How to fix error code 18 on Google Play Store

If you run into the Google Play Store error 18, the first course of action you should take is to restart your device. Restarting your device will also restart the Google Play Store app, and the entire operating system, as well as all the other (pre-)installed apps one of which might have been the reason for this error in the first place. Turn off your device, and turn it back on after two minutes. Then, open the Google Play app, and check if you can reproduce this error.

It is possible that the Internet connection you are connected to is overloaded, or unstable, which resulted in corrupt app files being downloaded. Google Play Store needs a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection, so that it can download, install and update apps properly. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network, or mobile data. Also, every time you connect from one network connection to another, restart the Google Play Store app through the app switcher and try to install apps again.

To improve the stability and reliability of your Internet connection, try the tips below:

• Buy a signal booster (if you live in a house);
• Move the router's antennas to different positions;
• Upgrade your Internet provider plan, to allow for greater download an upload speeds;
• Buy a stronger router, or replace the router (if no other solution worked, or the router was strong already);
• Subscribe to a different, more stable Internet provider if nothing else worked.
  
  

Discover more solutions on how to improve your Internet connection, in the slow Internet guide.

One of the reasons for the Google Play error code 18 are corrupt cache and data files. Even though their primary purpose is to improve the speed and performance of apps, it's quite the opposite when they become corrupt. Reasons for them to become corrupt include: system updates, app updates, processes related to other apps. The solution, in this case, is clearing the cache and data files. By clearing the cache and data files, all the corrupt files will be removed, and replaced with clean files the next time you open the apps.

You can the files related to Google Play and all the related Google apps if you follow the steps below: 

1. Go to Settings > Apps/Application Manager;
2. Select Apps/Applications Manager;
   

   
   
   

3. Select Google Play Store from the list and tap on the clear data and clear cache buttons;
4. Select Google Services Framework from the list and tap on the clear data and clear cache buttons;
5. Select Google Play Service from the list and tap on the clear data and clear cache buttons;
6. Select Download Manager and tap on the clear data and clear cache buttons.

   
   
   

The video tutorial below shares how and where to clear app data and cache files of apps:

Note: The video above is recorded on a Samsung Galaxy device, running on Android OS 8 - steps may vary from one device to another.

It is possible that the current operating system version your device runs on is the reason for the error code 18 in Google Play, very likely due to a conflict with apps optimized for newer operating system versions. Check if an update is available and install it, if it is. Usually, updates are installed automatically, however, it's advised to check manually, from time to time, if an update is available.

To update the device's operating system to the latest version, and possibly resolve the issue, follow the steps below:

If you have a microSD card in your device, and the error code 18 appeared, it is possible that the microSD card got misplaced, or stuck, resulting in your device not to be able to read it, run or install app(s) to it. Removing the microSD card, and reinserting it, can fix this error.

Remove the microSD card from your device, clean it up with a dry cloth, and reinsert it again.

Every Android smartphone or tablet running on Android OS has a secret menu. This menu holds options that can help you regain access if you forgot the system password, if the operating system is stuck on the logo, if the operating system won't load. Among these options, there is an option to wipe the cache partition, which holds the key to fixing this error. Wiping the cache partition will wipe all the corrupt files on your device and replace them with their clean alternatives.

In order to access the recovery mode and wipe the cache partition, follow these steps: 

1. Power off the device. If you can't do that using the power button, just remove the battery and insert it after 10 seconds.
   
   
2. Press and hold the Volume (+) up and the Power (Sleep/Wake) buttons. Once your device turns on, let go of the buttons.
   * If you use a Samsung device, press the Power (Sleep/Wake), Volume (+) up and Home button.
   
   
3. Press the Volume up or Volume down key to navigate through the options. Highlight the Wipe cache partition then press the Power (Sleep/Wake) key to make the selection.
   
   

   

Maybe the latest version of the Google Play Store app is the cause of the error code 18, possibly because it was downloaded and installed improperly.

Revert the Google Play Store app to the default version, by following the steps mentioned below:

1. Go to Settings and select Application Manager/Apps;
2. Tap on Google Play Store, click on the three-dot icon in the upper right-hand corner, and select Uninstall updates;
   

   

3. Tap on OK to confirm; 
4. Open the Google Play Store app;
5. Update it, if prompted.
   
   

The video guide below demonstrates how to uninstall updates:

Note: The video above was recorded on a Samsung Galaxy device, running on Android OS 8 - the steps described may slightly vary from one device to another.

If the other solutions didn't work, resetting your device to its factory settings may help. It will remove the corrupt system files from your device and resolve many issues along the way.

To reset your device to its factory settings, follow the steps below:

1. Backup your device's data to any cloud storage service (e.g. to Google Drive, Dropbox) or to a computer;
2. Go to Settings;
3. Tap on Reset and tap on the factory reset option;
   

   
   
   

Feel free to watch the tutorial below, on how to reset your device (taken on a Samsung Galaxy device, running on Android 8 - the steps described may vary from one device to another):

Note: Make sure that your device is fully charged before resetting it, to avoid additional complications. Also, do make a backup of your personal files (photos, videos, music, and other documents), so that they are safely stored.

Errors can occur when apps are installed on a microSD card. The reasons include the microSD card getting misplaced, disconnected, or corrupt. Installing apps in the device's internal memory will ensure that apps are stored in a safer environment, and should fix the error code 18.

If you are not sure how to uninstall the app, you can move it manually, as shown in the video demo below (varies from one device to another):