How to Clear Google Play Cache on Android

Although Android is regarded as a great operating system, it’s still not immune to bugs. Its apps tend to get all buggy and unresponsive sometimes. Google’s Play Store, for instance, sometimes can’t download anything, or won’t even let you open it.

There are lots of different causes and solutions for issues regarding this and other Android app malfunctions, so stay with us and see if any of the following helps you.

Clear the App Cache and Data

This is the first line of action if you’ve already made sure that you’re connected to the internet and that the connection is strong enough. Just like with any other Android app, you can clear the Play Store’s app cache and, if necessary, the app data. Keep in mind that doing the latter forces you to log in and set up the app again, though.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Go to Settings.
   
2. Go to the “Apps” (or similar) menu.
   
3. Find the Google Play Store on the apps list.
   
4. Select “Storage.”
   
5. Choose “Clear cache” or “Clear data.”
   
6. Launch the Play Store again and see if this helps.
   

Check the Storage and SD Card

Don’t forget that running low on storage space can prevent your phone from working correctly. The same goes for the Play Store downloading or installing apps.

Additionally, there might be a problem with the SD card regarding its setup. Try removing it and inserting it again to make sure you’ve inserted it properly.

Turn Off or Restart the Phone

The next most harmless step would be restarting the phone:

1. To open the shutdown menu, press and hold down the Power button.
2. Choose “Turn off” or “Restart.” These options might have different labels on your smartphone.
   
3. If you’ve turned your phone off, press and hold the Power button to turn it back on.

Check for OS Updates

If you haven’t updated your operating system in a while, it might be time to do so now. The Google Play Store usually comes preinstalled with the OS, which is why an update might help.

1. Find the Settings menu.
   
2. Go to “System.”
   
3. Select “Software update” and see if there’s an update available.
   

Uninstall Updates

Another way to try and solve problems related to the app is deleting all of its updates. You’ll be able to reinstall them later:

1. For this method, you’ll need to be connected to the internet, preferably Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings.
   
3. Find “Apps & notifications” or similarly named menu. “Apps” is also a label that’s often seen.
   
4. On the apps list, tap on “Google Play Store.” If you can’t see it, try looking for “All apps” or a similarly labeled tab.
   
5. Tap “Uninstall updates.” If this is not available to you right away, try tapping the three vertical dots or finding this option in some similar menu.
   
6. Hit “OK” to confirm that you want to do this, then try using the Play Store again.
   

Remove the Google Account and Add It Back

When things go very wrong, you can always remove your Google account from your device, and then add it again. Note, however, that doing this will delete the account-related data from your Android device.

On the flipside, you won’t lose the data that’s in the Google’s cloud. Also, most of it returns once you add the account to your device (again). Still, you should back up any important data before following these steps:

1. Open Settings.
   
2. Go to “Users & accounts.”
   
3. Tap on Google and then select the Google account that you need to delete.
   
4. Tap on “Remove” twice.
   
5. Enter your phone’s password (if you have any) to delete this account if prompted.

To return the account:

1. Enter the “Users & accounts” tab in the Settings menu again.
   
2. Tap on “Add account” and proceed to “Google.”
   
3. Your device will provide you with further instructions. Follow them.
   
4. Launch the Play Store.
   
5. At the top right, tap your profile picture or initials.
   
6. All the available accounts will show up. Find your account. Try using the Play Store now.
   

Fixing Android

These are all the main solutions that you can follow to refresh the Play Store or make it work again. You can also always do a factory reset, but that might be a bit too much. What’s great about Android is that most of these steps are applicable to all apps and not just the Google Play Store. Therefore, you can use them for other apps, but make sure you have backed up all your important data previously.

Have you ever experienced problems with the Google Play Store? What did you do to resolve them? Let us know in the comments below.