Welcome to the
! Please enjoy our special offers for you

Cannot update or install apps on Galaxy phone or tablet

If you're having issues updating 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.
Hand holding a Galaxy phone and pointing at the install button
Hand holding a Galaxy phone and pointing at the install button

Cannot update or install apps on Galaxy phone or tablet

Note
  • A Samsung account is required to access the Galaxy Store.
  • A Google account is required to access the Play Store.

What kind of app are you having difficulty with?

Cannot update or install Galaxy Store or Play Store apps
Cannot install an app from an unknown source
Cannot update or install Galaxy Store or Play Store apps
1

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.
2

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.

Close all button highlighted on a Galaxy phone

3

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.
4

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.

5

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.

Download and install highlighted in Software update screen

When the download is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

6

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.

7

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.

Safe mode displayed on a Galaxy phone

Once you're in Safe mode, you can remove third-party apps. Start by removing apps that were updated or installed when the problem started.

To exit Safe mode, simply restart your phone or tablet and it will reboot normally.

8

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.

Logo tienda 0 +INFO
? Cargando... Se ha añadido un nuevo artículo en tu cesta Ver Cesta Seguir comprando
Cannot install an app from an unknown source
Warning
Your phone and personal data are more vulnerable to attacks from unknown apps. By installing apps from other sources, you agree that you're responsible for any damage to your device or loss of data that may result from their use.
2

Allow permission.

Tap the switch next to the source that you want to allow app installations from, such as Chrome.
 

Deny all highlighted

Note
You can tap Deny all if desired.
3

Disable Auto Blocker if it has been turned on.

The Auto Blocker feature will prevent apps from unauthorized sources from being installed on your device. You may see a pop-up message from Auto Blocker when trying to install apps.

 

To turn off Auto Blocker, navigate to and open Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap Auto Blocker. Tap the switch at the top to turn it off.

 

You can review more information about blocked apps by tapping Learn more in the Blocks apps from unauthorized sources section on this screen.

4

Try to install the app.

Your phone or tablet may prompt you with an option to allow Google to inspect installed apps for security. If enabled, this option may still prevent apps from installing. 

 

If this occurs, you can try going back to the app or file you'd like to install, and then try installing it again.

Was this content helpful?
We're here for you

Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.
auto-contact_us-pc-2x auto-contact_us-pc-2x
Fast, easy checkout with Shop Samsung App
Easy sign-in, Samsung Pay, notifications, and more!
Or continue shopping on Samsung.com
×
The Shop Samsung app
Free standard shipping, exclusive offers and financing options.
GET
×
The Shop Samsung app
Free standard shipping, exclusive offers and financing options.
GET
×

You Are About To Be Redirected To Investor Relations Information for U.S.

Thank you for visiting Samsung U.S. Investor Relations. You will be redirected via a new browser window to the Samsung Global website for U.S. investor relations information.
CANCEL
CONTINUE
×

Redirect Notification

As of Nov. 1, 2017, the Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. printer business and its related affiliates were transferred to HP Inc.

For more information, please visit HP's website: http://www.hp.com/go/samsung


Select CONTINUE to visit HP's website.

CANCEL
CONTINUE