Samsung Galaxy S4 Gets ‘You Already Own This Item’ Error From Play Store

Problems related to application downloads from the Google Play Store recently made rounds online following reports and complaints from users who have encountered various errors. Among those users are owners of Samsung’s flagship, the Galaxy S4.

One of the problems reported happens during app download or installation, although it happens randomly. An error message that says “You already own this item” pops up disallowing users to continue with the rest of the installation process. There were reports that the problem happened to both free and paid apps.

According to some users who were familiar with the problem, the issue can be replicated by doing the following:

1. Purchase or download an item from the Play Store.
2. Cancel the process.
3. Try to purchase or download the same item.
4. The error message pops up.

Note: This does not happen all the time. As I said earlier, it happens randomly, so you may not be able to replicate this. 

Majority of the users who reported to have experienced the problem said that during the download, their internet connection was interrupted, thus, cancelled. Here is one of the emails we received that best explains the issue:

Hey Guys,

Recently, I have encountered a problem with my Samsung Galaxy S4. It happened when I tried purchasing an app from the Play Store.

Everything went well initially and I successfully paid the app. When I was already downloading the application, for some reason, my router rebooted thus interrupting my connectivity to the internet. The download has not been done. When I get my connection back, I tried downloading the same app and the message popped up: “You already own this item.”

Have you guys encountered this problem before. I would surely appreciate if you attempt to shed some light to this problem.

Miko

Some users already reported the problem to Google and were assured that the team in charge is already investigating the issue. However, for those who cannot wait, there is a possible fix to the problem: clearing Google Play Store’s data.

Important Note: You will lose your personal settings and have to setup your Google account after you do this. Those who cannot bear the hassle, we advise you to wait for the resolution Google may provide regarding this problem. We don’t know when we’re going to receive feedback. Those who want to go ahead with this procedure please know that there is no guarantee it can solve the problem.

1. From the Home screen, tap the Menu key.
2. Tap Settings, then More.
3. Tap Application Manager.
4. Swipe left until you’re in All tab.
5. Scroll to and tap on Google Play Store.
6. Tap Force Close first.
7. Then, tap Clear Data button.
8. Reboot the phone.
9. Launch the Play Store.
10. Setup your account.
11. Download the item / app again.

Email Us Your Problems / Questions

We are open to your questions, problems and suggestions. Email us at [email protected] if you have any. Please include as much detail as possible so that we could find solutions that really work. A screenshot or two would definitely help so if you can manage to get some and attach them to you email that would be awesome.

But please know that we may not be able to respond to every email we receive. Be assured, though, that we read every single bit of them even if others appear to be spams.