Google Play Protect service stops

[twstokes]

DODROID-884

Expected

Google Play Protect service runs stably in the background while editing notes, without interruption.

Observed

Every few minutes while editing a note, a pop-up appears stating "Google Play Protect service has stopped" or "Google Play Protect service keeps stopping." Occasionally, Google Play Services or the Simplenote app itself crashes. The pop-ups appear mid-session (sometimes mid-word), disrupting the writing flow. No data loss or other functional effects have been observed beyond the disruptive notifications. The issue occurs consistently during note editing sessions and has been reported across multiple devices over the course of several days. It does not appear to affect other apps.

Reproduced

The bug reproduces consistently during active note editing sessions:

1. Open the Simplenote app on Android.
2. Open or create a note and begin editing.
3. Continue editing for 3–4 minutes.
4. Observe a pop-up notification: "Google Play Protect service has stopped" or "Google Play Protect service keeps stopping."
5. Dismiss the pop-up and continue editing.
6. Observe the pop-up reappearing every few minutes.

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Device 1

• Device Make: Google
• Device Model: Pixel 10 Pro
• Android Version: 17 (beta)

Device 2

• Device Make: Google
• Device Model: Pixel 6 Pro
• Android Version: Not specified

[dangermattic]

🚫 Please add a type label (e.g. [Type] Enhancement) and a feature label (e.g. Stats) to this issue.

[twstokes]

https://forums.simplenote.com/forums/topic/android-app-keeps-crashing-google-play-protect-service/

[mzorz]

I started an investigation yesterday from which I can say there's no hint that tells us it might be directly related to the Simplenote app itself (or solvable within it). However, here are some actions that may help fix the problem to users who run into it.

Basically:

The package is com.google.android.odad = Google Play Protect Service / Device Personalization Services. Critically, this is distributed via the Play Store / Google Play system updates — not part of the base AOSP image. That means it's silently updated by Google independent of Android version. The reporter said the issue started a few days ago — that timing fits a server-pushed Play Protect Service module rollout, not anything Simplenote shipped.

Most likely a recent Play Protect Service (com.google.android.odad) module rollout that interacts badly with the specific setup on the device.

I'd be curious to see if clearing storage and updating the Google Play Protect Service app would make the issue go away.

1. go to Settings app on the phone
2. go to Apps
3. tap see all apps
4. search for "play"

5. for each one of the two above, tap on them
6. clear storage & cache
7. verify it is still installed (should be done automatically, tap on Update if not)
   See a video I recorded using a Pixel 10 on Android 16:

simplenote_protectScreen_recording_20260521_084941.mp4