The "Google Play Service has stopped" error message isn't that big a deal. We've summarized 10 of the fastest and easiest fixes for when the Play Store stops working on your Android phone.

We strongly recommend following these steps in order. We're starting with the easy, low-hanging fruit before moving on to more complicated options. Please note that the tips in this guide won't apply if you've modified Android with a custom ROM.

What Causes "Unfortunately, Google Play Service Has Stopped"?

Almost all Play Store failures are caused by either bad software or network issues.

However, there is a major exception: The wrong version of the Play Store might get rolled out to your device. Since the Play Store is hard-wired for specific devices (or processors), the wrong version renders Google Play unusable. While that's possible, though, it's unlikely.

Let's start with the most common and easiest methods for how to fix Google Play Services if it keeps stopping, before moving on to the more complicated steps.

1. Restart Your Device

This step might sound obvious, but we're not trying to insult you. Turning your device off and back on again really can fix most Play Store problems.

To restart your Android device:

  1. Hold down the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
  2. Choose the power-down icon.
  3. Once the device completely shuts off, start it back up by holding the power button.
  4. Open the Play Store and see if your issue is fixed.

We've published an explanation on why restarting your Android device can fix many issues.

2. Update the Play Store and Google Services

Sometimes an outdated version of Google Play or the Google Services Framework can cause a problem. You should thus check for updates for both of these when you run into trouble

  1. Launch the Google Play Store.
  2. Tap on your profile icon located at the top-right of the Play Store menu, on the right of the search bar.
  3. Tap Manage apps & device, and you'll see a list of pending updates. Tap Update all which should update all your outdated apps.
  4. This should update Google Services Framework if an update is available.
  5. Optionally, open the menu on the left and tap Settings. Scroll to the bottom of this page and tap Play Store version to check and update the Google Play Store's version.
  6. Restart your device and then launch the Play Store again.

3. Change From Cellular Data to Wi-Fi (or Vice-Versa)

If your internet connection is poor, you might see the "Unfortunately, the Play Store has stopped working" error. In some cases, you won't see any error messages at all. Other times, the Play Store might fail in the middle of downloads or refuse to start them altogether.

In either case, the fix is pretty simple. If you're using Wi-Fi, switch to your mobile network or try another wireless network. If you're on mobile data, switch to a Wi-Fi network.

4. Change the Time and Date

Google Play Services may fail if your time and date settings are incorrect. Correcting this is pretty easy:

  1. Launch Settings and select System.
  2. Choose Date & time from the menu.
  3. Check Use network-provided time if it's not enabled already. Make sure your device picks the right time.
  4. If you still have trouble, try setting up a manual time by disabling the automatic function and tapping on Set time.
  5. Restart your device and then retry the Play Store.

5. Check Your Phone's Storage

If your phone's storage is completely full, Google Play Store can't write data to its cache, which will interfere with the app. We've published a guide on tips you can use to free up space on your Samsung phone. We also have an article on tips for cleaning up other Android devices.

6. Clear Google Play Services Data (and Cache)

The Google Play Store and the Google Play Services app (the Google Services Framework app no longer appears as a separate app) both undergird the function of Google's apps. If anything goes wrong with Google Play, we recommend wiping the data on both services and restarting your phone.

Note that the Wipe Data option also wipes the "cache," which is where temporary app data is stored. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all X apps and find the Google Play Store.
  2. On the app's page, choose Storage and then Clear storage or Clear data.
  3. Repeat this process for Google Play Services. You may need to tap the Menu button in the corner and choose Show system to reveal it.
  4. Restart your phone.

7. Revert to an Older Version of the Google Play Store

Reverting (or "rolling back") to the version of the Google Play Store that came with your phone or tablet can resolve issues with a glitched version. Doing so is easy:

  1. Open Settings and choose Apps & notifications.
  2. Tap See all X apps and find the Google Play Store app in the list.
  3. Choose Disable from the following menu. Disabling system apps does not uninstall them, but rather replaces them with the original version that came with your phone.
  4. Re-enable the app once again.
  5. Restart your device.

After rolling back, your device will eventually update to the latest version of the Google Play Store again.

8. Remove Your Google Account

Sometimes an Android device won't add a user account correctly. If this is the problem, removing and re-adding the account can sometimes resolve Google Play Store issues. To do this:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Choose Accounts.
  3. Tap on the Google account you want to remove and choose Remove account. Make sure you've backed up everything synced to that account so you don't lose it.
  4. Re-add your Google account and see if the Play Store works again.

Keep in mind that you won't be able to use your account on your device until it's re-added. So make sure you know your password and have access to any two-factor authentication apps before proceeding.

9. Install a Copy of the Play Store From a Third Party

I don't recommend this option, but if the above steps fail, downloading a copy of the Play Store from third-party APK websites is worth a try. Unfortunately, this requires installing a potentially insecure app from a source outside of Google, which can introduce vulnerabilities. It's also only for advanced users and, even then, oftentimes fails.

You should have a file manager installed to make it easier to browse to the downloaded APK and install it. Ghost Commander is a fine choice if you don't have one yet. You'll also need to enable sideloading of apps on your device. Then head to the links below on your phone and download the APKs to your device.

Open the APKs from the download prompt in your browser or find them using your file manager app. Android will install them like any other app, which includes updating them if they're stuck.

Download: Google Play Services (Free from APKMirror)

Download: Google Play Store (Free from APKMirror)

10. Factory Reset Your Device

A factory reset will restore your device to its original state. This means it will revert to the original version of the Play Store and other apps, almost certainly resolving your issue.

Unfortunately, doing so will also cause you to lose all data on your phone, including apps, photos, texts, and more. If you choose this option, make sure to back up your Android phone first. We've published a guide on how to factory reset your Android device as well as instructions for resetting a Samsung device.

To reset your device, plug it into a power source and then take the following actions:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap System > Advanced > Reset options.
  3. Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
  4. Tap Erase everything or Erase all data (factory reset) from the next menu.
  5. Walk through the steps to set up your device anew.

Is the Play Store Still Not Working?

The "Google Play Service has stopped" error message is difficult to fix if the methods here do not work. In some cases, low-end manufacturers will install illegitimate copies of the Play Store on their phones to avoid paying certification fees to Google (how to check your Android device's certification). These devices sometimes lose access to Google Play over time.

Some people have had success fixing Play Store issues by rooting their devices and sideloading special copies of the Play Store. But for most people, it's probably best to just install an alternative to the Play Store and move along.