If you have gotten the Google Play Store Error 194 in the last few days, you aren’t alone. While this error seems to be happening most frequently to Samsung Galaxy Note 9 users, it is a fairly universal problem.Most people will get Error Code 194 when they try to download or install an app. It isn’t a problem with the app itself, but instead with the store itself.
The error code says: “App could not be downloaded due to an error. (194)” Then, the app will stop downloading or disappear altogether, depending on where you were in the installation process. If you try to download the app again, it is likely you will just get the same error.
What Is Error 194 in Play Store?
While we don’t know what triggers this code, we know it is happening far too often. You may not be able to download or install apps you need. The best thing you can do is work through our list of solutions before doing anything drastic. Once you know how to fix the problem, you might be able to backtrack and determine what the cause was.
As with any solution, you first want to make sure there aren’t any problems with your device. You may want to update your software, ensure you have a full charge, guarantee you have enough room on your phone, and more. If these issues caused your problems, our solutions won’t help you.
How to Fix Error 194
While the problem is annoying, it isn’t impossible to fix. In many cases, it is a problem related back to the Play Store which you cannot fix. However, if it is your device causing the issue, you can try these fixes:
1 – Start by Force Restarting Your Phone
Have you tried turning your phone off and then turning it back on again? While we make fun of this solution, it is one of the best ways to fix simple glitches. A force restart is a bit different from a simple restart. A force restart will refresh your phone’s memory and help to reload all of the services and apps. You cannot just shut your phone down. To force restart:
- Press and hold the “Volume Down” button on the side of your phone.
- While holding that button, press and hold the Power button.
- You may need to hold these keys for about 15 seconds. You can let go when the logo shows up on the screen.
- Wait for a few seconds (or minutes), and then turn your phone back on again.
- Open up the Play Store and try to download the app again. If the error code pops up again, move on to the next fix.
For many people, this will be the only solution you need. Remember, it is important to restart your phone every so often.
2 – Clear the Play Store Cache and Data
The next thing you can try is to clear the Play Store cache and data. This will bring your apps back to their default settings. The app will be able to create new data files and cache entries. If the problem is with the Play Store itself, this will fix that problem. If it isn’t, you won’t be doing anything bad to your phone.
Here is how to clear the Play Store cache and data:
- Open the Apps tray (swipe up).
- Tap “Settings” and then “Apps.”
- Tap the icon with three dots.
- Tap “Show System Apps” to display all of your preinstalled apps.
- Find and tap on “Google Play Store.”
- Tap “Storage.”
- Tap “Clear Data” and then “OK.”
- Tap “Clear Cache.”
- Restart your phone.
Once your phone has restarted, open the Google Play Store and try to download the app again. If the error code pops up again, move on to the next fix.
3 – Reset Network Settings
The next problem could be related to your internet connection. If the download process stops halfway through, it could be that your internet connection isn’t stable enough to support the download. You may want to reset the network settings. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Apps tray (swipe up).
- Tap “Settings,” then “General Management,” then, “Reset,” then “Reset Network Settings.”
- Tap “Reset Settings”
- If you have a PIN, enter it now.
- Tap “Reset Settings.” You should get a confirmation.
- Allow your phone to reconnect to your chosen network.
Open the Google Play Store and try to download the app again. If the error code pops up again, move on to the next fix.
4 – Delete the System Cache
The next thing you can do is try to delete the system cache so it can be replaced by a new one. Occasionally, your system cache will get corrupted and you will get problems like the download error 194. Follow these steps to wipe your cache:
- Turn off your device.
- Press and hold the Volume Up key on the device, the Bixby key, and then press and hold the Power button. You’ll need to hold all of them for a few seconds.
- When the logo shows up on the screen, release all three keys at the same time.
- Your device will continue to boot up in the Recovery Mode. Once you see a black screen with blue and yellow text on it, you can proceed to the next step. This may take a few minutes: don’t panic!
- Press the Volume down key a few times to highlight the “Wipe Cache” partition.
- Press the Power key to select it.
- Press the Volume down key to highlight the “Yes” option.
- Then press the Power key to select.
- When the wipe cache partition has completed, “Reboot System” should now be highlighted.
- Press the Power key to restart the device again. It may take a bit longer than usual.
Open the Google Play Store and try to download the app again. If the error code pops up again, move onto the next fix.
5 – Perform a Master Reset
If every other method has failed, the best thing you can do is perform a master reset. This will wipe out all of your files and data and bring the device back to its default settings.
Once again, this should be your last resort. You can be sure this will fix the problem, but you will need to do some work before you can do it.Before resetting, you will need to ensure everything you want to keep is backed up or it will be gone forever. Make sure to remove your Google and Samsung accounts, or you risk getting locked out of your device after you reset. Once you guarantee everything is backed up and you are signed out, you can start with the master reset.
- Turn off your device.
- Press and hold the Volume Up key on the device, the Bixby key, and then press and hold the Power button. You’ll need to hold all of them for a few seconds.
- When the logo shows up on the screen, release all three keys at the same time.
- Your device will continue to boot up in the Recovery Mode. Once you see a black screen with blue and yellow text on it, you can proceed to the next step. This may take a few minutes: don’t panic!
- Press the Volume down key several times to highlight the “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” option.
- Press the Power button to select your choice.
- Press the Volume down key until you have “Yes” highlighted.
- Press the Power button to select and start the master reset.
- When the master reset is complete, “Reboot System Now” should be highlighted.
- Press the Power key to restart the device.
This should fix any problems you have with your phone, including download error 194 notifications.
If you are still having issues, it is likely something wrong with your hardware and you will need to take your phone to be repaired.