Download Error 194 in Play Store? (Try THESE Fixes!)

1. Restart Your Android Device

It is important to restart your phone often. Restarting clears the RAM and fixes bugs that might cause errors in the phone. When faced with an error, restarting your device should be your first solution.

To restart your device, follow these simple steps:

• Long-press the ON/OFF button on the side of your device until you get a prompt like the one below. (Depending on your android device brand, it may look different.)

• Click on the Restart button and wait for your phone to power off and then on.

This will probably fix the error. If it doesn’t, we’ve got more fixes for you to try below.

2. Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data

Sometimes, you need to clear the cache and data of the Google Play Store app to work optimally.

To do this, follow these simple steps:

• Open Settings and go to Apps.

• Search for and click on the Google Play Store app.

• Now, click on Storage in the App Info that is shown.

• Click on Clear Cache.

• Click on Clear Data.

This should fix the “App could not be downloaded due to an error. (194)” error. If it doesn’t, please try the fixes below.

3. Remove and Re-add Your Google Account

Removing and adding back your google account can reset your Google Play Store app and keep it from throwing the download error.

Make sure you know the password to your Google account before trying this fix.

Follow these steps to remove and add your Google account successfully.

• Go to Settings and click on “Accounts” or “Accounts and Backup” depending on your Android Device.

• Click on Accounts.

• Choose the Google account you want to remove.

• Click on the Remove Account button and confirm the action.

• Go back to Accounts and click on “Add Account“.

• Select “Google” and confirm your identity.

• Now, add the Google account you just removed.

You should now be able to download your apps without receiving the “App could not be downloaded due to an error. (194)” problem.

4. Uninstall Google Play Store Updates

This might seem contradictory, but it is common for Google updates to be incompatible with some devices.

To fix this, you will need to uninstall all previous updates. Follow the steps below to do so:

• In the Apps list in Settings, select Google Play Store.

• Click on the menu icon at the top-right corner of the screen (three vertical dots).

• Click on Uninstall Updates.

• You will be asked if you want to replace the app with the factory version. Click OK.

• Do this for the Google Play Services app if you wish.

You have now uninstalled all updates. Restart your phone and try opening the Google Play Store app. You would no longer get the”App could not be downloaded due to an error. (194)“ error anymore.

5. Clear Google Play Services Cache

Clearing Google background apps cache can solve the download problem. A corrupt cache can pose a lot of problems for Google apps.

Follow the steps below to clear the Google Play Services cache.

• Open Settings and go to Apps.
• Search for the Google Play Services app.

• Now, click on Storage.

• Tap on Clear Cache.

Restart your device and try downloading or updating an app. It will work fine now.

6. Force Stop Google Play Store in Settings

Force-stopping the Google Play Store app can refresh the application and solve the issue. Follow the steps below to force stop the Play Store app:

• Open the Settings app.

• Go to the Apps tab in Settings.

• Search for Google Play Store.

• In the App Info that opens, click on Force Stop.

Do this to the Google Play Services app as well.

7. Switch to Mobile Data

If you were connected to a WiFi network while trying to download the app, you should try using your mobile data.

Sometimes, switching from WiFi to mobile data will solve the”App could not be downloaded due to an error. (194)” error.

8. Change Your Location Using a VPN

If you’re using a VPN, you can bypass the download (194) error by changing your location in the VPN app. You will then be able to download and install your apps without issues.

If you do not have a VPN, you can try the fixes below. Resetting your network might do the trick.

9. Reset Network Settings

If the network connectivity is corrupt, it might affect your downloads from the Google Play Store. You will have to reset your network.

Resetting your network does not clear your data. It only resets your wifi and internet settings to their default mode.

Follow these steps to reset your network settings:

• Go to Settings and click on General Management.

• Click on the Reset panel.

• Select Reset Network Settings.

• Click on the Reset button to completely reset your device’s network settings.

This will surely solve the “App could not be downloaded due to an error. (194)” error. Restart your phone and use the Play Store app.

10. Factory Reset Your Android Device

It should always be your last resort, but in the event that all else fails, it might be your only choice.

Make sure you back up all your data and files in the cloud storage service of your choice because a factory reset will erase all your data, apps, and files.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely back up your Android phone.

To factory reset your phone, follow these simple steps:

• Open Settings and go to General Management.

• Click on Reset.

• Choose Factory Data Reset. This will wipe out your phone and erase all of your data.

• Click on the Reset button to completely reset your phone to the factory settings.

After resetting your phone, restart your phone. The problem should now be fixed.

Final Thoughts on Fixing the Download Error (194) in the Play Store

If you’ve come across an “App could not be downloaded due to an error. (194)” error, don’t panic.

There are several proven fixes you can try to get rid of it:

• Restart your Android device
• Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data
• Remove and re-add your Google account
• Uninstall Google Play Store updates
• Clear Google Play Services cache
• Force Stop Google Play Store in Settings
• Switch to mobile data
• Change your location using a VPN
• Reset your network settings
• Factory Reset your Android device

Hopefully, one of the fixes above has fixed the “App could not be downloaded due to an error (194)” error, and your Android device is working as it should.