Are you having trouble with the Google Play Store app: can’t find it, it’s disabled, or it keeps stopping? We’ll guide you step by step on how to enable it and get it working again.
Note that the name “Google Play Store” is used when the Android system is set to English. If your system is in another language, the name might differ.
Why and when you need to enable Google Play Store application?
There are various situations where the Google Play Store might not work or is disabled on your device:
- Missing Initial Setup: On a new device, you may need to set up a Google account to enable the Google Play Store.
- Accidental Disabling: The app might have been accidentally disabled by you or by another app.
- Connectivity Issues: An unstable internet connection can prevent the Play Store from functioning correctly.
- Blocked Updates: Blocked updates for the operating system or the app may cause errors.
- Conflicts with Other Apps: Some third-party apps might interfere with the Play Store’s operation.
- Restricted Access: If you’re using a company phone, access to the Google Play Store might be blocked by your organization.
- Hardware Issues: In rare cases, a hardware problem could affect the Google Plays Store’s functionality.
Essential requirements for the Google Play Store app
Before doing anything else, ensure that the following essential conditions are met for the Google Play Store to function properly.
Check Your Internet Connection:
- Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or mobile data.
- Try accessing other websites in a browser to confirm that your connection is working properly.
Check Your Google Account:
- Log in to Your Google Account: Go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Manage Accounts → Add Account → Google, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- Ensure Necessary Permissions: In the Google apps, check if you’ve granted all the necessary permissions to access the Play Store.
Check Play Store Settings:
- Go to Settings → Apps.
- Find the “Google Play Store” app in the list.
- Make sure the Play Store has all the necessary permissions.
- If possible, disable and then re-enable the app.
Check for Updates:
- Check if there are any updates available for the Android operating system.
- If possible, update the Google Play Store app to the latest version.
1. Enabling Google Play Store on a new device
When you buy a new Android device, the Google Play Store should already be installed and enabled by default. However, to use it, you need to follow a few simple steps:
- Turn on the device and connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- On the home screen, find and open the Google Play Store.
- Sign in with your Google account or create one directly in the app.
- Accept the terms and conditions presented when signing in with your Google account.
After completing these steps, the Google Play Store will be enabled and ready to use.
2. How to enable Google Play Store if it’s disabled
The Google Play Store might have been disabled by you, the Android system, or even another app. To re-enable it, follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Navigate to “Apps” or “App Management,” depending on your Android version.
- Find “Google Play Store” in the list of apps.
- Tap “Enable” or “Restart.”
3. How to enable Google Play Store if you can’t find the app on the Home Screen
Can’t find the Google Play Store? Instructions on how to quickly locate the Google Play Store app can be found here: Where to Find the Google Play Store App.
If the Play Store is indeed missing from the home screen, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings → Apps.
- Look for “Google Play Store” in the list of apps.
- From the app menu, tap the Open button to run the app and confirm that it works.
- Force stop the app, then disable and re-enable it.
If the Google Play Store doesn’t reappear on the home screen, you can also try resetting app preferences:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Advanced (three vertical dots in the upper right corner) → Reset App Preferences → Reset.
- Restart your device.
4. How to enable Google Play Store if the app stops working
If the Google Play Store won’t open, shows various errors at launch, or crashes suddenly, follow these steps:
- Restart your device. A simple reboot can resolve many temporary issues.
- Clear the app’s cache and data. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage, then tap “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.”
- Reset app settings (data, permissions) to default values. Go to Settings → Apps → Advanced (three vertical dots in the upper right corner) → Reset App Preferences → Reset.
- Uninstall the latest updates. If the Play Store keeps stopping, go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Advanced (three vertical dots in the upper right corner) → Uninstall Updates.
5. Enabling Google Play Store by manually installing the app on your device
In some cases, the Google Play Store is not pre-installed on an Android device, particularly those from certain regions or devices running customized versions of Android.
If this is the case, you can try installing the GooglePlayStore by following the instructions here: How to Download and Install the Google Play Store app.
If the installation is successful, you’ll find the Google Play Store already enabled and ready to use on your device. Otherwise, your device may not support the Google Play Store, in which case you can explore alternative apps similar to the Play Store, customized for your device.
No matter your situation—whether you have a new device or are encountering issues with the app—the steps outlined above will help you resolve common Google Play Store issues.
