The Google Play Store is a preinstalled app on most Android phones. It lets you download apps, books, movies, etc., to your phone. Sometimes, when you face a problem on Android phones, uninstalling and reinstalling Google Play Store is one of the recommended solutions. But how do you do that? Let’s check out how to uninstall the Google Play Store and reinstall it.
How to Uninstall Google Play Store
Without sugarcoating my words, let me put this straight: you cannot uninstall the Google Play Store completely from your phone. However, you can either disable it or remove its recent updates.
1. How to Disable Play Store
1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
2. Go to Apps (App & notifications), and under All apps, tap on “Google Play Store.”
3. Tap on the Disable button. A confirmation pop-up will appear. Confirm when asked.
What Happens When You Disable Play Store?
When you disable Play Store, its icon will disappear from the home screen and app drawer. You won’t be able to update or install apps. However, nothing will happen to existing apps. They will not be removed from your phone.
2. How to Uninstall Google Play Store Updates
1. On your phone, open Settings.
2. Tap on Apps and tap on “Google Play Store” under All apps.
3. Tap on the three-dot icon at the top and select “Uninstall updates” from the menu.
What Happens When You Uninstall Play Store Updates?
By uninstalling Play Store updates, it will be restored to the original or factory version. You can leave it as it is or update manually as shown in the next section. The Play Store icon will still appear on your phone, and you can use it normally. You can install and update apps as well. Your existing apps will also be safe.
How to Reinstall Google Play Store
You can reinstall or update the Google Play Store in one of four ways.
1. Update Automatically
By default, the Google Play Store will automatically update in the background as long as it’s connected to a working Internet connection. after you disable or uninstall its updates, leave the Google Play Store untouched for a few minutes, and it will update itself.
2. Enable Google Play Store
If you disabled the Google Play Store as shown above, you need to enable it to use it again. To do so, open “Settings -> Apps -> Google Play Store.” Tap on Enable.
3. Update Manually
If the Google Play Store doesn’t update automatically, or you want to check for new updates, Google offers a hidden way to do so.
1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap on the profile picture icon at the top and select Settings from the menu.
3. Tap on About followed by Play Store version. If an update is available, the Play Store will update automatically. If not, you will receive a pop-up message saying the Play Store is updated.
4. Install or Update Play Store Manually Using APK
Lastly, you can manually install an updated version of the Play Store on your Android phone using its APK. Here’s how to go about it.
1. Open APKMirror.com, one of the trusted sites to download APKs.
2. Search for the Google Play Store on the website.
3. Tap on the Google Play Store. Scroll down to find various versions. Tap on the version compatible with your phone and hit the Download icon.
4. Once downloaded, tap on the file to install it. You may be asked to give permission to install apps from unknown sources. Grant the necessary permission.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to disable the Google Play Store?
It is safe to disable the Play Store for a short time, especially if you are unable to download or update apps from the Play Store, or you are facing a similar issue related to apps on your phone. However, you should keep it enabled, as it helps in installing and updating apps. It also helps check on malicious apps, thanks to the Play Protect feature.
2. How do I fix it if the Google Play Store is not found?
You may have accidentally disabled it. Enable it as shown above or install it from APK manually.
3. Can I force stop the Google Play Store?
Yes, you can force stop the Play Store by going to “Settings -> Apps -> Google Play Store.” Hit the “Force stop” button.
Google Play Store is a must-have application for installing apps, but you can install apps without it as well. In case you don’t like the Play Store, you can check out Google Play alternatives.
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