Quick Answer: The “Unfortunately, Google Play Store has stopped” error is almost always fixed by clearing the Play Store’s cache and data, then checking for a Play Store update. If that doesn’t work, reset your device’s app preferences, confirm your date and time are set correctly, and check whether Android System WebView needs a reinstall. As a last resort, remove and re-add your Google account, or uninstall Play Store updates to reset it to the factory version.
If you have ever tried to download an app or update one, only to be met with “Unfortunately, Google Play Store has stopped,” you know how frustrating it is. The good news is that this error is rarely serious and can usually be fixed in a few minutes with the steps below. Work through them in order, and check after each one whether the Play Store opens normally again.
Check Out: How to Check Android Version Easily
What Causes the “Google Play Store Has Stopped” Error?
This error usually comes down to one of a few things: a corrupt cache, an outdated Play Store version, incorrect date and time settings on your device, a glitch in Google Play Services, or in some cases an outdated Android System WebView causing apps across your phone to crash, not just the Play Store. The fixes below cover all of these causes, starting with the simplest.
How to Fix It: Step by Step
1. Restart Your Device
This sounds basic, but a restart clears temporary system glitches and is worth trying before anything else. Power your phone off completely, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on and open the Play Store again.
2. Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Scroll down and select Apps (on some phones this is “Apps & notifications”).
- Find and tap on Google Play Store in the list of apps.
- Tap Storage, then tap Clear Cache first. If the error continues, go back and tap Clear Data too.
Clearing data will sign you out of the Play Store, so you will need to sign back in with your Google account afterward.
3. Update Google Play Store
An outdated Play Store version is a common cause of this error. To check for an update:
- Open the Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings, scroll down, and tap About to see the current Play Store version.
- If an update is available, it will install automatically. If not, you will see a message confirming the Play Store is already up to date.
4. Clear Cache and Data for Google Play Services
The Play Store depends on a separate background app called Google Play Services. If clearing the Play Store’s own cache did not help, repeat the same steps for Google Play Services: Settings, Apps, Google Play Services, Storage, then Clear Cache and Clear Data.
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5. Reset App Preferences
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Scroll down and select Apps.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select Reset app preferences.
- Confirm by tapping Reset apps.
This does not delete any data. It only resets disabled apps, background restrictions, and default app settings back to normal, which can clear conflicts causing the crash.
6. Check Your Date and Time Settings
An incorrect date or time can break the secure connection between your device and Google’s servers, which sometimes shows up as the Play Store crashing. Go to Settings > System > Date & time and make sure “Set time automatically” is turned on.
7. Check Android System WebView
Android System WebView is a background component that many apps, including the Play Store, rely on to render content. A buggy WebView update has been known to cause app crashes across the system. Go to Settings > Apps, find Android System WebView, tap the three-dot menu, and select Uninstall updates. Restart your phone, then check the Play Store again. If it works, you can safely reinstall the latest WebView update from the Play Store afterward.
8. Re-add Your Google Account
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Scroll down and select Accounts (or “Passwords & accounts”).
- Tap your Google Account, then select Remove account.
- Restart your phone, then go back into Accounts and tap Add account to sign back in.
9. Check for a Software Update
Make sure your device’s operating system itself is up to date, not just the Play Store. Go to Settings > System > Software Update and install any pending update.
Still Not Working? Try These Advanced Fixes
If you have worked through every step above and the error is still showing up, these are your remaining options, in order from least to most drastic:
- Uninstall Play Store updates: Go to Settings, Apps, Google Play Store, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Uninstall updates” to roll it back to the factory version, then let it update again naturally.
- Perform a factory reset: This should be a last resort since it erases everything on your device. Back up your photos, contacts, and files first.
- Contact Google Support: If nothing works, reach out to Google Play support or visit a certified service center, since the issue may be hardware-related on older devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Google Play Store keep stopping on my phone?
It is usually caused by a corrupt cache, an outdated Play Store or WebView version, or incorrect date and time settings. Clearing the cache and checking for updates fixes it in most cases.
Will clearing Play Store data delete my apps?
No. Clearing cache and data only resets the Play Store app itself and signs you out. Your installed apps and their data remain untouched.
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Do I need to factory reset my phone to fix this?
Rarely. A factory reset should only be used as a last resort after every other fix has failed, since it erases all data on the device.
The “Unfortunately, Google Play Store has stopped” error is annoying, but it is almost never a sign of a serious problem. Work through the steps above in order, be patient between each one, and your Play Store should be back to normal well before you reach the advanced fixes.
