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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If Motion Assist is missing, first check that your phone runs Android 17 or higher and that Google Play services is up to date. Then search Settings for Motion assist. If the setting is available but the bubbles do not start in a vehicle, turn on Start in a moving vehicle and add the Quick Settings tile so you can start it manually when detection fails.
What Motion Assist does—and what it cannot promise
Motion Assist displays small visual bubbles along the edges of the screen. Google says they move in real time in response to the phone’s motion sensors, including turns, acceleration and braking, with the aim of making phone use during passenger travel more comfortable. It is not a guaranteed way to prevent or treat motion sickness.
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Google warns that it may not work for everyone and that a small percentage of users may experience worse symptoms. Stop using it if you feel discomfort. Do not use it while driving or in any situation where your full attention is needed for safety. Android’s feature overview gives these safety limits.
If Motion Assist is missing from Settings
1. Check the Android version
Google’s published instructions require Android 17 or higher. Check Settings > About phone > Android version; labels can vary between phones. If the device is on an earlier Android release, the missing setting is consistent with Google’s stated requirement.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
2. Update Google Play services
Google also requires updated Google Play services, but its help instructions do not specify a minimum service version. Install any available Google Play services update, then check Settings again.
3. Search Settings, then follow Google’s route
Use the Settings search box and enter Motion assist. If search does not find it, check Settings > profile > All services > Personal & device safety > Motion assist. The exact labels may differ slightly by device.
Rank #2
- 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.
4. Allow for a staged rollout
Meeting the software requirements does not establish that the feature has reached every eligible phone, account or market. Rollout reports changed during September 2026: 9to5Google reported on September 3 that availability was still expanding, then on September 14 described broad availability on its Pixel and Samsung test devices. Android Central reported on September 22 that expansion was reaching non-Pixel phones through Google Play services. These are dated observations, not a compatibility guarantee for a particular model or region.
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After installing updates, restarting the phone is a reasonable low-risk step. 9to5Google suggested a restart in its September rollout coverage, but Google does not document it as a guaranteed fix.
Rank #3
- 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.
If Motion Assist is not turning on in the car
Enable automatic vehicle startup
Open Settings > profile > All services > Personal & device safety > Motion assist and turn on Start in a moving vehicle. Google cautions that motion-based detection may not always recognize a moving vehicle, so automatic startup is not dependable in every trip.
Add the Quick Settings tile for manual startup
From the Motion Assist settings page, tap Add tile to Quick Settings, or edit Quick Settings and add the Motion Assist tile there. Choose the small or large tile format if prompted. Use the tile to start the feature manually when automatic detection does not activate it.
Rank #4
- 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.
If Motion Assist starts automatically and you want to stop it for that session, use the silent notification Google displays when auto-start occurs.
If the bubbles are hard to see or distracting
Open Motion Assist’s Customize page to adjust opacity, color theme, shape and randomization; the page includes a live preview. These controls change how the bubbles look. They do not fix a missing setting, an incomplete rollout or failed vehicle detection.
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Quick troubleshooting checklist
- No Motion Assist setting: verify Android 17 or higher, update Google Play services, search Settings, and check the documented menu route.
- Eligible phone but still no setting: availability may still be rolling out; restart after updates and check again later.
- Setting exists, but no automatic start: enable Start in a moving vehicle; detection can fail, so add the Quick Settings tile and start it manually.
- Feature starts but looks wrong: change its appearance under Customize.
- Symptoms worsen or you feel discomfort: stop using Motion Assist.
Google’s full setup and troubleshooting guidance is in Use motion assist to help reduce motion sickness.
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