How to fix error code 8 on Google Play Store (Smartphone)

An effective way to fix the error code 8 in the Google Play Store app is to restart your device. The reason why it's effective is that by restarting your device you restart all the apps, the operating system with all its tasks and processes, as well the physical components of your device (the Wi-Fi module, network module, and more).

Turn your device off and turn it back on after 2 minutes. Once your device powers back on, try installing the app(s).

Corrupt data and cache files of the Google Play app, or other vital system apps can be the reason behind this error, because instead of helping the app function better, they do quite the opposite. In order to fix this error, you need to clear the corrupt data and files, which will allow clean files to replace them the next time you open the app.

You can clear the data and cache files of Google Play Store and all the related Google apps by following 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 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):

Maybe the latest version of the Google Play Store app is the cause of the error code 8. Maybe the update was downloaded and installed improperly, due to various factors including the Internet connection, a stuck process on the operating system, or another app. In this case, to fix the error you need to uninstall the updates of the Google Play app, and install them again, this time ensuring that no app would interfere, as well as that the Internet connection will be stable.

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.
   
   

The video tutorial below shares 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.

It is possible that this error is related to your Google account. In order for Google Play and other Google products to work properly they need a Google account. If the connection with the Google account is severed, their access to the Google Play Store may be severed, too. A simple resolution to this error, is logging out from your Google account and logging back into it. This course of action will reestablish the connection between the apps and the account.

To log out and log back in, 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 device;
5. Sign back in the Google account.
   
   

This course of action will refresh all the files, tasks and processes related to the Google account, and the error should be resolved.

It is possible that the internet connection you are connected to is unstable, or overloaded, causing error code 8 to appear. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or mobile data, and try installing the app(s).

To improve the stability and performance of your Internet connection, you can try the tips below:

• Buy a more powerful router (if you live in a house);
• Buy a signal booster (if you live in a house);
• Change your Internet plan;
• Replace the router (maybe it's broken and doesn't share the Internet connection at full capacity);
• Subscribe to another, more stable Internet provider (this should be a last-resort option).
  
  

Note: Whenever you switch between connections, restart the Google Play Store app through the app switcher and try to download and install the app again.

It is possible that the currently installed version of the operating system on your device is the reason for the error code 8 in Google Play, possibly due to a conflict with apps optimized for newer operating system versions. Check if an update is available and install it, if one is available.

To update the device's operating system to the latest version, safely, 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 other 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.
   
   

All the devices running on Android OS have a secret menu with a multitude of options to help you regain access to your device if the operating system becomes unusable, the logo won't disappear, if you forget your passcode, and, in our case, to wipe the cache partition and fix errors. If you can't fix the error message 8, try wiping the cache partition via the recovery menu. This course of action will remove all the corrupt cache files, which will gradually be replaced with clean versions.

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

1. Turn off the device. If you can't turn off the device 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.
   
   

   

In Android OS devices that support micro SD cards, users can choose where to install apps, be it to the internal memory, or on the microSD card. Installing apps in the internal storage is advised, and will help with avoiding this error, and other possible complications that might arise (e.g. the microSD card getting dislocated, removed, or corrupt).

You can change the storage location from your device's app manager, when you tap on an app, as shown in the video tutorial below:

Do note that the steps shown in this video vary from one device to another.