How to fix Play Store error 961 on Samsung Galaxy S9

The Google Play Store error 961 that seems to be bugging some owners of the Samsung Galaxy S9 occurs during the installation of the app. It means that when you install an app from the Play Store, the process may seem like it would be successful only to be greeted by this error after the download is complete. The funny thing is you will have to download the app again if you really want to install the app only to be getting the same error.

While it’s a very annoying problem, it’s actually not that serious. In fact, you may be able to get rid of it by doing a couple of procedures. So, in this post, I will walk you through in troubleshooting your Galaxy S9 that keeps popping up the error 961 whenever you download an app. So, if you’re one of the owners of this device and are currently being bugged down by the same error, continue reading as this article may be able to help you one way or another.

For owners who are looking for a solution to a different problem, drop by our troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common problems with this device. Browse through the page to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work or if you need further assistance don’t hesitate to contact us by filling up our Android issues questionnaire.

Troubleshooting your Galaxy S9 with Play Store error 961

The purpose of performing these troubleshooting procedures is to figure it out the real issue and possibly get rid of it. Here are the procedures that you should do on your Samsung Galaxy S9:

First Solution: Perform Soft Reset

Before you perform any troubleshooting procedures on your device, we recommend you to do the so-called soft reset. Doing this will eliminate the suspicion that a glitch in the system is causing the issue. Unlike to normal restart this one is more effective because it refreshes phone’s memory and reload all apps and services. Here’s how it’s done…

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 S9 logo shows on the screen.

After the device restarts, open your Play Store and download any app to see if the error 961 will show up. If it still does, then move on to the next procedure.

ALSO READ: How to fix Google Play Store error 194 on Samsung Galaxy S9

Second Solution: Delete Play Store Cache and Data

Once the Play Store cache and data are corrupt or outdated, there is a chance that your Play Store will function abnormally. To rule this possibility out, you will have to reset the app. This will wiped out all old cache and data files so that your app will run smoothly once you open it again. This is how to reset your Play Store app:

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > Apps.
To display preinstalled apps, tap Menu > Show system apps.
Find and tap Google Play Store.
Tap Storage > CLEAR CACHE > CLEAR DATA > DELETE.

When your Play Store app is done resetting try to download any app and see if the error 961 will still show up and if it does, then it’s possible that the problem is caused by unstable internet connection. Move on to the next solution.

Third Solution: Reset Network Settings

When you have to download an app it is imperative that you have a stable internet connection to be sure that the download process won’t be halted. It is possible that the error 961 is caused by an unstable connection so to rule this out, we recommend you reset the network settings of your phone.

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset network settings.
Tap RESET SETTINGS.
If you have set up a PIN, enter it.
Tap RESET SETTINGS. Once complete, a confirmation window will appear.

After the reset, let your phone reconnect to the network. Once connected, open Play Store and download any app to see if the error 961 would still pop up. If it still does even after this and if you badly need to use such app, then you have no other choice but to reset your phone.

ALSO READ: How To Fix Samsung Galaxy S9 Randomly Making Calls

Fourth Solution: Perform Master Reset

If all procedures mentioned above didn’t fix the problem, then you don’t have a choice but to do a reset. Meaning, you have to delete everything stored in the internal storage including: apps, music, photos, contacts and etc. But before you can do that, be sure to create first a backup because all your important files will be deleted.

A reset will surely fix this problem but we often don’t suggest it without exhausting all possible solutions. But since you have no other choice, you really have to do it now. Once the backup is finished, remove your Google account so that you won’t be locked out of your phone. 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 S9 logo shows, release all keys.
Your phone will continue to boot into the recovery mode and when you see the black screen with blue and yellow texts, you’re ready to 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 — 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 hope that we’ve been able to help you fix your Samsung Galaxy S9 that’s bugged down by the Play Store error 961. 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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