Troubleshoot when you can’t open the Play Store app on your phone

Try the steps below if the Google Play Store app on your phone:

• Won’t open or load.
• Crashes after it opens.

If the Play Store app opens but you can’t download apps, try these steps to fix problems downloading apps from the Play Store.

Basic troubleshooting steps

Check that you have a strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection

• Make sure you have a strong internet connection. 
• It’s best if you can connect to a Wi-Fi network.
• If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, make sure you have a strong mobile data connection.

After you check your internet connection, try your download again. To get more help with connection problems, go to Fix internet connection problems on Android devices.

Check your storage space

• If your device is low on space, it can stop apps from downloading and installing.
• Your device may be low on space if:
  • You get a notification about storage space.
  • There’s less than 1 GB available on your device.
• To get help with storage space on Android, go to Free up space.

Check for Android system updates

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open your Settings app.
2. Tap System Advanced System update.
3. Your update status appears.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to download or install updates.

Tip: If your device runs Android 2.2 or below, Google Play may not work properly. Contact your device manufacturer for help.

More troubleshooting steps

If you tried all the steps above but still can’t use the Play Store, try the steps below. After each step, try to use the app again to check if it fixed the problem.

Close & reopen the Play Store

1. On your Android device, swipe up from the bottom, hold, then let go.
2. To close the Play Store app, swipe up on it.
3. Open the Play Store again.

Uninstall & reinstall Play Store updates

1. Make sure you’re connected to a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
2. Find the Play Store app on your device’s home or app screen.
3. Touch and hold the Play Store app.
4. Tap App info .
5. At the top, tap More Uninstall updates.
6. If you’re asked to change the Play Store app back to the factory version, tap OK.

Restart your device

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. Tap Power off or Restart.
3. If needed, press and hold the Power button until your device turns on again.

 Clear the cache & data of the Play Store

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Apps & notifications App info or See all apps.
3. Tap Google Play Store.
4. Tap Storage Clear Cache.
5. Tap Clear storage Clear all data OK.

Clear cache & data from Google Play Services

Important: When you clear the cache and data of Play Services, this can reset settings, affect app performance, and cause unpredictable behavior across the device.

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Apps & notifications App info or See all apps.
3. Tap Google Play Services.
4. Tap Storage Clear cache.
5. Tap Clear storage Clear all data OK.

Remove & re-add your Google Account

When you remove your account, some information is removed from your device. Make sure you back up any important information before you complete this step.

Learn how to remove and re-add your account.

Clear cache & data from Download Manager

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Apps & notifications App info or See all apps.
3. Tap Download Manager.
4. Tap Storage Clear cache.
5. Tap Clear storage Clear all data OK.

Get more help

If you tried all the steps above and still can’t open the Play Store, we recommend you reset your device to factory settings. Then, try again.

Related resources

• Fix problems downloading apps from the Play Store
• Problems with in-app purchases