How to fix Galaxy Note8 with Google Play Store app that won’t install apps or updates

Are you having issues installing apps or updates on your Galaxy Note8? Today’s #GalaxyNote8 post will address two common update issues so we hope you’ll find it helpful.

Problem #1: How to fix Galaxy Note8 with Google Play Store app that won’t install apps or updates

It is almost 2 weeks that my Google Play Store and Samsung Store can’t update any thing. I have factory reset my phone but it is not helping at all. Please help me because I have to update some of my app but it can’t. I also tried to delete some apps and reinstall them but as I delete them I can’t install them back. Basically, I can’t install or update any kind of app on my phone. By the way iam using a Samsung Galaxy Note 8. I have also checked my internet settings, changed to Wi-Fi and back to data. I also tried the force shutdown on the Play Store but it is not helping. — Mokhtar Ahmed

Solution: Hi Mokhtar. There’s a long list of possible reasons why Play Store is not working properly, or not letting you install and update apps. Let’s discuss some of the things that you can try since you’ve already tried a number of basic things.

Solution #1: Verify you are signed in to the correct Google account

Some apps may only work or update if it meets certain requirements from the device that tries to install the update. This is for security reason but also a way for Google to segregate apps by user accounts. If you have more than one Google account added on your phone, make sure that the right one is selected in the Play Store app first before attempting to update again. Here’s how to do that:

Open Play Store app.
Tap More settings at the upper left (three-line icon).
At the very top where you see the photo for the selected Google account, tap on the profile photo of the account you want to use.
Once you’ve selected the profile you want, select My apps & games and update your apps.

Alternatively, you can also delete the other Google accounts first before you update your apps. Keep in mind that apps are tied to a particular Google account so be sure to also check that said account is not deactivated. To check, try to use another Android phone and sign in Google Play Store app. Then, install an app from your list of apps linked to that account and see what happens.

To delete a Google account from your Note8:

Open Settings app.
Tap Cloud and accounts.
Tap Accounts.
Select Google.
Select the Google account you want to remove.
Tap on More at the upper right (three-dot icon).
Tap Remove account.

Solution #2: Use another Google account

Although apps are associated with a particular Google account, we’re positive that you can still install updates for apps already installed in a device even if you select another Google account on the Play Store app. Follow the steps above on how to select another Google account in the Play Store app, then use that account to update.

Solution #3: Update using a computer by accessing Google Play

Another way to update apps in an Android device is by accessing Play Store website on a computer. If you haven’t tried this one yet, follow these steps.

On your computer, pull up a browser.
Go to Play Store website.
Sign in to the site using your Google account.
On the left side, click on Apps.
Click on My apps.
Now you’ll see all the apps associated with that Google account.
Search for the app that needs an update and click it.
Then, click on the Installed button.
Pick the device you want to install a new version of the app to.
Click on Install button.
On your Note8, make sure that you select the same Google account you used to sign in to your computer.
Ensure that your phone’s internet is working and wait for the installation of new app or update. This should be indicated by a downward-facing arrow on the status bar.

Solution #4: Ensure device has enough available storage space

This is one of the usual reasons why updates won’t be installed. Make sure that you have enough storage space on your device before installing an update.

Ideally, you want to have at least 1GB of free storage space all the time to allow for Android updates as well.

Keep in mind that system and app updates are stored in the internal storage device and not to the SD card. To free up space on the internal storage device, move your photos, videos, and other non-system essential stuff to the SD card.

Solution #5: Check time and date

Google servers use the standard date and time in a particular region so updates may not push through if your phone has incorrect system time. Make sure to use your network’s date and time to allow updates. If you’ve been manually setting your date and time, try to use Automatic date and time option.

Solution #6: Unroot or flash stock firmware

Ideally, the problem should have already been fixed by now but if you are still not able to update or install, that’s probably because your phone is not running official software. Some rooting software may block Google Play Store entirely. The same is true for other custom ROMs. If you have unofficial software or app, remove them from the system. If your Note8 is rooted, unroot it and see what happens. If you have a non-official operating system, switch the system back to its stock state by flashing stock firmware.

Problem #2: Galaxy Note8 black screen issue due to failed update

Hello. Last night I got a message about a ‘system update’ being ready to install. I plugged it in to charge, and I clicked on ‘install now’. It went through the process like it usually does; although it had the message ‘restarting….’ on the screen for 45 minutes or longer before changing to where it is now; the screen is just glowing. I hold the power button and it obviously powers off, so when I power it back on it’s a black screen with a glow to it. I have it plugged in again so it keeps a charge while glowing. This is very aggravating, my phone had no issues before downloading this update!! Thanks for any help on this. — Karen Thiel136

Solution: Hi Karen. It’s not a good idea to interrupt a system if it’s trying to install an update. Doing so is usually the main reason why a lot of devices becomes unusable. During an update, the system is trying to change stuff all over the storage device, which can take a long time. In some cases, some devices may be able to finish installing a new Android version after several hours. This is why you are constantly reminded to charge the phone first before you update. Any sudden power interruption can potentially cause software errors and in some cases, even damage the internal storage partitions for good. If that happens, there’s no amount of software troubleshooting that can fix it. Your phone becomes useless since you won’t be able to install new operating system and the internal storage device becomes inaccessible.

We don’t know what the state your phone is currently in so we can’t say for sure what you can do to fix it. Consider flashing stock firmware to your device and see if that will help. Flashing is a risky procedure so you want to make sure that you know how to do it properly. You also want to make sure that you use the correct firmware for your phone model. Not using one will give you more problems to the one you currently have. If you did not write down the firmware version of your device before you install an update, try to do more research to know what that is. Try to go to websites like XDA Developers Forum to get good a flashing guide for your particular phone model. Flashing is only intended for advanced Android users so if you haven’t heard of it, or if you are not sure how to go about it, spend as much time to get relevant facts before you actually do it. It’s a risky procedure so do it at your own risk.

The best thing that you can do though is to get Samsung help. Visit the nearest Samsung store or service center in your area and let professionals handle the problem.