Android errors strike when you least expect and in many cases the meaning of the error message is confusing.

A perfect example of this is the "Google keeps stopping" error that occurs in Android when performing standard tasks. You might be accessing Google search, using the Play Store, or launching some other Google app. When the error message pops up, it provides little concrete information to help you fix it.

So, what exactly can you do when "Google keeps stopping" and what does it mean?

When Does the Google Keeps Stopping Error Occur?

The error can appear seemingly without warning and is often unrelated to any Google app. It happens thanks to a Google service running in the background.

For example, you could be playing a game when the weather app tries to update, resulting in the error. It's difficult to spot exactly which Google app is causing the error. It appears to be largely due to Google Play Services, Play Store, or the Google Search app. Some other Google apps and processes that are responsible for managing the Android operating system may also cause it.

Why Does Google Keep Stopping? What Does the Error Mean?

Although it's hard to pin down exactly, the "Google keeps stopping" error is generally thought to be the result of a caching issue, which causes the Google app or background service to fail. As Google is literally stopping, the intended task (perhaps running a search, browsing for apps, or something else) fails.

What makes it complicated is that the error is not about a specific app. The error occurs purely because a Google app keeps stopping on Android. Several fixes are available for this problem.

1. Easily Fix the Google Keeps Stopping Error: Restart Android

Sometimes, the error is short-lived, caused by a problem with a particular app, service, or shared resource. While there is no way to know when this is the case, a simple reboot of your phone will fix it. Hold the power button and when the menu appears, tap (or slide to) Restart.

2. Clear the Cache in the Google App

As we mentioned, the "Google keeps stopping" error is thought to be caused by a problem with the app's cache. If this is the case, it can be fixed relatively easily. The steps are the same on Samsung phones, Pixels, and any other affected device, although the menu options may be slightly different.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps.
  2. Scroll to Google and tap it to open.
  3. Select Storage and cache then tap Clear cache and wait while it clears.
  4. You can also try Clear storage, which will reset the app. In this screen, tap Clear All Data.
  5. To finish, click back, then restart your phone.

With this process completed, the error should now be fixed. If not, repeat for the Google Play Store, then for Google Play Services, restarting after each until the error is resolved.

Interestingly, while the OS is largely free of errors, clearing the Android cache helps fix a surprising number of problems.

3. Uninstall Recent App Updates to Fix the Google Keeps Stopping Error

You can't uninstall the Google app from your phone, but you can uninstall the updates it has had, which may be causing the error:

  1. Open Settings > Apps > See all apps > Google.
  2. In the top right corner tap the three dots menu.
  3. Tap Uninstall updates.
  4. At the prompt, click OK.

If there is an issue with the Google app stopping, an update should be issued. When this happens, simply visit the Google Play Store, search for the Google app, and tap Update. This should resolve the error.

4. Uninstall WebView Updates to Fix Errors

One other cause of the "Google keeps stopping" error is WebView. This is an Android system tool that displays webpages and web content inside apps so that they don't need to open the full browser. It can cause problems from time to time, and is prone to crashing itself.

Again, you can't uninstall the app completely, but you can uninstall any updates it has had. Follow the steps above, this time searching for Android System WebView to roll back those updates.

5. Stop or Uninstall the App That Causes the Problem

If the app only appears when you're using a specific app, you can try uninstalling it to see if that helps. Or, if it's an app that you need, you can try stopping it first:

  1. Long tap on the app's icon either on your home screen or in your app drawer, then tap i or select App info.
    1. Alternatively, you can open Settings > Apps > See all apps and tap the app.
  2. Tap Force stop and confirm when prompted.
    force stop an app
  3. If that has no effect, tap Uninstall to remove the app.

Wait for the app to uninstall before proceeding. You may find restarting the phone helps here. If the "Google keeps stopping" error has stopped, you're done.

6. Remember to Update Android

The "Google keeps stopping" error (and others) can be largely attributed to software updates. If the error has just started happening, there is a good chance that a standard system update, an app update, or even a hotfix has caused it.

While we've provided a workable solution above, you should find that the error has been fixed in the next update. Assuming your phone is getting that update, you should be able to download it. And remember, you should always keep your phone up to date whenever possible.

7. No Joy? You May Need to Factory Reset Android

As noted, in most cases simply clearing the cache will bring an end to the Google stopping error. If not, resetting the phone to its factory settings is the only other easy option.

Before proceeding, you should ensure that all data on your phone is backed up. Our guide on how to properly back up Android will help here. This involves backing up settings, photos, contacts, text messages, media files, and other vital documents.

Once you've done that, it's time to reset Android. The easiest way to do this is in the settings screen.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
  2. Find and tap Erase all data (factory reset).
  3. Android will warn you that the internal storage will be reset, so read carefully.
  4. When you're satisfied it is the right option, tap Reset Phone.

When you're done, Android will seem as good as new. After setting up your account, take the opportunity to download any new updates as soon as possible.

Fix the "Google Keeps Stopping" Error

Errors with the Google app are relatively rare—much more so than they used to be—but can appear from time to time without any warning. While it isn't always easy to pin down the exact cause, a few housekeeping steps like stopping the Google app, clearing the cache, and uninstalling and reinstalling updates will usually help.

And if it's something that many users are experiencing at the same time, it might be a sign of a bigger problem. In that case, you should keep an eye out for new updates that Google pushes out for its apps.