Does the Google Play Store display the message “It appears that another app is blocking access to Google Play” when you try to download a new app? Does this problem also occur when you try to update an existing app? If it is so, then, it signifies that an app on your phone is preventing you from accessing Google Play. But, because there are a lot of apps on your smartphone, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact app that is causing the problem. But worry not! I have got your back. There are various ways to fix and resolve this issue so stay tuned as we embark on this eventful journey. Now, let’s get started right away!

App Blocking access to Google Play

Why does any app block Google Play?

With the advent and progression of technology there can be quite a few reasons for this issue. Some of the known causes of Google Play blocking problem may be:

  • Running background apps on your cell phone.
  • Some apps tend to block the process of installing another app.
  • Too many updates or apps or storage issues on your phone may be another cause for this issue.

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App Blocking access to Google Play — Few Fixes

There are quite a lot of fixes avaiable at your fingertips to resolve the “App blocking access to Google Play” issue. So, let’s see each of these fixes one by one, below:

Restart your Device –>

In situations such as these, as a first step, always try restarting your device. Most of the times, a simple restart can fix most of the issues. So, here’s what you need to do:

  • Press and hold the power button for a few moments.
  • Thereafter, select the “Restart” option from the prompt that appears.
  • That’s it! Wait for a few seconds and your device will restart.
  • Finally, open the Google Play Store and see if your problem is fixed.

Disable Apps Blocking your Access to Google Play –>

Here’s how you can disable apps that cause issues:

  • Open your device Settings.
  • Then, click on “Apps“.
  • Thereafter, tap on the three-dots button and go to “Special access”.
  • Finally, select “Appear on top” on the page.
  • That’s it! Enjoy 🙂

Uninstall Updates –>

Sometimes, a recent Google Play Store update may have caused this problem. In this case, follow the steps below to uninstall Google Play Store updates. Here’s how:

  • Open your device “Settings”.
  • Then, click on “Apps“.
  • Now, select “Google Play Store”.
  • Thereafter, tap on the three-dots button and select “Uninstall Updates”.
  • That’s it! Hurray! 🙂
App Blocking access to Google Play

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Clear Google Play Cache Data –>

To clear your Google Play cache data, do the following:

  • Open Device Settings.
  • Tap on “Apps” –> “Manage Apps”.
  • Thereafter, search for “Google Play Store” –> “Force Stop”.
  • Next, tap on “Clear all data” and “Clear cache”.
  • Thereafter, restart your device and check if the issue resolves.
  • That’s it!

Clear the “Downloads” Cache Data –>

To clear your “Downloads” cache data, here’s what you need to do:

  • Launch your Device Settings.
  • Tap on “Apps” –> “Manage Apps”.
  • Thereafter, search for “Downloads” –> “Force Stop”.
  • Next, tap on “Clear all data” and “Clear cache”.
  • Thereafter, restart your device and check if the issue resolves.
  • That’s it! Enjoy 🙂

Update your Device –>

If you are using an iPhone, here’s what you need to do:

  • Open your device Settings.
  • Next, tap on “General” –> “Software Update”.
  • Thereafter, tap on “Automatic updates” and check for updates.
  • Next, click on “Download and Install”, if any.
  • Finally, restart your device and check if the issue resolves.

If you are using an Android device, here’s what you need to do:

  • Launch your device Settings.
  • Next, tap on “About Phone” –> “Software Update”.
  • Thereafter, tap on “Automatic updates” and check for updates.
  • Next, click on “Download and Install”, if any.
  • Finally, restart your device and check if the issue resolves.

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Synchronize your Google Account –>

You may have numerous email ids, so it is important that you keep all your accounts synced. Follow the steps below to sync your multiple accounts:

  • Go to Settings on your device.
  • Then, tap on the “Account & sync” option.
  • Now, tap on “Enable automatic data synchronization”.
  • Thereafter, select “Google” and proceed to select the appropriate account you use to run Google Play.
  • Now, return to the sync page and tap on “More” —> “Sync Now”.
  • That’s it! Enjoy 🙂
App Blocking access to Google Play

Contact the Google Play support team –>

Now, even after following all the methods given above, if you still are unable to resolve the issue. The only viable and also the ultimate option to resolve the issue is contacting the Google Play Support team. For that, here’s what you need to do:

  • Launch the “Google Play Store”.
  • Tap on your profile and proceed to tap on the “Help and Feedback” option.
  • On the redirected page, scroll down and tap on “Contact us.
  • Now, specify your issue and tap on “Next Step“.
  • Thereafter, select the “Chat”/”Email” option in the “Contacts” form that appears and solve your problem.
  • That’s it! Enjoy 🙂

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WRAPPING UP!! –>

By now, I can safely thus, vouch that you have got the answers to your question, what to do when any App blocking access to Google Play? You have also come across the peculiar reasons behind this issue and also how to fix these issues. So, now that you know it all I can rest my case now. Still, if you do have any confusion or queries about this topic, feel free to reach out to me in the comments section. On that note, until the next time, see ya!! Goodbye!!

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