Fix Play Store “Authentication required” error in Galaxy Note 8

One of the common issues that Samsung users were often complaining about is the “Authentication required” error. It prompts you to sign into your Google account even though you’ve already done it. Based on our experience, this is just a minor software-related issue but there are a lot of factors to consider so that you could fix it. It could be due to outdated files and data or the device has a syncing problem and that may be the reason the error message appears.

So, in this tutorial, I’ll discuss the ‘Authentication required’ error to help Galaxy Note 8 users bugged by this problem to figure out what caused it and how to get rid of it. Don’t you worry, the steps that we suggest here are safe and won’t damage your Note 8 nor delete your important files and data.

Before we move on to our guide, if you have other issues with your device make sure you visit our Note 8 troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common issues with this device. Find problems that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If you still need our help after that, then fill up our questionnaire and hit submit to contact us.

Troubleshooting Galaxy Note 8 with “Authentication required” error

The reason that you have to perform these troubleshooting procedures is to determine the real issue and formulate a solution to fix the problem. As what I’ve said, there are a lot of possibilities to consider why this error message pop-up on your screen. So, to start the troubleshooting, follow these steps:

First step: Force reboot your Galaxy Note 8

Before anything else, we suggest you to restart your phone first to rule out the possibility that a glitch in the system is causing the problem. Usually, to those devices that have a removable batteries we immediately pull the battery to refresh phone’s system. But since Galaxy Note 8 has a non-removable battery, we cannot perform the same procedure. Instead, you can do the so-called forced restart. It’s a simulated battery procedure and has the same effect as with the battery pull procedure. Here’s how:

Press and hold the Volume Down key and without letting go of it, hold down the Power key. Keep both keys pressed for 10 seconds or until the screen lights up.

After the procedure, open the Play Store and try downloading an app and see if the ‘Authentication required’ error message still appears. If it still does, then move on to the next procedure.

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Second step: Delete Play Store Cache and Data

Since the error message continue to occur, there is a possibility that corrupt Play Store cache and data are causing the issue. We have to reset the app to be sure that new files and data will be created to replace old and corrupt ones.

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings.
Tap Apps.
Tap Show system apps to display pre-installed apps.
Find and tap Google Play Store.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear data and then tap OK.

If the error message no longer shows up on your phone, then obviously, corrupt cache and data caused the issue. However, if your phone still prompts that ‘Authentication required’ error, then move on to the next procedure.

Third step: Boot to Safe Mode

In this mode, all third-party apps will be disabled temporarily. So, if the issue is not happening while in this mode there is a possibility that one of your downloaded apps triggered the problem. Find that app to get rid of the ‘Authentication required’ error message. This is how you boot your Note 8 in Safe mode:

Turn the device off.
Press and hold the Power key past the model name screen.
When “SAMSUNG” appears on the screen, release the Power key.
Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume down key.
Continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting.
Safe mode will display in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Release the Volume down key when you see Safe Mode.

While in this mode, open Play Store and try to download an app to see if the ‘Authentication required’ error still shows up. If so, then you have no other choice but to reset your phone.

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Fourth step: Backup all your files and reset your Galaxy Note 8

Google Play Store is one of the core applications. If it has an issue, it could be just a sign or a more serious firmware problem. You’ve already tried the possible solutions above to no avail so this time we will have to reset your phone. This will delete all your files and data so make sure to create a backup before doing this. Also, we recommend that you remove your Google account from your phone so that you won’t be locked out after the reset. Once everything is set and ready, follow these steps to reset your phone.

Turn off the device.
Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
When the green Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
Press the Volume down key several times to highlight “wipe data / factory reset.
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted.
Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
When the master reset is complete, “Reboot system now” is highlighted.
Press the Power key to restart the device.

I am very much confident that a master reset will fix the ‘Authentication required’ error on your Galaxy Note 9. Continue setting up your phone and I hope you would no longer be bugged by the same problem.

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