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Google Play Store Keeps Stopping? (Try this Fix FIRST!)

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Writer, Android

Chizara is a technical writer who loves learning new things and sharing her knowledge with people in simple, clear terms. As part of her coursework, she is learning about Extended Reality and the Metaverse. She currently serves as a writer at Gotechtor covering all things Android.

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Do you keep getting the “Google Play Store Keeps Stopping” error on your Android device? Don’t fret! We’ll go through all the possible reasons why the Play Store app keeps crashing and how to fix the problem. 

First, let’s go over why you keep getting the “Google Play Store Keeps Stopping” error. Hang on.

Why Does Google Play Store Keep Stopping?

When Google Play Store keeps stopping it’s most likely because of a bad update. Sometimes Google releases buggy updates that can cause problems to your phone.

Here are some of the most common reasons why your Google Play Store has stopped working.

  • The Google Play Store app is not up-to-date
  • The app cache might be corrupted
  • Insufficient storage space on your phone
  • Google Play Store is incompatible with a recent update
  • Google servers might be down

Restart Your Device

This is the first route you should take when you encounter any Android error. Sometimes, a restart is all you need to clear the RAM and fix up any bug that might have been causing the error.

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.)
Restart button on Android device
Restart Your Device. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • 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.

Clear Google Play Services and Play Store Cache and Data

Sometimes, you need to clear the cache and data of the Google background apps so they can work optimally. To do this, follow these simple steps.

  • Open Settings and go to Apps.
Apps panel on the Settings app of an Android device
Apps in Settings. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on the Google Play Services app.
google play services in the Android app list
The Google Play Services in Apps. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Now, click on Storage.
Storage in Google Play Services.
The Google Play Services storage. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Tap on Clear Cache.
Clear cache button in Google Play Services
Clear Cache in Google Play ServicesScreenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on Manage Storage. This will lead you to the page where you will be able to clear the data.
Manage Storage button in Google Play Services
Manage Storage button in Google Play Services. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on the Clear Data button to erase all Google Play Services data.
Clear all Data button in GooglePlay Services
Clear Google Play Services Data. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

You have now cleared the data and cache of the Google Play Services app. This fix also works if your Google Play Services app keeps stopping.

The next step is to carry out the same process for the Google Play Store app.

  • Go back to the Apps list and select Google Play Store.
Google Play Store in Android apps list
Google Play Store in the Android Apps list in Settings. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Open it and go to Storage.
Storage in Google Play Store
Google Play Store app info. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on Clear Cache.
Clear cache button in Google Play Store
Clear Google Play Store app cache. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on Clear Data.
Clear Data button in Google Play Store
Clear Google Play Store app data. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

This should fix the “Google Play Store Keeps Stopping” error.

Update Google Play Store

Having out-of-date apps can stop your applications from working properly. Updating apps (especially Google Apps) keeps them functioning and fixes bugs. To update your Google Play Store app, follow these easy steps:

  • Open the Google Play Store app and click on your Google account icon on the top right.
The account icon in Google lay Store app
Account icon in the Google Play Store app. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Go to Settings.
Settings option in Google Play Store
Google Play Store settings. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on About and then click on “Update Play Store” in the dropdown options.
Update Google Play Store option
Update Google Play Store. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • If your Google Play Store is up-to-date, you will get a prompt just like the one below. If not, update the app, restart and the error will be gone for good.
Google Play Store App is up-to-date prompt
Google Play Store is up-to-date. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

If your app is up-to-date, you would need to try other fixes. Stick with us!

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.

  • In the Apps list in Settings, select Google Play Store.
Google Play Store in the Android app list
Google Play Store. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on the menu icon at the top right (three vertical dots).
Three-dot menu icon in Google Play Store
Menu icon. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on Uninstall Updates.
Uninstall updates button in Google Play Store
Uninstall Updates. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • You will be asked if you want to replace the app with the factory version. Click OK.
Confirmation for uninstalling updates in Google Play Store
Confirmation Prompt. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

You have now uninstalled all updates. Restart your phone and try opening the Google Play Store. You would not get the “Google Play Store keeps stopping” error anymore.

Uninstall Google Chrome Updates

If the problem persists, go through these steps again but now on the Google Chrome app in the Apps list. Uninstalling Google Chrome updates might allow the Play Store to work well.

Follow these steps to uninstall the updates in Google Chrome:

  • Go to the Apps list in Settings and click on “Chrome” or “Google Chrome“.
Google Chrome in Android Apps list.
Google Chrome. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on the menu button (three vertical dots) on the top right and select Uninstall Updates.
Uninstall updates button in Google Chrome
Uninstall Updates in Google Chrome. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Restart your device and open Google Play Store. It should work just fine.

Uninstall Android System WebView Updates

The Android System WebView app allows android applications to display web content. To uninstall the updates, follow these short steps:

  • Go to the Apps list in Settings and click on “Android System WebView“.
Android System WebView in Apps list
Android System WebView. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on the menu button (three vertical dots) on the top right and select Uninstall Updates.
Uninstall updates button for Android System WebView
Uninstall Updates. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • You will be asked if you want to replace the app with the factory version. Click OK.
Click OK to confirm uninstall
Click OK. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

This fix is sure to solve the problem. When you open the Google Play Store app, you will no longer get the “Google Play Store keeps stopping” error.

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

  • Go to Settings and click on “Accounts” or “Accounts and Backup” depending on your Android Device.
Accounts panel in Settings
Accounts and Back up. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on Accounts.
Accounts in Accounts and Back up
Account. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Choose the Google account you want to remove.
Choose the Google account you want to remove.
Choose Your Google Account. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on the Remove Account button and confirm the action.
Remove account button.
Remove Account. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Go back to Accounts and click on “Add Account“.
Add account button
Add Account. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Select “Google” and confirm your identity.
Select Google to add a Google account
Add Google Account. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Now, add the Google account you just removed.
Add your Google Account by signing in.
Sign into your Google Account. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

Clear App Cache

The “Google Play Store keeps stopping” error could be caused by low memory space. Clearing unused app cache and junk files can free up space on your Android device.

To clear your cache, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings and click on the Apps panel.
Apps panel in Android Settings
Apps panel in Settings. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Select an app, go to its Storage and click on Clear Cache.
Clear cache button on the camera app
Clear Camera app cache. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

Do this for as many apps as possible. You would have enough space on your device and Google Play Store will work properly.

Check If Google Play Store is Down

If Google Play Store is down for everyone or a large number of people, the problem is not from your end. You can check if Google Play Store is down at downdetector.com or isitdownrightnow.com.

If the Play Store is down you will just have to wait for Google to come up with a fix. After some time, it would be fixed and the app will be back to normal.

Check Your Internet Connection and WiFi

Google Play Store needs stable internet connectivity to work optimally. In some cases, Google Play Store may fail to detect an internet connection, causing it to stop working.

You can toggle the WiFi and Airplane mode options on and off, or restart your router to fix this problem.

Factory Reset Your Device

This should always be the last resort but if all fails, this might be your only option. Please ensure that you back up all your important files and data in the cloud storage service of your choice storage as a factory reset will clear all your data, files, and downloaded apps. 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.
General Management panel in settings
General Management in Settings. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on Reset.
Reset your Android device.
Reset Android Device. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Choose Factory Data Reset. This will wipe out your phone and erase all of your data.
Factory Data Reset your Android device to keep it from stopping
Factory Data Reset. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on the Reset button to completely reset your phone to the factory settings.
Reset button on Android
Reset Your Device. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

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

Final Thoughts on Google Play Store Keeps Stopping

We hope one of these fixes was able to fix the “Google Play Store keeps stopping” error and that your Android device is working properly.

If you found success doing something else, leave us a comment down below!

Writer, Android

Chizara is a technical writer who loves learning new things and sharing her knowledge with people in simple, clear terms. As part of her coursework, she is learning about Extended Reality and the Metaverse. She currently serves as a writer at Gotechtor covering all things Android.

Chizara Ibeakanma

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