Fix: Error checking for updates on Google Play Store

Issues with third-party apps are tolerable but what happens if Google Play doesn’t work? That’s where the headaches start. Some Android users report that they get the Error Checking for updates prompt on Google Play Store whenever they try to update apps. This is bad for so many reasons and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. But, what to do when a problem like this arises? Check the steps below to learn how to fix it in no time.

Table of contents:

1. Check the network
2. Clear local data from Google Play Store
3. Clear cache and data from related services
4. Sign out and sign in again with your Google Account
5. Uninstall Google Play Store updates
6. Update your firmware
7. Reset your device to the factory settings

Why does my Google Play say Error Checking for updates?

1. Check the network

The main reason this error occurs in Google Play Store is the most obvious one. You need a stable internet connection to download, update, or even browser apps on Google Play Store. Whether that’s a Wi-Fi network or cellular data, it depends on the settings you choose.

Therefore, try disconnecting and connecting again to Wi-Fi and try updating apps again. Restart your Android and the router, or forget the network and re-connect.

In case you have connectivity issues and don’t know what to do, we have a good article on the topic.

2. Clear local data from Google Play Store

The next thing you can do is clear locally stored data from Google Play Store. Some opt-in for just cache but clearing complete storage (data) is a more thorough approach. Data corruption is not uncommon, especially if you recently upgraded to a newer Android version. And, by clearing data, you’ll reset the app.

Here’s how to clear local data from Google Play Store on your Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select All apps or Manage apps.
4. Look for Google Play Store and open it from the list of installed apps.
5. Tap Storage.
6. Tap Clear Data and confirm.
7. Restart your device and connect to Wi-Fi.
8. Open Play Store > Your Profile icon > Manage apps & devices and check for updates.

In case you still get the Error Checking for updates on Play Store, make sure to continue troubleshooting.

3. Clear cache and data from related services

Although Google Play Store is having problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the app itself is not working. The problem might lie in related services that directly affect how the Store works. The two services we have in mind are Google Services Framework and Google Play Services.

For that reason, we suggest clearing local data from those two, as well. This should help address the problem at hand. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Navigate again to Settings > Apps > All apps.
2. Tap on the 3-dot menu and select Show system processes.
3. Locate Google Play Services and open the app from the list.
4. Select Storage.
5. Clear data and confirm when prompted.
6. Do the same for Google Services Framework.
7. Restart your device and look for improvements.

4. Sign out and sign in again with your Google Account

To use Google’s services on your Android, you need to be signed with Google Account. Sometimes, there’s a problem with Google Account integration which might result in issues with various services. And, the best way to deal with this is to simply remove the account and add it again.

Follow these instructions to remove and add Google Account again on your Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Choose Accounts.
3. Select Google.
4. Tap More and remove the Google account.
5. Reboot your device and sign in again.
6. Try updating apps in Google Play Store.

In case Error Checking for updates keeps appearing in Google Play Store when you try to update apps, continue to the next step.

5. Uninstall Google Play Store updates

Now, let’s try and uninstall updates from Google Play Store. Of course, you can’t uninstall the essential system app but you can restore it to its default system values. This will reset the app and, after it updates automatically, it should work without any issues.

Here’s how to uninstall Google Play Store updates on your Android device:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > All apps > Play Store.
3. Tap on the 3-dot menu at the top and select Uninstall updates.
4. Restart your phone and look for improvements.

6. Update your firmware

Keeping your phone up to date is essential. Of course, if there are available updates and your device is still supported. And the problem at hand might not be on Google’s side but a system bug on your Android skin (OneUI, MIUI, etc.) Said system and security updates are administered automatically but you can check manually.

Here’s how to update your Android device:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Software update. Or System > Software update.
3. Tap Check for updates or Download and install.
4. Install available updates.

7. Reset your device to the factory settings

In the end, if the previous steps failed to resolve the problem, make sure to give the factory reset a try. We are well aware of how cumbersome the procedure might be, especially if you have a lot of data to back up before resetting your device. Nonetheless, something is wrong with your device and troubleshooting options narrow down to this.

You can learn everything about a factory reset in the article where we talk in-depth about it. To factory reset your device, you usually need to go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory Reset (or Erase All Data). It’s paramount to back up everything before doing so since the procedure wipes your local storage.

You can also report the problem to Google Support. They might do something about it if enough reports come through. And, considering this is a major problem, it should be resolved soon.

That should do it. Thank you for reading and feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions with us. The comments section is below and your feedback is always more than welcome.