To turn on Motion Assist on an eligible Android phone, open Settings, tap your profile picture, select All services, then choose Motion assist under Personal & device safety. Turn on Start in a moving vehicle. Google also recommends adding the Motion Assist tile to Quick Settings so you can start the bubble overlay manually if automatic detection does not recognise a journey. Motion Assist requires Android 17 or later and an up-to-date version of Google Play services.
Motion Assist is for passengers who need to use a phone while travelling in a vehicle. Do not use it while driving or in any other situation that requires full attention for safety. The feature may help reduce motion sickness for some people, but results vary and it can worsen symptoms for a small number of users.
Check that your phone meets the requirements
Google lists two requirements for Motion Assist: an Android device running Android 17 or later and updated Google Play services. The feature is part of Android’s September 2026 feature release and is listed as available globally, but your phone must meet those software requirements.
To check the Android version and related update status:
- Open Settings.
- Tap About phone or About tablet.
- Select Android version.
- Confirm that the device shows Android 17 or a later version.
This screen can also show the Android security update, Google Play system update and build number. For the main device software update, open Settings > System > Software updates and follow the on-screen instructions. The wording and location can differ on phones made by different manufacturers.
Google Play services is separate from the Google Play Store app. To check it for updates, open Settings, tap your profile picture, then All services. Under Privacy & security, choose System services, select Google Play services, then tap Update or Install if either option is available.
Turn on Motion Assist automatically
The standard Android path to Motion Assist is:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Tap All services.
- Under Personal & device safety, tap Motion assist.
- Turn on Start in a moving vehicle.
If your phone’s menus look different, use the search field at the top of Settings and search for Motion assist. This is often quicker than browsing through manufacturer-specific Settings menus.
When automatic activation is enabled, Motion Assist can show small visual bubbles around the edges of the display after it detects that you are in a moving vehicle. If it starts automatically, Android sends a silent notification. Tap that notification to turn Motion Assist off for the current session.
Automatic detection will not necessarily identify every journey. For that reason, Google recommends enabling automatic activation and also adding the manual Quick Settings control.
Add the Motion Assist Quick Settings tile
The Quick Settings tile provides a manual way to start or stop Motion Assist. It is useful if the feature does not activate automatically, or if you prefer to decide when the overlay appears.
- Open Settings > Motion assist.
- Tap Add tile to Quick Settings.
- Choose Small tile or Large tile.
You can also open Quick Settings by swiping down from the top of the screen, then use its edit controls to add available tiles. The exact editing button and layout vary by device.
| Control | What it does | When it is useful |
|---|---|---|
| Start in a moving vehicle | Attempts to start Motion Assist when the phone detects vehicle movement. | Use it if you want the feature available automatically during journeys. |
| Silent notification | Lets you stop a session that started automatically. | Use it when the overlay is not wanted for that journey. |
| Quick Settings tile | Starts or stops Motion Assist manually. | Use it if automatic detection is delayed or does not activate. |
Only use the tile when you are safely seated as a passenger. Do not handle a phone to change this setting while driving.
Customize the bubbles and use them safely
Motion Assist displays subtle bubbles near the edges of the screen. The phone’s motion sensors move the bubbles in real time as the vehicle turns, accelerates and brakes. The aim is to provide a visual cue that better matches the movement your body feels.
To change the appearance:
- Open Settings > Motion assist.
- Tap Customize.
- Choose the settings that are most comfortable for you.
The available options include Opacity, Color theme, Shape and Randomization. Color choices can include red, yellow, green and blue. Randomization changes the bubbles’ color and shape every few seconds. The customization screen includes a live preview, so you can choose an option that remains visible without making reading difficult.
To test the feature, turn it on using the Quick Settings tile while you are a passenger in a moving vehicle. The bubbles should appear at the screen edges and react to the vehicle’s movement. A stationary test may not show the full effect, so there is no need to shake the phone to test it.
Stop using Motion Assist if it makes you feel worse. Put the phone away and focus on a stable point outside the vehicle if that helps you. Motion Assist is not a medical treatment and cannot guarantee that it will prevent motion sickness.
What to do if Motion Assist is missing
If you cannot find Motion Assist, first confirm that the phone is running Android 17 or later. Then update Google Play services and restart the phone. You can also check for a Google Play system update in Settings; Android’s update-status screen identifies the current Google Play system update level.
Search Settings for Motion assist after updating. If the setting is still unavailable even though the phone runs Android 17 and Google Play services is current, contact the phone manufacturer or mobile carrier for device-specific support. Update availability can vary by device, manufacturer and carrier.
Avoid clearing Google Play services storage simply to make Motion Assist appear. Google advises trying other options first because clearing its data can remove information stored on the device, including saved payment or transit-card details, and may require you to sign in again.
