Opening the Play Store app is usually simple—you just need to locate and tap it. However, there are times when you might not find the icon easily or just want quicker ways to access the Google Play Store.
In this guide, you’ll learn three fast methods—plus the default options—for launching the Play Store on phones, tablets, Chromebooks, emulators, and even through a web browser.
📱 Opening the Play Store – Default Methods
Here are the standard ways to open the Play Store on an Android phone or tablet:
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From the Home Screen: Look for the Play Store icon (a multicolored triangle on a white shopping bag), then tap it.
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From the Apps Drawer: Swipe up on your home screen to view all apps. Scroll or use the search bar to find the Play Store, then tap it.
For other devices, the process varies slightly:
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On Chromebooks: Click the launcher, search for “Play Store,” and click to open it. If it doesn’t appear, go to Settings > Apps and enable the Play Store.
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On Google TV: Press the Home button on your remote, navigate to Apps, then open the Google Play Store app.
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On Android Emulators (PC or Mac): Open your emulator (e.g., BlueStacks), locate the Play Store icon, and click to launch it.
🗣️ Open the Play Store via Google Assistant
Voice commands make opening the Play Store effortless:
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Just Say “Hey Google, open Play Store” or “Hey Google, open the Play Store”.
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Google Assistant will open a Play Store session instantly.
If you can’t open the Play Store because Google Assistant only launches it in a browser, go to your default apps settings (Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Open by default) and make sure Play Store is set as the handler for its links.
If voice commands are disabled, you can manually activate Google Assistant by pressing and holding the Home button or swiping from the bottom corner of the screen.
🌐 Open the Play Store Website in a Browser (With or Without a Google Account)
You don’t need an Android device to browse the Play Store. On any computer, tablet, or phone:
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Visit play.google.com in Chrome, Firefox, or any browser.
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Sign in with your Google account to install apps remotely, or browse as a guest if you only want to explore.
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Tap “Open in Play Store app” if prompted on Android devices.
This method is especially useful when you’re on a PC or iPhone but still want to access the Google Play Store’s content and manage your library or subscriptions.
🔗 Open the Play Store Using a Direct Download Link
If the Play Store icon is missing or hidden, use a direct URL to access it:
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Go to: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.
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Tap “Open in Play Store app” or “Install” if prompted.
This approach helps you bypass icon-related issues and lets you search for and install apps directly using shared links.
🛠️ Can’t Find or Open the Play Store?
If the Play Store seems to be missing:
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Check if it’s installed: Go to Settings > Apps and look for Google Play Store. If it’s listed but disabled, tap Enable.
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Check device compatibility: Verify if your device supports the Play Store. If it does but the app isn’t installed, you can download and install Play Store from a trusted source.
If the Google Play Store won’t open:
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Restart your device.
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Clear the cache and data for the Play Store, open Play Store, open its Settings and check if the app is up to date.
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