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How to fix the dreaded Play Store ''Unknown Error'' code

google play error
© Google/nextpit

Who knows what's going on in the classic Play Store errors, like the dreaded error 921 ''can't download or update app,'' it's nice to know some quick fixes to get past the blockade.

google play error
© Google/AndroidPIT

The error is simple enough to explain: it's the error code you get when the Play Store is interrupted or otherwise confounded by your attempt to download or update an app. It doesn't mean anything terrible has happened or there's anything wrong with your account, it's just one of those things that happens sometimes. Weirdly enough, many users have reported that you can sidestep the problem simply by downloading the app on your 3G/4G connection rather than via Wi-Fi, but if you're not too keen on using up your data allowance, read on. The same technique can also be used to solve overly long hangups or delays when attempting downloads too.

androidpit google play app info
Clearing Play Store data will do just that: clear your Play Store app data. © NextPit

This error is actually very simple to bypass. All you need to do is refresh the Google account connection in the Play Store. This means you simply have to go to the Apps or App Manager section in your device's settings menu, then find Google Play Store and clear the cache. Try to download the app again after this and if it still doesn't work, go back and also clear data. It's not a bad idea to clear the cache of the Downloads Manager app here too. Then try downloading again. If it still doesn't work, repeat the previous steps and then go to the Accounts and Sync settings on your device, remove your Google account and then re-add it. Rebooting your device at this point can also be beneficial before accessing the Play Store again.

google play store problemeE
© NextPit

If you're getting another error message and this same process isn't working to solve it, check out Loie's compilation of common Play Store errors and their solutions. Please try the earlier steps outlined above first, as clearing the data from the Play Store app will do just that (clear all of your data from the Play Store), so it's best to see if a simple alternate data connection or Play Store cache clear will do the job before you clear your Play Store data.

Have you seen this error message? Did you manage a fix other than through the steps above?

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Kris Carlon

Kris Carlon
Senior Editor

Kris is a former AndroidPIT Editor who came to the team via a lengthy period spent traveling and relying on technology to keep him in touch with the outside world. He can usually be found juggling three phones at once and poring over G+ posts, Reddit and RSS feeds.

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11 comments
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  • Duncan Duccatti 3
    Duncan Duccatti Jan 27, 2023 Link to comment

    I tried clearing the play store cache and download manager cache and refresh phone but still can't update the play store and having trouble downloading and updating apps. Error code 495


  • Oscar R. 5
    Oscar R. Oct 19, 2017 Link to comment

    That happens to me when I use my Samsung Galaxy On5 when I try to purchase fonts and themes in the Samsung Galaxy Apps and Theme Store.


  • rochell barcelona 1
    rochell barcelona Feb 15, 2017 Link to comment

    I tried clearing the play store cache and download manager cache and refresh phone but still can't update the play store and having trouble downloading and updating apps. Error code 495


  • 1
    Majella H. Feb 26, 2016 Link to comment

    When I purchase a movie lately on Google Playstore error'0' comes up and it says unable to download movie. I am using an android device to stream to my tv. However when I hooked the tv up to my laptop I was able to view. Id like to be able to view without having to do this and have previously been able to. Any help would be appreciated.


  • 1
    Howard Bannister Sep 16, 2015 Link to comment

    I have been struggling with unknown error 505 trying to install CSipSimple. Nexus 5, Android 5.1.1., tried everything I could find on the internet - including factory reset and even downloading a dev version directly from the developer's website. No luck. Any suggestions?


  • 1
    Syed Iqbal Aug 21, 2014 Link to comment

    my tablet shows unknown error -110 ..,.., and it didn't fix because all apps shows 0.00B


    • Menka K. 11
      Menka K. Oct 1, 2014 Link to comment

      same here. I've encountered same error :(


  • 1
    Shiraz Mistry Mar 24, 2014 Link to comment

    What if I get the 'downloading' message and nothing happens?


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Apr 3, 2014 Link to comment

      What do you mean by nothing happens? The download never finishes? Or you get the download notification when you're not actually trying to download something?


  • 1
    mohammed fayed Feb 20, 2014 Link to comment

    thanks for the info.. this issue has been annoying me for a while..


    • Mary Mod 23
      Mary Mod Feb 20, 2014 Link to comment

      Glad it worked out for you mohammed :)

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