In most cases, Android devices include Play Store pre-installed. You may need to manually install or reinstall it only when requiring a specific version or fixing performance issues.
This tutorial shows you how to download and install Play Store on your phone/tablet for new setups or when troubleshooting existing Play Store issues.
Getting the latest Google Play Store app through the official link
The most reliable method to download Google Play Store is through the official Google Play Store app link.
To download Google Play Store officially:
- Open your device’s web browser.
- Visit the official Google Play Store link.
- The page will either open in the Play Store app (if already installed) or prompt you to download it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
This method works only if your device is certified and supported by Google Play Services.
If the official link doesn’t work for your device, it may indicate that your phone/tablet isn’t Google-certified, which means you’ll need to follow the steps below.
1. Enable installation of apps (APK format) from unknown sources
By default, Android’s security settings prevent the installation of apps or games from unknown or unauthorized sources. You will receive a message like the one below.
You will need to change a setting to be able to install third-party apps, which are found outside of the Play Store.
Go to Settings → Apps → Special access.
Navigate to “Install unknown apps” and enable the option for the “My Files” app.
2. Download Google Play Store APK file
At apkmirror.com, you’ll find a vast collection of Android apps that can be manually installed, including the Play Store app, known as “Google Play Store”.
You can find the download page for Google Play Store here. Simply download the latest version compatible with your device by following the steps below.
Then confirm the file download:
If no compatible version is available for your device, you can opt to install Google Play services, which also includes Google Play Store.
3. Install Google Play Store on your phone or tablet
To install the application, navigate to the Downloads folder on your Android device and open the file containing the Google Play Store app (with the .apk extension). An installation window will appear — press the Install or Update button as applicable.
Wait for the process to complete, then close the window by pressing Done or immediately run Play Store by selecting Open.
This guide helps you reinstall Play Store or install specific versions. Following these steps should resolve any issues you were experiencing with the app.
After you have followed all the steps and Play Store is now active on your device, don’t forget to turn off the option to install apps from unknown sources.
