Introduction
Google Play Store is the go-to place for Android users to download apps, games, music, and much more. But we all have experienced moments when the Play Store misbehaves or runs sluggish. In such cases, uninstalling and reinstalling the Google Play Store app could be an effective solution. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall and reinstall Google Play Store on your Android device.
Uninstalling Google Play Store
Before we proceed, it’s essential to note that you cannot entirely remove Google Play Store from your Android device since it is a pre-installed system app. However, you can uninstall its updates and revert it back to the factory version. Here’s how:
1. Access Device Settings: Open your Android device’s settings by tapping on the ‘Settings’ icon.
2. Locate Apps (or Application Manager): Scroll down through the settings menu until you find ‘Apps’ or ‘Application Manager.’
3. Find Google Play Store: Within the list of installed apps, scroll until you locate ‘Google Play Store.’
4. Disable Auto-updates: Tap on ‘Google Play Store,’ then tap on the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner and uncheck ‘Enable auto-update.’ This will prevent the app from updating itself automatically.
5. Uninstall Updates: Once again, tap on ‘Google Play Store’ and select the ‘Uninstall updates’ option. A prompt will appear, warning that all data will be removed. Confirm by hitting ‘OK.’
Reinstalling Google Play Store
Now that we’ve reverted Google Play Store to its factory version let’s proceed with reinstalling it.
1. Enable Auto-updates: Go back to your device’s Settings > Apps > Google Play Store. Tap on the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner and check ‘Enable auto-update.’
2. Restart Your Device: Hold down the power button on your device and select ‘Restart’ or ‘Reboot’ from the options that appear.
3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi: After your device has restarted, connect to a Wi-Fi network to access the internet.
4. Open Google Play Store: Find and open the Google Play Store app on your device. Since you’ve enabled auto-update, the app will automatically update itself to the latest version available.
5. Check for Updates Manually: If you wish to check it manually, tap on the three horizontal lines (Menu) in the upper left-hand corner of the Play Store app, go to ‘Settings,’ then scroll down and tap on ‘Play Store version.’ If there’s an available update, it will be downloaded and installed.
Conclusion
Uninstalling and reinstalling Google Play Store updates could solve several issues like app crashes or installation failures. Remember always to keep your applications up-to-date to ensure the smooth functioning of your Android devices. If further issues persist, consider seeking assistance from experts or contacting Google support for help.
