How to fix error code 504 on Google Play Store

If Google Play Store error code 504 appeared when you tried to download an app, start with restarting your device. Once your device powers on again, open the Google Play Store app and try installing the app.

This course of action will refresh your operating system, as well as your smartphone's or tablet's parts (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, CPU, and more), responsible for day-to-day operations.

Maybe the latest version of the Google Play Store app is the reason for the error code 504 while downloading an app, probably because the update was downloaded improperly (e.g. your internet connection got cut off for a moment). Revert the Google Play Store app to the default version, by following the steps mentioned below:

1. Go to Settings and tap on Application Manager/Apps;
2. Tap on Google Play Store, and select Uninstall updates;
   

   

3. Tap on OK to confirm; 
4. Open the Google Play Store app;
   
   

Note: The video demo above is made on a Samsung Galaxy device that runs on Android 8. The steps in the video may differ from one device to another.

If you can't fix the error message 504, try wiping the cache partition via the recovery menu.

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.
   
   

   

There is a possibility that the current version of your device's operating system version is the reason behind the error message 504. 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 always a good practice to check manually if an update is available.

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

1. Go to Settings;
2. Tap on Software Update;
   
   

   

3. Tap on Download and Install, if an update is available (if not, on a check for updates button).
   
   

   
   
   

On some devices, you need to follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings;
   
2. Scroll down and tap on System and then tap on About phone or About tablet;
3. Tap on System Updates (or Software update);
4. Tap on Check Now (if it's not visible, tap on the three vertically aligned dots);
5. If a system update is available, tap on Install. You might be asked to restart your device to complete the update;
   
   

The video below shares information on how to update your device's operating system (taken on a Samsung device, running on Android OS 8):

As time goes by, and app updates installed, the cache files and data files used by those apps can become corrupt. Corrupt data and cache files, especially the ones of the Google's apps related to Google Play Store can be responsible for the Google Play Store error code -504. Clearing them should fix this error, as the corrupt ones will be replaced with fresh ones.

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 > 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.
   
   

   
   
   

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):

You could fix the error code 504 if you log out from your Google account (i.e. the account you used for setting up your device when you purchased it) and log back in to it. This method can work provided that settings related to the Google account are causing this error.

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

1. Go to Settings, and 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 it is your device's Wi-Fi (or mobile data) module that got "stuck" and which prevents proper data traffic, leading to this Google Play error code. Turn off the Wi-Fi (or mobile data) turn it back on, in order to restart it. Then, try downloading and installing the app again.

To enable the Wi-Fi:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen, to access the control center;
2. Tap on the Wi-Fi icon;
   * For mobile data, repeat the same steps, but tap on the mobile data icon.
   
   

To disable the Wi-Fi, and mobile data, follow the same steps as for enabling them.

It is possible that the Internet connection you are connected to is/was overloaded, or unstable. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network, or activate mobile data, if you are subscribed to a data plan. Also, every time you switch between connections, restart the Google Play Store app through the app switcher and try to download and install the app again. To improve the stability of your Internet connection, consider the below:

• Bring the router closer to your computer;
• Buy a signal booster that will enhance the Wi-Fi signal;
• Subscribe to a different plan, or a different Internet provider;
• Buy a router with a stronger Wi-Fi signal.
  
  

Note: Do check the fix slow Internet guide, for more solutions on improving your Internet speed and stability.

If the other solutions didn't work, it's possible that system files are corrupt. In this case, there is nothing else you can do, but to restore your device to its factory settings. Restoring your device will remove the corrupted system files from your device, replace them with intact ones, 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 personal files (photos, videos, music, and other documents), so that they are safely stored, and so that you can restore them whenever you want and on whichever device you like.