There are a few common reasons why you may see the “Something went wrong” error message when trying to access the Google Play Store on your Android device:
Internet Connection Issues
One of the most common reasons for this error is problems with your internet connection. The Play Store requires an active internet connection to function properly. Here are some things to try:
- Check that your WiFi is connected and working properly. Try disconnecting and reconnecting.
- If on mobile data, check that you have a strong signal. Try moving to a location with better signal.
- Restart your router if on WiFi to refresh the connection.
- Disable VPN or proxy connections that may be interfering.
- Toggle airplane mode on and off to force a fresh connection.
Issues like weak signal, using mobile hotspots, VPNs, proxies, or ad blockers can cause connection errors with the Play Store. Ensuring you have a stable internet connection will resolve many “Something went wrong” errors.
Play Store App Issues
Problems with the Play Store app itself on your device can also lead to this error. Here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Force stop the Play Store app – open phone settings, find the Play Store app, select Force Stop.
- Clear the Play Store app cache and data – in phone settings, find the Play Store app, select Storage, then clear Cache and clear Data.
- Uninstall updates to the Play Store – in phone settings, find the Play Store app, select Uninstall Updates.
- Disable the Play Store app – in phone settings, find the Play Store app, select Disable.
- Re-enable the Play Store app after several minutes.
- Restart your device.
These steps will clear out any corrupted data, cache issues, or software bugs in the Play Store app itself that could be causing errors. Allowing the updated Play Store to reinstall fresh should resolve any app-specific issues.
Account Sign-in Issues
Being unable to properly sign in to your Google account can also lead to “Something went wrong” errors on the Play Store. Here are some troubleshooting tips for sign-in issues:
- Make sure you are signing in with the proper Google account – the one you normally use with your device.
- Double check your username and password are correct when signing in.
- Clear cookies and data for the browser you use to sign into Google accounts.
- Try resetting your account password if you think your account may be compromised.
- Remove and re-add your Google account on the device.
- Ensure 2-Step Verification is set up if enabled.
- Check Google Account settings for anything unusual like unknown devices.
Sign-in issues, password problems, or account mix-ups can prevent proper authentication with Google services like the Play Store. Resetting things can help resolve sign-in issues.
Software Updates Issues
Having pending updates for your Android OS or Google Play services can sometimes create issues with the Play Store. Here are some things to check:
- Ensure your device’s operating system is fully updated – check for any available OS updates.
- Check that Google Play services is updated via the Play Store – search “Google Play services”.
- Restart your device after updating the OS or Play services.
- If issues persist, reset app preferences – in phone settings, find Apps, select Reset App Preferences.
Keeping your system and Google apps fully up-to-date will ensure compatibility with Play Store functionality. Google releases frequent updates to fix bugs and optimization issues.
Device Storage Issues
If your device is low on storage space, it can interfere with the Play Store’s ability to download and update apps properly. Try the following:
- Check your available device storage space – is it below 500MB?
- Delete unused apps, files, photos to free up space.
- Uninstall and reinstall apps taking up large amounts of space.
- Move photos, videos and other media to cloud storage or external SD card.
- Disable auto-update for large apps.
Keeping at least 500MB free can prevent many device performance issues. The Play Store needs open storage space to download and update apps smoothly.
Restrictive Networks
Using restrictive networks and connections can block access to the Play Store. Check if:
- Your WiFi network has firewall or proxy restrictions.
- Your mobile network carrier blocks certain traffic.
- You are on a public network with traffic shaping.
- Your corporate or school network limits access.
- Your government censors internet access.
Using VPNs to route around restrictive networks can sometimes resolve access issues. But some networks completely block Google services, limiting Play Store functionality.
Device Compatibility Issues
On rare occasions, compatibility issues with your specific Android device can cause Play Store errors like “Something went wrong”. Try these steps:
- Ensure your Android OS version supports the latest Play Store – check the Android compatibility center.
- Check the manufacturer’s support site for known device-specific issues.
- Try uninstalling device manufacturer or carrier bloatware that may conflict.
- Perform a factory reset to clear out any device-specific software issues.
Some devices, especially older models or those with heavy manufacturer skins, may have OS or software quirks that interfere with Play Store operations. Checking for updates and resets can help.
Performing General Troubleshooting
If you are still seeing the Play Store “Something went wrong” error after trying the above, here are some general troubleshooting steps to take:
- Restart your device – turn it off completely and restart.
- Check DownDetector and social media if others are reporting widespread Play Store issues.
- Check the Play Store social media accounts for announcements of service issues.
- Contact Google Play customer support for further help troubleshooting.
- Try your Google account on another device – do you see the same error?
- Perform a factory reset on your device if all else fails.
Major Play Store outages are rare, but do happen. Checking for system-wide issues can help determine if the errors are isolated to your device. Factory resets should be a last resort to resolve stubborn device-specific software glitches.
Preventing Future “Something Went Wrong” Errors
While occasional Play Store errors will happen on any device, you can take some proactive steps to help minimize these “Something went wrong” messages:
- Keep your device storage cleared of unnecessary files to maintain free space.
- Disable auto-updates for large apps if storage space is limited.
- Configure recurring Google account password updates for security.
- Periodically force stop and clear the cache/data for the Play Store app.
- Use a stable WiFi or strong LTE connection when downloading large apps.
- Route your mobile network through a trusted VPN if on public WiFi.
- Limit use of ad blockers, proxies, and restrictive networks.
Proactively maintaining your device’s software, account security, and internet connectivity goes a long way towards avoiding Play Store glitches.
Conclusion
The Play Store’s “Something went wrong” message is a general catch-all error with many potential causes. Start by verifying your internet connection and Play Store app functionality. Then look at account sign-in issues or pending updates. Incompatible devices, low storage, restrictive networks or general software glitches can also be culprits. Persistent issues may require contacting Google support, factory resets or further troubleshooting assistance. But in most cases, a few simple software tweaks, app updates and connectivity improvements should have you back up and running in no time.