How to fix error code 194 on Google Play Store

The operating system installed on our devices is far more complex than it seems. In order for it to be the way we desire it, a number of background processes and tasks is being executed in the background. Unfortunately, those processes and tasks can get stuck for various reasons, including other apps performing an action. If you run into Google Play Store error 194, reboot your device. The Google Play Store app, and the entire operating system, as well as all the other apps (pre-)installed will be restarted.

Cache and data files are stored as means to aid apps to load faster, perform better, and retain user configuration. Unfortunately, cached and app data files can become corrupt. The reason why they can become corrupt are operating system updates, the app itself, or even other apps that aren't appropriately developed. Another reason for this download error can be corrupt data and cache files. In this case, removing the corrupt files should fix this error.

You can clear the data and cache files of 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 demo below shares how and where to clear app data and cache files from:

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

Maybe it is your device's Wi-Fi (or mobile data) module that got "stuck" and which prevents proper data traffic, resulting in you being unable to download and update apps. Turn off the Wi-Fi (or mobile data), and turn it back on, in order to restart it. A quicker way to restart the modules is to enable and disable the airplane mode. Then, once Wi-Fi (or mobile data) are enabled, try downloading and installing the app again.

If you are not sure how to enable or disable the Wi-Fi, feel free to check the don't know how to enable/disable the Wi−Fi guide.
If you are not sure how to enable or disable the mobile data, feel free to check the don't know how to enable/disable the mobile data guide.

Google Play, and other apps need a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection, so that it can download, install and update apps properly. It is possible that the Internet connection you are connected to is overloaded, or unstable. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or mobile data. Also, every time you change the network connection, restart the Google Play Store app through the app switcher and try to download and install apps again.

To make your Internet connection stronger and more stable, the tips below can help:

• Use a signal booster;
• Position the router closer to your devices;
• Bring your device closer to the router;
• Lift the router off the ground.
  
  

Note: Learn more on how to improve your Internet connection, in the slow Internet guide.

Google Play error 194 can also be fixed by signing out from your Google account and signing back into it. The reason why this solution is likely to fix this error is that the possibly severed connection between the Google account, and the Google Play Store app will be restored.

To sign out from your account, follow the steps below: 

1. Go to Settings, tap on Accounts and backup (or just Accounts); 
   

   

   
   
2. Tap on Accounts and select Google;
   

   
   
   

3. Select the Google account you are logged in with and then tap on Remove Account;
   

   
   
   

4. Restart your Android device;
5. Sign back in to your Google account.

Maybe the current operating system version on your device is the reason for the error 194 in Google Play, maybe 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 so that it's installed sooner rather than later.

To install the latest update of the operating system, manually, feel free to follow the steps below:

It's possible that the latest version of the Google Play Store app is responsible for the error code 194. Maybe it was downloaded, and installed improperly, due to the Internet connection, another app, or a process running in the background. In order to resolve the issue, you need to uninstall the update completely, and then install it again.

Follow the steps below, to uninstall Google Play updates:

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.
   
   

The video guide below demonstrates how to uninstall updates:

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

Every mobile device running on Android OS has a secret menu, known as the recovery menu, with options whose purpose is to help you regain access to the operating system, if it gets badly damaged and unusable. This secret menu also stores cached data, which can also get corrupt. To fix this error, you can wipe the cache partition. Once you wipe it, all the corrupt files will be removed, and replaced with clean versions.

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.
   
   

   

If none of the other solutions worked, reset your device to its factory settings. This 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, 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.