How to fix error code 406 on Google Play Store

If you run into Google Play Store error code 406, restarting your device may be the first and only step you need to take, to fix Google Play and install apps. Turn your device off and turn it back on after a minute. The Google Play Store app, and the entire operating system, including all the other apps installed will be restarted.

Bad data and cache files can be responsible for the Google Play Store error code 406, and clearing them should fix this error. You can clear the data and cache files of Google Play Store and all the related Google apps if you follow the steps below: 

1. Go to Settings;
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.
   

   
   
   

Here is a video tutorial on where to clear app data and cache files (taken on a Samsung Galaxy device, running on Android OS 8 - steps may vary from one device to another):

It is possible that the Internet connection you are connected to is overloaded, or unstable, or is very slow. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network. You may also use mobile data, provided that you are subscribed to a good mobile-data plan.

Also, every time you switch from one connection to another (from Wi-Fi A to Wi-Fi B, or to mobile data), restart the Google Play Store app through the app switcher and try to download and install the app again.

Tips for improving the speed of your Internet connection improve:

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

Another effective way to fix the error message 406, is by wiping the cache partition via the recovery menu.

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

1. Turn off the device, either via the power button, or by removing the battery (if removable);
   
   
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.
   
   

   

It is possible that the current (and possibly outdated) operating system version on your device is the reason for this error code. Check if an update is available and update your device's operating system to the latest version. Usually, updates are installed automatically, however, it's good to check manually if an update is available. To update the device's operating system to the latest version, follow the steps below:

It's possible that the latest version of the Google Play Store app is responsible for the error code 406, probably 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;
   
   

Here is a video demo on how to uninstall updates (taken on a Samsung Galaxy device, running on Android OS 8 - steps may slightly vary from one device to another):

Other way to fix the error code 406 is to log out from your Google account and log back in, by following 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.

If the other solutions didn't work, consider resetting your device to its factory settings, which will remove the corrupted 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);
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 files (photos, videos, music, and other documents), so that they are safely stored and so that you can make a copy on whichever device you use.