Fix: Unfortunately Google Play Store has stopped

Using an Android device without access to Google Play Store is unimaginable for many users. Some users report that they are getting the “Unfortunately Google Play Store has stopped” error on their devices. For some, the error occurs when they want to access the Store, while others get prompted while in the background. Either way, we have a few solutions to recommend so keep on reading to learn how to fix this problem.

Table of contents:

1. Clear cache and data from Google Play Store
2. Clear local data from Google services
3. Remove and add your Google account again
4. Uninstall Google Play Store updates
5. Reset your device to factory settings

Google Play Store keeps stopping

There are multiple reasons why Google Play Store keeps stopping for some users. Firstly, there’s a chance that things won’t work as intended if you have a device that runs an Android version older than Android 7 Nougat. Secondly, due to SafetyNet, custom ROMs might have issues with Google Play services. Or this might be some kind of a bug and a temporary issue.

If Google Play Store keeps stopping, clear data from Google’s services and Store, restart your device, or uninstall Play Store updates.

1. Clear cache and data from Google Play Store

The first thing you can try is a simple restart. Usually, this resolves minor system problems. If a reboot doesn’t help, the next step is clearing locally stored data from the Play Store. If corruption of system files is at hand, this procedure should fix it.

Here’s how to clear cache and data from Google Play Store:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps & notifications. Usually, just Apps on most non-stock Android skins.
3. Expand All apps.
4. Choose Google Play Store.
5. Tap Storage & cache.
6. Clear data and restart your device.

If you are still getting the “Unfortunately Google Play Store has stopped” error, make sure to move down through the list until the problem is resolved.

2. Clear local data from Google services

The whole Android ecosystem (with some exceptions) relies on various Google services and apps. And, for everything to work as intended, all associated services need to perform their tasks. So, if the Store is not working, you might want to clear local data for Google Services Framework and Google Play Services.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open Settings.
2. Choose Apps & notifications.
3. Choose to show All apps.
4. Tap on the 3-dot menu and choose to show system processes.
5. Locate Google Services Framework and Google Play Services, respectively.
6. Open Storage & cache and clear data.
7. Restart your device and look for improvements.

3. Remove and add your Google account again

The next thing you can try is removing and adding your Google account again. As you probably know, none of Google Play services will work without your Google account. And, occasionally, even if you are signed in, the device might not register your account. Which, consequently, leads to issues.

Follow these steps to remove and add your Google account again:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Tap on your Google account.
4. Tap Remove account.
5. Restart your device and add the account again.
6. Check for improvements.

4. Uninstall Google Play Store updates

Although you don’t see it, Google Play Store (like all other apps and system services) gets updates. And, when there are changes, there are often bugs. Of course, you won’t be able to remove and reinstall the Play Store but you can at least restore it to the system’s default version. This is done by uninstalling updates from the Store.

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

1. Again, navigate to Settings > Apps > All apps > Google Play Store.
2. Tap on the 3-dot menu and then select Uninstall updates.
3. After this is done, restart your device and check whether the “Unfortunately Google Play Store has stopped” error appears again.

5. Reset your device to factory settings

In the end, if you are still getting an error in the background or while trying to access the Play Store, consider resetting your device to factory settings. We are well aware that restoring your device can take some time, but with the Google backup, in a couple of hours, you should be good. Learn more about the whole procedure in this dedicated article where we covered ins and outs of factory resetting an Android.

That’s a wrap. Thank you for reading and make sure to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions in the comments section below. Your feedback is invaluable.