How to fix Google Play Store error 406 on Samsung Galaxy Note 9

For the past several months, numerous Samsung Galaxy Note 9 users were complaining about the Play Store error 406. The actual error message goes like this, “App could not be downloaded due to an error. (406)” which usually appears during the downloading and updating process. This could be caused by corrupt Play Store cache and data, unstable internet connection or the device itself has a minor firmware issue.

In this article, we will tackle this error and try to formulate a solution. We will consider every possibility and rule them out one after another until we can figure out what it’s all about and what needs to be done to get rid of it. If you’re one of the owners of this device and are currently being bugged by the same error 406 while trying to download or updated an app, continue reading as this article may be able to help you one way or another.

Before anything else, if you have other issues with your device, try to browse through our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed several issues with this device. Odds are that we’ve already published a post that tackles similar problems. Try finding issues that have similar symptoms with what you currently have and feel free to use the solutions we’ve suggested. If they don’t work for you or if you still need our help, then fill up our questionnaire and hit submit to contact us.

Troubleshooting Galaxy Note 9 with Play Store error 406

We have encountered this problem in the past so we know what you need to do to fix it. You don’t need to do complicated procedures to get rid of it. With that being said, here are the basic troubleshooting procedures you need to do…

First Solution: Perform Forced Reboot

It is always possible that the cause of this Play Store error is a minor firmware issue or even just a glitch. There were cases that we’ve encountered in the past that got fixed by simply doing the forced restart. For those who don’t know yet, the forced reboot is actually a simulated battery removal. It refreshes your phone’s memory as well as reloads all apps and services. This is how you do it on your Note 9:

Press and hold the Volume Down button and don’t release it yet.
While holding down the volume button, press and hold the Power key as well.
Keep both keys held down together for 15 seconds or until the Galaxy Note 9 logo shows on the screen.

After the restart, launch the Play Store and download any app to see if the error 406 still pops up, if it still does, then move on to the next procedure.

ALSO READ: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 can’t connect to Wi-Fi after Android 9 Pie update

Second Solution: Clear Play Store Cache and Data

Clearing the cache and data of the Play store means that you’re resetting the app back to its default settings and configuration. If it’s just an issue with the app, then this procedure will definitely fix it and don’t worry, none of your apps or files will be deleted if you did this. This is how it’s done:

Swipe down from the top of the screen to pull the notification panel down.
Tap the Settings icon on the upper-right corner.
Scroll to and then tap Apps.
Find and tap Google Play Store.
Tap Storage.
Touch Clear data and then tap OK to confirm.

After resetting the Play Store download any app and see if the error 406 has been fixed. If it continues to occur, move on to the next method.

Third Solution: Reset Network Settings

It is also possible that this problem was caused by an inconsistent or unstable internet connection. Such is the case with some of the cases we’ve encountered in the past. It is imperative that your phone has a stable connection because installing or updating an app means downloading huge amount of data. To rule this possibility out, follow these steps:

Swipe down from the top of the screen to pull the notification panel down.
Tap the Settings icon on the upper-right corner.
Scroll to and tap General management.
Touch Reset.
Tap Reset network settings.
Tap Reset settings.
If prompted, enter your PIN, Password or Pattern.
Finally, tap Reset.

After doing this, try downloading an app and see if the error 406 still shows up. If it still does, then you have no other choice but to reset your phone as it could be a result of a serious firmware issue considering the Play Store is a core application.

ALSO READ: How To Fix Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Stuck On Updating Software

Fourth Solution: Perform Master Reset

If all else fails, the last thing that you can do is to reset your Galaxy Note 9. This will delete all files and data stored in the internal storage like: contacts, music, photos and etc. So, before you can do the steps be sure to backup everything so that you can easily restore when the issue is fixed. After backing up and the device is set and ready, don’t forget to remove your Google account to be sure that your phone won’t be locked out. Here’s how 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 Galaxy Note 9 logo shows, release all three keys.
Your Galaxy Note 9 will continue to boot up into the Recovery Mode. Once you see a black screen with blue and yellow texts, proceed to the next step.
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’ 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 hope that we’ve been able to help you fix Play Store error 406 on your Galaxy Note 9. We would appreciate it if you helped us spread the word so please share this post if you found it helpful. Thank you so much for reading!

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