a top-secret fourth update screen, and that it’s an important one for keeping your system up to date and secure. Well, OK, it’s not exactly top-secret, but it is significantly lesser-known when compared to other forms of Android updates.

Referred to as System services within Settings, this dedicated update page lists several key modules that impact the underpinnings of how Android functions and communicates with Google services. Some of these modules are deeply intertwined with Android itself, while others simply add additional functionalities on top of the base platform. These bits of software run in the background, as opposed to being dedicated applications that appear within your app drawer.

As of the time of writing, the following modules are listed within Google’s System services page on my Pixel 10 handset:

• Android System Intelligence: responsible for powering Live Caption, Screen Attention, App Predictions, Smart Actions, Smart Text Selection, and the linkifying of text in apps
• Google Play services: responsible for updating Google apps while aiding in core functionalities like authentication, synchronizing contacts, location-based services, faster offline search, improved gaming performance, and more immersive maps
• Adaptive Connectivity Services: responsible for detecting and resolving connectivity issues while optimizing Wi-Fi and cellular performance and efficiency
• Android System WebView: responsible for allowing applications to display web content
• Google Play Services for AR: Unlocks augmented reality-based experiences built using Google’s ARCore system.
• Google Play Protect Service: Plays a role in automatically scanning for malicious applications and preventing harmful software from being installed onto the system
• SIM Manager: Unlocks the ability to download and manage carrier profiles via a graphical user interface while adding SIM management capabilities to the mix
• Settings Services: An overarching service used to deliver features within Android Settings outside of major operating system updates
• Device Health Services: Responsible for predicting how long your device’s battery will last based on usage
• System parental controls: Powers the Family Link parental control experience and its associated infrastructure
• Android System SafetyCore: Powers Sensitive Content Warnings inside of Google Messages
• Android System Key Verifier: Improves end-to-end- encryption (E2EE) within messaging applications, allows for cross-app public key verification
• Private Compute Services: Helps power various features within Android’s Private Compute Core including Live Caption, Now Playing, and Smart Reply, and removes identifying information while adding privacy technologies to secure machine learning-based feature updates
• Quick Share Extension: Bolsters the capabilities of Quick Share by unlocking compatibility with Apple AirDrop
• Google Partner Setup: Ensures proper device compatibility with Google Mobile Services
• Search Engine Selector: Powers the ability to select default applications while enabling legally required user choice prompts across the system

Of particular note is the Quick Share Extension module, which, upon updating, unlocks cross-compatibility between Google’s Quick Share protocol for Android and Apple’s AirDrop protocol for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This update is still in the process of rolling out to non-Pixel 10 series devices, and so it may or may not be listed on your specific device as yet. Once it’s made available, you’ll find it listed under the Not installed section of the System services page.

For the most part, the various modules within System services should update on their own over time and as you use your Android device. That being said, if you’d like to force an update right on the spot, to remove an existing update that’s causing issues, or to simply view all services in a single convenient location, you can easily do so by visiting System services within Settings.

How to access System services on your Android device

Google has obfuscated the page to a surprising degree

To get to the System services page on your Android phone or tablet, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Google services and preferences [Your Name] > All services > Privacy & security > System services.
3. From here, you’ll be able to update and/or install core system components that are listed under Available updates and Not installed, respectively.

It’s worth noting that System services is proprietary to Google, and it therefore isn’t a part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) itself. As such, if you’re running a ‘stock’ build of the mobile operating system, or, alternatively, a custom ROM that lacks Google Play Services (such as GrapheneOS or LineageOS), then you won’t find any of these aforementioned modules on your Android phone. All System service modules are updated directly through the Google Play Store.

Within System services, Google also offers the option to join its beta program for early access to updates before they hit the public. Joining this beta is as simple as tapping a button, but I wouldn’t recommend doing so on an Android phone or tablet that you rely on regularly for creative work, productivity, or content consumption purposes.