“Unfortunately, Google Play has stopped working” shows up on the Android screen while you’re trying to access the Google Play Store. Basically, this problem signifies that there are unsynchronized files. 

Often times overloading of cache files can stack up to a great amount and cause this Google Play error to generate. Further, if the date and time setting is incorrect then it can lead to abrupt error.

This error can be a problem if you’re in dire need of an application update. But, there are faster ways to resolve it if you implement effective methods.

6 Methods to Solve Google Play not Working Error

There are a couple of easy tactics to let Google Play function properly. So, if you’ve been waiting to get back and install your favorite application from Google Store, then follow this. 

1. Remove Google Account

This is a verified method and your data in your Google account will not get deleted. Sometimes, the Google account fails to synchronize with Google Play due to software glitches and bugs. To remove and reinstall, do these:

• Go to the “Settings” in your android device. 
• As you keep scrolling down, you will find an option called “Account”. 
• Select that and enter the Setting. 
• As you enter, you will see the Google account that is set. 
• Long-press the Google account and select the option that says “Remove”.
• Once it is done, add your account back and check if the Google Play store lets you access without the error. 

2. Remove Cache Files

As you already know that cache files overload from time to time, as a result, it can stop Google Play from working. Follow these points to clear them:-

• Visit the “Settings” option in your Android phone and scroll down to “Applications”. 
• Inside the “Applications” folder, a list of all the applications that are set in your device will be given to you. 
• Select the ‘Google Play Store” application and click on the “Storage” option below. 
• Inside “Storage”, select “Clear Cache”. Now check if the error is still occurring. 

3. Clear Data

Choose to clear the data of Google Play Store as this might set the settings of the application to its default configuration. By doing this, none of the personal data will be lost which is why it is a considerable option. 

You can do this by using the previous method. Simply go to the “settings’ option on your phone and then go to the “Applications” option. Find the “Google Play Store” application and select the option that says “Clear Data”. 

After this, the device will take action on clearing the data which in return, might even get rid of unwanted files from the device. 

4. Uninstall/Reinstall Application Updates

If the previous methods were not helpful then you can consider uninstalling the application and reinstalling it back. 

• Go to the “Application” option from “Settings” and locate your application file
• Select the application and click on the “Force-stop Updates” button. 

Now, you can restart the application from scratch one as it will open without the previous data. 

5. Set Date/Time

As Google Play Store will not function if the date and time are set to an incorrect timeline, it is important that you check if the timeline is right or not. If not, follow these steps:-

• Go to the “Settings” section in your android device and visit the “Time and Date” section. 
• Check if it is set to the correct timeline according to the UTC. If not, then restart the phone. 
• Now, check if the application is still showing any error message. 

6. Hard Reset

This method is the back-up option to use if the previous methods did not quite work out. Sometimes, you will come to notice that a hard reset is all that your android device needed to solve the issue. 

Hence, you can choose to opt for a “Factory Reset” session quickly from the “Settings. 

But, before you proceed to do that, it is important that you transfer all your data from the device to somewhere else. 

Factory Resetting will remove all the data from the internal storage and return you back the interface with its default configuration. Finally, restart the device and check if the problem persists.