In the Android ecosystem, the Google Play Store It is the central pillar for accessing, installing, and updating applications. However, errors in the Google Play Store They can become a real headache, blocking downloads and updates, negatively affecting the user experience, and generating confusion due to cryptic messages full of numerical codes. Having precise knowledge of the meaning of these errors, their most common causes, and the most effective solutions is essential for any Android device user.
This advanced guide is designed to help you identify the most common error messages in the Play Store, discover what triggers them, and, most importantly, learn a variety of practical steps and recommendations to resolve them and avoid future problems. We'll also delve into preventative measures and offer professional advice to keep your Android device free from app store-related issues.
What are Google Play Store errors and why do they appear?
Un Google Play Store error It is a message that appears when something goes wrong during the download, installation, payment, or update process of an app. These errors are presented with messages like "Error retrieving information from the server," "Authentication required," or simply by a numerical code (for example: Error 504, Error 927, Error DF-BPA-09, etc.).
The causes These errors can be very diverse:
- Problems of Internet connection or unstable WiFi network.
- Incorrect configuration of date, time or time zone.
- Corrupt files in the Cache or storage from the Play Store or Google Play Services.
- Conflicts following faulty store or system services updates.
- Storage full or microSD corrupted.
- Authentication of the Google account associated with the device failed.
- Problems with the download manager or permission restrictions.
- Errors specific to Google servers that are not dependent on the user.
- Failed payments or conflicts regarding payment methods and cards.
Understanding the source of each error is key to choosing the right solution. Therefore, below are the most common codes and their meanings, followed by specific solutions tested by experts.
List of the most common error codes in the Google Play Store and their meaning
There's a long list of error codes in the Google Play Store. Many are common among users, and their causes are usually well documented. Here's a table of the most common ones, grouped by type of problem and with a brief explanation.
- DF-BPA-09 error: Appears when trying to download or purchase an app, usually caused by a Google server outage. This especially affects purchases and payments.
- DF-DLA-15 error: Related to failed app downloads or updates. This is usually due to cache issues or corrupted data.
- Error 941: Displayed when updating apps, when the update cannot be completed.
- Error 927: Indicates that the Google Play Store is being updated in the background. The requested download or update cannot be completed until this is complete.
- Error 504: Download failed, usually caused by network problems or abrupt interruptions.
- Error 920: Connection problems, usually related to the WiFi network or account authentication.
- Error 498: The device has a full cache, which prevents new apps from downloading or updating.
- Error 403: This occurs when multiple Google accounts are used on the same device to purchase or download apps.
- RH 01: : Failure to retrieve information from the server, usually related to Google account configuration or synchronization issues.
- “Package File Invalid” error: Corrupt or incomplete APK file, often due to download errors or network issues.
- Errors 491, 492, 495: Various issues related to storage, the Play Store cache, or account synchronization.
- Errors 18, 20, 24, 101, 103, 110, 194, 413, 905, 906, 907, 911, 919, 921, 923, 924, 940, 944, 961, 963, 975: Other recurring errors, each with its own causes (compatibility, insufficient space, SD card conflicts, country restrictions, etc.).
Comprehensive guide to general solutions for most errors in the Google Play Store
Most Google Play Store errors have common solutions. Here's a step-by-step method for resolving almost any issue, followed by an explanation for specific errors.
1. Check Internet connection
- Make sure you have a stable internet connectionIf you're using Wi-Fi, try a different network or restart your router. If you're using mobile data, turn airplane mode on and off or switch networks.
- Run a speed test to rule out slowness or occasional outages.
2. Synchronize and set the date and time correctly
- Go to Settings > Date & Time.
- Activate the automatic time provided by the network or manually adjust the time zone if necessary.
- Close all open applications and restart your phone after changing the date/time.
3. Clear the cache and data of Google Play Store and Google Play Services
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store.
- Tap Storage and select “Clear cache” and “Clear data.”
- Do the same with Google Play services and also with him Download manager if the problem persists.
- If you have an older device, look for these options within the app details.
4. Restart the device
- In many cases, simply restart terminal can unblock background processes and resolve the bug.
5. Review Download Manager settings and permissions
- Go to Settings > Apps > All > Download Manager and make sure it's enabled.
- Clear cache and manager data if you have download problems.
6. Uninstall Google Play Store updates
- Many errors arise after a failed update. Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > More options (three dots) > Uninstall updates.
- The system will revert the app to the factory version, and then you can update successfully.
7. Update Google Play Store and the operating system
- Check that you have the last version from the Google Play Store from the internal settings of the app itself (Settings > Information > Play Store Version).
- Keep your operating system up to date: Settings > Software Update.
8. Remove and re-add your Google account
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Google.
- Select your account and tap Remove account. Restart your device.
- Add the account again from the same menu.
9. Factory Reset (Extreme Solution)
- If after trying all the solutions above the problem persists, perform a Backup complete and reset your device to factory settings from Settings > System > Reset.
- This option is permanent and will erase all data on the device.
10. Check storage space and microSD
- Check that your internal storage isn't full. Free up space by deleting unnecessary apps, files, or photos.
- If you're using a microSD card, eject it, try downloading the app, and reinsert it later if necessary.
Specific errors: description, causes, and detailed solutions
In addition to the general solutions, each error can have specific features. Here are the most common problems, their meaning, and the best ways to fix them.
Error DF-BPA-09 and DF-BPA-30 (Problems with new purchases or downloads)
- They usually result from temporary failures in Google servers or problems with the Google Services Framework.
- Solutions:
- Delete Google Services Framework data.
- Try downloading or purchasing from the Google Play website in your browser.
- If it doesn't work, wait a few minutes and try again.
Error 504, 505, 506, 507 (App download/installation problems)
- Often related to app conflicts, permissions, or insufficient storage.
- Solutions:
- Clear cache and data from Play Store, Google Services, and Download Manager.
- Uninstall conflicting applications (especially after system updates).
- For SD card errors, set the download location to internal storage.
Error 403 (Google Account Conflict)
- This happens when you use multiple Google accounts for purchases or downloads on the same device.
- Solutions:
- Delete your Play Store search history.
- Use only one Google account for purchases.
- Delete and re-add the account.
- In persistent cases, create a new Google account just for the Play Store.
Error RH-01 (Failed to retrieve information from the server)
- Problem synchronizing or connecting to Google servers.
- Solutions: Clear cache and data from Play Store and Google Services Framework, remove your Google account, and then add it again.
“Authentication required” error
- It prevents you from signing in or downloading apps. This is usually caused by a Google account sync issue.
- Solutions:
- Remove your Google account and add it again.
- Clear cache and data of the Play Store app.
- Uninstall updates from the Google Play Store if the problem persists.
“Package file invalid” error
- A common error when downloading or installing APKs, associated with incomplete downloads or corrupted files.
- Solutions:
- Clear cache and data of Play Store, Google Services Framework and Download Manager.
- Try downloading from the Google Play website.
- In severe cases, download the APK from a safe alternative source.
Error 498 (Cache full)
- The phone's cache is at its limit.
- Solutions: Free up space by deleting apps and files. Restart your phone. In some cases, access Recovery and select "wipe cache partition."
Error 919 (Application does not open after downloading)
- It usually indicates insufficient space in internal storage.
- Solutions: Delete unnecessary files, photos, videos, and apps. Try the installation again.
Error 924 (Problems with large applications)
- Common failure when downloading large apps.
- Solutions: Uninstall updates from the Play Store and try downloading again. Make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection and enough space on your device.
Error 927 (Google Play Store update in progress)
- The store is updating and blocking further actions.
- Solutions: Wait a few minutes and try again. If that doesn't work, clear the cache and data from the Play Store and Google Services Framework.
Error 941 (Update interrupted)
- It occurs during app updates when the download is interrupted.
- Solutions: Clear cache and data from Play Store and Download Manager.
Less common but relevant errors
- Error 18: When reinstalling apps from the microSD card. Solution: Temporarily eject the card, install the app, and reinsert it.
- Error 20: Installation/update failed. If you have root access, delete the app's temporary files. If not, delete the problematic app's data from File Manager.
- Error 24: Prevents the installation of a specific app. If all else fails, try restoring your device from a backup.
- Error 103/110Compatibility issue. This usually goes away after a few hours, but if it persists, contact Google Support.
- Error 406/413/419/489/905/906/907/911/921/923/940/944/961/963/975: Various causes (proxy, cache, SD card, account issues, etc.). Try clearing the cache/data, changing the network, and if that doesn't work, add a new Google account or restart your device.
Compatibility errors and specific issues with Google Play Services
Sometimes conflicts are not only in the Play Store, but in the application layer. Google Play services, essential for apps to function properly.
- If you see messages like “this device is not supported” or “Google Play services are not supported,” first check if you're on a beta version or if your operating system is up to date.
- Unsubscribe from beta versions of Google Play Services from the app store, reinstall the stable version, and restart your phone.
- If the problem persists, reset to factory settings after making a backup.
Some API, payment, and gift card errors (such as BM-RGCH-06) may be directly related to account location or payment method incompatibilities and require contacting Google Play support or your card issuer.
Errors that do not depend on the user: servers and system crashes
Sometimes mistakes come from Google server outages or global platform incidents. For example, the error 944 indicates that the Google Play Store is generally down. Given this:
- Do not try advanced solutions on your device.
- Search for information on social media, forums, or Google support.
- It's best to wait for Google's servers to restore service.
Preventive maintenance and best practices to avoid errors in the Google Play Store
The best way to avoid problems is to adopt a routine of maintenance and responsible use:
- Restart your phone periodically to clear background processes.
- Clear the cache of the Google Play Store and other apps at least once a month.
- Always update your operating system and the Play Store.
- Make sure you have enough storage space and organize your files.
- Avoid installing beta versions if you are not a developer.
- Don't use a VPN unless necessary, and always disable it before using Google Play.
- Review your account settings and turn on automatic sync.
- Use only official sources to download apps and APKs.
Useful resources: when to contact Google support and useful links
- If all else fails, visit the official Google Play help center.
- Check specialized forums and Android communities to see if other users have reported the same error.
- In cases of failed payments, billing issues, or gift cards, please contact Google Payments support or the physical store where you purchased the card.
The errors in Google Play Store They may seem complex, but the vast majority can be solved by any knowledgeable user. The key is to correctly identify the type of error, follow the recommended steps, and always keep your device optimized and up-to-date. Share this information with other Android users and help improve the experience on the operating system's leading app store.