Question

Cannot download or install apps on Galaxy phone or tablet

Answer

If you're having issues downloading or installing apps from the Galaxy Store, Play Store, third-party apps, or websites, you may need to check your device's network connection, available storage space, and software version.

What kind of app are you having difficulty with?

• Cannot download or install Galaxy Store or Play Store apps.

Check the app compatibility.

Before installing an app via the Galaxy Store or Play Store, check the app's compatibility information in the app's description. The app's developer may need to update their app to work with your device.

Close all running apps.

Tap the Recents button on your device's Navigation bar, and then tap Close all to close all of your recent apps.

Check the network connection.

Swipe down from the top of your device's screen using two fingers to open the Quick settings panel. Touch and hold the Wi-Fi icon and make sure you are connected to a network under Current network. If not, select a network under Available networks and enter the password if needed.

Check your device's storage space.

• Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Device care, and then tap Storage. You'll see the current available storage under Internal storage.
• If needed, you can tap Trash, Unused apps, Duplicate files, or Large files at the bottom of the screen to remove excess data and free up space.

Check for software updates.

• Navigate to and open Settings, and then swipe to and tap Software update or System updates. It will vary between models.
• Tap Download and install, Check for system updates, or Check for software updates, depending on your carrier. If an update is available it should begin downloading automatically, although you may need to tap Download now on some devices.

Uninstall and reinstall Play Store updates.

• Navigate to and open the Play Store, then tap your profile icon in the top right corner, and then tap Manage apps & device. Tap the Manage tab, then tap the filter icon (it looks like three lines), and then make sure Recently updated is selected. Next, select your desired app(s) using the check boxes. Tap Uninstall (the trash icon), and then tap Uninstall when prompted to uninstall updates for the app(s).
• Next, tap the Overview tab, and then tap Updates available. Tap Update next to the desired app or apps, or tap Update all at the top.

Use Safe mode.

• Safe mode will help determine if there is a recent third-party app that is causing an issue on your device. First, press and hold the Power button (or Side button) and the Volume down button at the same time. You can also swipe down from the top of the screen using two fingers, and then tap the Power icon.
• Touch and hold Power off, and then tap Safe mode.

Perform a factory data reset.

• If the above steps did not resolve the issue, you can perform a factory data reset on your device. This reset will remove all data from your device. Before you perform a factory reset, be sure to back up your personal data, so you don't lose it all.
• Navigate to and open Settings, then tap General management, and then swipe to and tap Reset. Tap Factory data reset, and then tap Reset at the bottom of the screen. Tap Delete all, and then enter your Samsung account credentials. Follow the prompts to finish resetting your device. When the device turns on again, you will need to complete the initial setup process.