Google Play Store not working: How to fix it

The Google Play Store could sometimes become unresponsive or freeze randomly, while trying to download a new app or update an existing app in Android. Although there is no definite root cause or fix for this issue, there are a few known workarounds to overcome this problem on more occasions than not.

Turn on/off Airplane mode

Try toggling the Airplane mode on and off, as this simple trick often helps in resolving intermittent crashes with Google Play Store app.

Toggle Wi-Fi, restart router and handset

Sometimes the Play Store issue can be triggered by connection issues with your Wi-Fi network. In such instances, you can just turn the Wi-Fi connection off and then on, to reset the settings and regain lost connection. You might also try restarting your Wi-Fi router and also your handset as the last resort.

Check for disabled apps

It is known that certain disabled apps could cause conflicts with other apps that are sharing data with it, especially when user apps are linked to system apps like Google Play Store. So, it would be wise to re-enable all such apps and services by going to Settings > Apps > All and then locating the recently disabled apps.

Force close Google Play Store

Force closing the Google Play Store is the simplest way to fix random freezes with the app. You can do this by just swiping away the Google Play Store app on your multi-tasking app switcher. Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps > All and then select Google Play Store from the list and tap Force Stop.

Erase Google Play Store cache memory

Your handset is designed to store frequently used data in cache memory, in order to speed up loading and processing times with reduced data usage. On the downside, the accumulated data can pile up over time and lead to memory conflicts on your phone. Hence, it is a good idea to clear the cache regularly.

To erase the cache memory, just head over to Settings, choose Apps and then select Google Play Store from the list by tapping on it. Now, you can hit the Clear cache button from the available list of options.

Delete Google Play Store data

If clearing out the cache memory didn't help resolve the problem, then you must delete Google Play Store related data. Just head over to Settings > App Manager and then tap on Clear Data.

Uninstall updates to Google Play Store

As the Google Play Store is a system app, you can only uninstall its recently installed updates and cannot actually terminate or remove the app completely. In other words, you can revert back to older version of the Play Store app and later try updating it, once the issue is resolved.

Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store and hit Uninstall updates.

Clear cache and data on Google Play Services

Google Play Services are also known to cause intermittent issues with older apps as their cache memory starts piling up with more and more data over time. So, it is a good practice to clear up the cache and data, using Play Services on the App Manager.

Check and correct your date/time settings

Improper date and time settings could often cause issues with Google Play Store servers, as there is a mismatch while syncing with date/time settings on your phone. Just set the date/time syncing to automatic mode and check it that helps. Otherwise, just try setting up the device's date/time settings in accordance with the internet time synchronisation service.

Disable Proxy or VPN settings

Certain VPN and Proxy users have been reportedly affected with Google Play Store issues and disabling the Proxy settings seems to be the only viable solution for this problem. To access these Settings, just long-press on your router name, click Advanced and select Wi-Fi. Alternatively, open VPN settings via more section under Wireless and networks category.

Removing and Resetting Google account

Some users report that resetting Google account has helped them to fix Play Store issues on few occasions. Go to Settings > Accounts and select your Google account. Then select the 3-dot menu button and hit remove. Add your account back and then try to access the Play Store.

Factory data reset

As a last resort, you can try restoring your device to factory or stock settings by performing the Factory data reset. Go to Settings > Backup and Reset, and then click Factory data reset. On the ensuing warning screen, tap on the Reset Phone button and then hit the Erase Everything button

[Source: Android Authority]