Saturday, May 26, 2012

SOLVED: Google Play Store error message No connection [ Retry ]

[Last Updated:  04 March 2015]

You're using your Android device and you know you're connected to the Internet (for instance, your browser works just fine), but you just got this message trying to connect to the Google Play Store. It makes no sense, because you can go right back into the browser and cruise the 'Net as usual. No connection problem there at all! This happens on devices that have never connected to Play as well as those that "used to work fine."

After much head-scratching and muttering, the answer became crystal clear. This is one of those "Doh!" moments, especially if you've done a reset on this device recently. The DATE and TIME are wrong.

Many devices, especially "unconnected" tablets, do not synchronize the internal clock when you perform a reset. Instead, they set the time to a preset date and time. A popular choice, for reasons only known to device manufacturers, is  December 31, 1999 at Midnight. Strangely, the Time Zone is often unaffected by a reset.


NOTE: It is not always a good idea to update the original Market app. Some tablets do not work well with the newer Play app. If you've updated your Market app, try removing the update(s) and returning it to the original version that came with your device. If it is again able to reconnect, DO NOT allow it to update EVER!!! Not automatically. Not manually. Not EVER! You will have to go into the settings for the Market app and uncheck the auto-update checkbox. It's not a great solution, as many updates include security patches. It's a trade-off you must be willing to accept if you want to run the Play Store on your device. If you're running AV and Firewall software, you should be fine.

PLEASE DO NOT WRITE US IF YOU HAVE TO REPEATEDLY UNINSTALL AND REINSTALL AFTER YOU UPDATE  TO THE PLAY STORE. AS NOTED ABOVE, IF A NEWER VERSION IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH YOUR DEVICE, DO NOT USE IT. INSTEAD, REVERT BACK TO THE ONE THAT WORKS AND KEEP IT THERE.
!!! KEEP THE VERSION THAT WORKS !!!


SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE & HTC MyTouch users
Some people have commented their devices work, but others are still having problems. If you have resolved your issue on one of these devices, please let us know what you did. If you'd like to help us troubleshoot, please email us. Include as much specific information as you can. We will work with you to resolve this issue for these devices once and for all.

PLAY STORE UPDATE:
In late April, 2013, the Play Store got a makeover. If none of the solutions below have helped you, try a quick update to your Play Store. This is usually done automatically when you try to use the app, but sometimes needs a little help from a desktop login and push to your device. If it's still not connecting properly, simply uninstall the update. No harm, no foul.



Solution 1:
Correct the date and time on your device and try again. You should be able to connect now.

UPDATED! Solution 2:
Go to settings>apps>all scroll to Google Play (or Market or Vendor) and tap clear cache>clear data>force stop. Do the same for tha app called Google Framework (or Google Play Services). Now restart your device and try to connect to the Play Store. Here are links to our sources, Jeffrey and DroidForums.net!

Solution 3:
If you have a device with a Reset (button or hole), try a simple reset. If not, try removing your battery for about half an hour and try again. If you can do neither, let the battery drain completely (until it powers off due to low battery), wait half an hour, then charge it up until it's at least 10% charged before trying again.

Solution 4:
Make sure your router AND modem allow traffic through ports TCP:5228 and UDP:5228, both of which are required for Google Play to work correctly., according to Google. Since your setup is unique, we will not go into the details of how to do this. Check your manuals or ask your local computer expert(s) for advice.

Solution 5:
Edit your hosts file so it's blank / empty. If you've rooted your phone and have a notepad-type app installed, open the file /system/etc/hosts. Highlight and delete anything in that file, then save it. Verify the file was updated. This serves as further confirmation that your device is truly rooted, as the system will only allow user root to update this file.
If your device isn't rooted, you'll need to find an app capable of clearing your hosts file. There are a few good ones out there, so don't despair.
... Thank you, Anonymous!

Solution 6:
Firewall / Router Issues. A couple of our readers found that installing a VPN app allowed them to connect to the Play Store. This is basically an app that makes it easier to get through your firewall, either on your device or on your router. If you can access the firewall logs, look for programs (and on your router, also check for ports & devices) your firewall has blocked. If you see Play, Market, or Vendor in the list, you should add that app to the Allow list. How to do that varies widely from one firewall to another, so we can't provide you with exact instructions. It is typically straightforward and easy to do, however.

Solution 7:
Uninstall any apps you have installed that you don't use anymore. Sometimes, it's simply a matter of apps taking too much room on your device. You can do this quickly and easily using Settings > Applications > Manage Applications. Select the app you want to remove, the choose Uninstall. You will be prompted for confirmation before the app is removed. A few seconds later, you should have more room in your device's internal storage. Of course, if you're using an app that allows you to move your apps to your SD card, the amount of room freed on the internal storage will be much less. In that case, you may need to remove multiple apps.

Solution 8:
If you have changed your Google/Gmail password recently, you will need to update your login password before you can get into the Play Store. Some devices make this easier than others.If you are having trouble figuring out how to update your password, try this article. Sometimes, changing your password will force the issue to correct itself. Be sure to make a note of your new password if you take this path.

Solution 9:
Another of our fabulous readers (the ever-popular and prolific Anonymous from the comments below) found that if you have installed the "Freedom" app, try restarting or uninstalling/reinstalling that app. Any app that temporarily blocks the Internet (your Firewall or your phone's built-in Airplane Mode setting) either partially or completely, should be tested to see if it is interfering with your ability to connect. Do this by stopping, disabling, or uninstalling it. Just remember to turn your Firewall back on when you are done!

Solution 10:
If your device is a cellular telephone, have your Internet carrier's Tech Support Experts check that your phone is fully synchronized with their system. We recently had a prepaid phone with this problem and ended up calling our carrier. Apparently, the phone was only partially sync'ed with their system. We could do some simple accesses, but most browsing and Play Store accesses were out of the question. Most sites would not load completely, and we often saw "Server Not Found" errors. One tech wanted to replace the phone, but we weren't convinced a replacement phone was the answer. An account reset worked as a short term answer, but the problem resurfaced the next month. A second set of eyes the next month revealed the phone was out-of-sync with their system. The tech did some reprogramming (with the phone off). After a couple of months without seeing the issue again, we've pronounced it fixed.. Thanks a million, Julie!!!


IF THE ABOVE STEPS DON'T  WORK FOR YOU, try managing your apps from within a browser until such time as we have found the solution that works for you. We will write up how to do that and add a link here when it's ready for you.


STILL NOT WORKING?
We're sorry to hear that. We are all scratching our heads trying to determine what else we've missed. Please help us figure out what's going on. Click here and provide us with detailed information about your device: device make/model/size, operating system/version, and anything else you think might help. We will continue to research it and let you know as soon as we have an answer. In the meantime, please support our site so we can continue to provide you with quality solutions such as this. Oh, and be sure to check back here occasionally. We will continue to update as new ideas and possible solutions come to light.

BTW, if you're using Firefox, you can use the Add-On 'Check4Change' to monitor this article for changes. The "Last Updated" line above is an excellent selection, as we change that line every time we touch an article.

84 comments:

  1. u r the only one on the web with the right fix! Kudos to u sir!! Truly a d'oh moment, not checking the clock...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad we could help. Be sure to clear your cache regularly, as well. This has become a regular occasion for us, so we've bumped it to Step #2, pushing a soft reset to Step #3.

    ReplyDelete
  3. many thanks to you pal..i didn't realize my date and time are wrong.i rooted my phone and all of sudden i cant connect to gmail and play store.didn't happened last time when rooting.anyway,thanks a lot..have a nice day.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the help. I too searched all over before finding this advice. Nice work and thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. thank you thank you so much! it really helps!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. thanks.really I mean lots of thanks

    ReplyDelete
  7. Didn't work for me. Play Store works immediately after resetting the phone - when first called - but then fails with the same error on subsequent visits so... I have a HTC Desire and am running quite short on available memory which I suspect may be partly at fault... wish I could move one or two of the larger apps to SD (Google Maps for one - and even Play Store itself)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Many thanks, you have solved my problem too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks alot for this, I can not believe it worked.

    ReplyDelete
  10. my case is even more challenging....i can connect to gmail and the web but google play still says connection timed out....i have tried everything

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Were you able to resolve your connection issue?
      If not, please provide more details so we can investigate it for you.
      - Device make/model/type?
      - Android version currently running on your device?
      - Has this device ever connected to the Play Store?
      - Which marketplace came installed on your device (Play? Market? Amazon? ...)?
      - Has ANYTHING changed recently (pswd, acct, new apps, etc.)?
      - Have you changed devices (upgrade, swap out, add) on this acct?
      - Is there anything different/unique about your device?
      - Did you try a PowerOff/PowerOn restart [and/or a Factory Reset as a last resort]?
      Thanks!
      - BB

      Delete
    2. I had this issue for about two weeks...I discovered that if I logged in using wifi then I could log in using my 3g after.... not sure why but it worked for me

      Delete
    3. Plz help.ive the same problem. Since I recently changed password.and synced. Nut my Google play stil not working

      Delete
  11. You are a life saver!!! My son's been bugging me to fix the play store..

    ReplyDelete
  12. Re-set date and time, problem solved - much appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  13. You are a GENIUS.. Rocking man!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Does not work... I can sign into my account through gmail fine through the internet site but play store doe not work on my phone or tablet... it happened randomly and nothing works. I can even download apps using my account info through the website but not my phone I have a nexus phone and galaxy tab 2......

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. same it happend to me too i have a motorola razr i factory reset and still dont work

      Delete
  15. Hi, I have done every solutions but no one make effect.... is there a specific way to synchronize the internal clock with the date configuration?

    ReplyDelete
  16. YOU FREAKIN ROCK!! I was about to send my Flytouch out to be fixed and was thinking how smart I was to have purchased the 2 year mechanical/accident warranty for it. I tried everything else that I could find on the web and nothing worked. I decided to give it one more try and do another Google search on the issue and this page was the first one to pop up. Turned on my tablet and saw that the time was way off. I set the time and date, opened Google Play and VIOLA!! FIXED! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wisdom.

    ReplyDelete
  17. My date and time are right and I've both forced it to close and cleared the cache but it still gives me the no connection retry error. I can't uninstall any apps without going to the google play store either so it's very frustrating.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you matey.......as the Brits would say..BRILLIANT
    After a day of cursing...found your "fix"
    Jerry from Newfoundland

    ReplyDelete
  19. I tried it all and none of it worked for me! anything else to try???

    ReplyDelete
  20. THANK YOU! just read another post that told me to reboot my tablet.. got really scared about that ;)

    ReplyDelete
  21. OMG! ITS WORKED !! THANK YOUU !! YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE ON WEB WITH THE RIGHT FIX !! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH !!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am having the same issue with a HTC MyTouch 4G. There is a workaround that I can do. I uninstall the update and then it goes back to Android Market. I am then able to browse and download/update apps without issues. The only problem is that it will update to Google play and no longer work with the famous "no connection". So I go back and uninstall the update again when I want to browse the Google Play store. I double and triple checked the date and time, but to no avail. I reboot. Same story. So i guess I'll have to keep doing this workaround until I research what others have done.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have done everything you said but nothing is working, this no connection problem comes active with the new play store 3.10.9, before this update it was great, working properly,but whenever i am uninstalling that updates its working properly with the android market, but the happiness is for few minutes, then it gets the updates and back in form " no connection ".

    ReplyDelete
  24. its not happenning........
    still the same no connection problem

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thank you, that was driving me potty, tried everything! Time was right, but not the date! Problem solved, thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  26. bought note 2 recently....all the apps are working except play store....cud never get it connected...it always says "LOADING"...i hav tried all your solutions...bt none of them helped...even the customer care isnt being helpful...plzzzz help!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you so much dude.... Really you are Great thanks a lot... I was seriously fostered. Now it is working, Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is not "solved" by far. I have the same problem, the only thing that helps is to keep uninstalling the "play" update to android market. Then it works, until it gets installed again.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Worked for me , date reset, bingo

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks so much. This worked after much headache.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi, I just rooted my android. It's a samsung galaxy note 10.1, and everything was working perfectly fine. But after a restarted it once the google play error came up. I have done all of the above and nothing works. If you can't figure it out could you perhaps tell me how to unroot the device so that I can use the google play store. Many thanks

    ReplyDelete
  32. There are a few others here besides me who have the correct time, have cleared cache and data, and powered down the phone... but still get the same "No Connection" error. There must be something else that causes this too.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Still says "no connection" ....even after doing everything that was written

    ReplyDelete
  34. The time reset worked! Thank you sooooo much!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Now i can't even log into my google account TF is this,

    ReplyDelete
  36. Very helpful. Tqvm.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I have the same issue -- I have reset my phone to the factory default, checked the time and date and my wifi connection, and I still can't connect to the Google Play store. That's it for Android phones!

    ReplyDelete
  38. This particular post should be part of the Android Play Store help. I searched so many different ways on Google and accidentally stumbled upon this at last. I am glad I found this to surprisingly fix both Samsugn Galaxy S and MyTouch (which are mentioned as unresolved in this post!). You guys rock!

    ReplyDelete
  39. My custom ROM developer (Zoe ROM for LG GT540) released a 4MB update to fix this issue, it fixed. Otherwise none of above methods worked for me.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thanks alot, it relly helped me out instead of wasting my time, it was really a Doh problem!

    ReplyDelete
  41. thxx a lot.. it really helped me :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. ive got the same problem. tried all your solutions and still not connecting to play store, i have htc desire hd,

    ReplyDelete
  43. Pls help my s3 cant sign in and register a new account

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  45. If you have installed a free purchased app like "Freedom", that may be the cause.

    You probably forced stop the app.

    Try restarting the 'Freedom' app or what other app it is, and it will solve the problem.

    **NOTE: This is probably the first time a new solution has been introduced!!!**

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. reinstalled "Freedom". Google Play worked fine. cleared cache then uninstalled "Freedom". Google Play still works.

      Galaxy Note 2 (Jelly bean 4.1.1)

      thanks for the tip

      Delete
    2. This one should be added as an official solution....
      I cleared cash, resarted freedom and back in business :)))... You rock

      Delete
    3. Opening Play Store through Freedom.apk solves the Problem :)

      Thanks a Lot Mate :)

      Delete
    4. Thank you, thank you,and guess what, thank you.RESTARTED THE APP and then Google services started Immediately.

      Delete
  46. Thanks a lot, I checked the date it was 1973, I changed the date and time to current & my Google Play store works fine in my MK808 Mini PC, Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thank you milion times !

    ReplyDelete
  48. a really need hekp here i tried all this but still nothinng works i only use mobile network it was randomly turned out like this i dont know why im using samsung s lll please i need your help.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks a lot! Stayed on the phone for hours with customer service and they could not help. This certainly did the trick! You're super!

    ReplyDelete
  50. After searching for a while, it was the "Freedom" app that i delete that caused the problem, now it works again! thanks

    ReplyDelete
  51. I added a whole bunch of inverted apps with the aroma installer. And now the goolge play store gives me a connection error. Tryes all solutions sonfar but none work. Perhaps it is another app that was installed alongside the play store. Will try to uninstall other apps.

    ReplyDelete
  52. i get no connection error message from google play and i cant use the browser even i have internet access. Help!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. there is a problem with my HTC Explorer from last night that i am unable to use Play store because of "No error Connection. I have done many trickes for example i have factory rest, delete hosts file, check by setting date n time auto and mannual but all these tricks are not useful for me. I havee also try to delete old email account, but now i am unable to enter new gmail account due to no error connection. I am using WIFI and it is works execpt Google play store.

    ReplyDelete
  54. this was wierd what causea google to flip out
    like that. the date was the issue I just follwed number 1 step and my gn10.1 worked thanx

    ReplyDelete
  55. Thanks for the help. I think I just may love you now lol

    ReplyDelete
  56. Having this problem as well. Tried just about everything outside of a factory reset, (which I've read on some other forums hasn't helped people either) Date and time I changed to every clock in my room, including my computer which is automatic, nothing. Cleared my Cache and Data for the app. Have not changed anything with my Google account. Every other app on my phone works EXCEPT Google Play Store. Even better, the home page of the store works fine and it's still performing all updates perfectly well. It's just when I'm trying to search for an app that it gives me the 'Connection Timed Out [Retry]' message.. Have tried restarting several times as well... My phone is the most accurate clock I have besides my laptop. All my other clocks are manually set. Still no luck. As stated before all other apps work fine (Facebook, Web, Google Play Music, Y! Mail, G Mail,... everything!)

    I have a Pantech Flex (Model P8010) that is not quite a year old yet. I have not (and refuse to) rooted it at all. The Play Store worked fine last time I was on it (a few days ago?) Android version 4.0.4.

    I don't know what other information you might need but I'm completely stumped.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Samsung Galaxy S4 - I disabled a bunch of "stock" apps/services when I got my devices. Apparently if you disable the "Google Services Framework", you will get that error message. To fix it, re-enable the "Google Services Framework", then restart your phone.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I have tried everything but the no connection error doesn't go, then someone told me to delete hosts file in the root directory of Android

    ReplyDelete
  59. HEY READ HERE

    If nothing works, you can try to go with a rooted system with file ex to /system/etc and find a text file called hosts, open it, delete everything (leave it blank) and save, it should work immediately!

    ReplyDelete
  60. THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU, I SET MY DATE AND TIME AND FORCE STOPPED GOOGLE PLAY AND DISABLED AUTO UPDATING ( WHICH MY NOTE 8 ONLY ALLOES THAT FOR ALL APPS , BUT THATS OK AS IT WILL LET ME KNOW WHICH APPS NEED UPDATING AND I WILL DO IT MANUAULLY )
    NOW MY GALAXY NOTE 8 WORKS PERFECT. EVEN MY MOVIES I PUT ON MY SD CARD USED TO STOP AND START AND IM HOPING THAT THIS WILL GO AWAY AS WELL
    AFAING I CANT THANKYOU ENOUGH.������������������������
    BTW
    MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU .
    HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE HOLIDAY.
    CHEERS
    BRAD.

    ReplyDelete
  61. My problem is not solved. I want to add 2 more things to it that I think might be helpful. Firstly if I connect a wifi USB wingle instead of my home wifi, google play works fine and secondly if i connect Hotspot Shield VPN on my android using my home wifi, google play works fine.....

    ReplyDelete
  62. w0weeeee uninstalling updates worked for me am now on factory installed version Thanks guys :)
    one thing more ? turning off tha updates isn't going to affect anything? i mean play store's search new apps ? etc

    ReplyDelete
  63. I have galaxy note 3 SM n900w8.. the play store isnt wrking since yesterday.. i have tried all the solutions but no result.. plz help me i beg u

    ReplyDelete
  64. I tried uninstalling the updates on play store no use. Then i used spotflux vpn. It worked then. And it's still working now, thank God. Now i want the updated playstore. What do i do about it?

    ReplyDelete
  65. I tried factory reset of play store app, no use. Then i tried using it through spotflux vpn, it worked and now even without vpn, it's working. But now i want the updated version of app store app. What do i do? Reply asap plz!!!!!! I hate it when something is wrong with my phone, however small. I use HTC One V and my phone is not rooted neither will i root it, period

    ReplyDelete
  66. Non of these worked for me either, not even the factory reset and host file deletion. I got mines to work by going into recovery wipe data/factory reset, wiping dev cache, taking battery out and putting it back in, going into odin and reflashing a fresh stock rom. Thats the only thing that worked for me.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Mine had this issue on an s4 only with wife. 4g worked. What I did was delete my wifi profile and reconnect it. Worked. Add that to your list.

    ReplyDelete
  68. nothing seems to work. I finally did a factory reset and play store still say connection timed out when I try to log in while on wifi but works fine when I used my phone 3g network, but I don't wanna use all that data. I cant update some apps. really frustrated

    ReplyDelete
  69. Much obliged to you sir for such a very helpful info.that solved my pertinent dilemma..Thanks again.

    Capt. Shakeeb

    ReplyDelete
  70. Solution 5 worked for me!!! Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I tried different ways to get access to my play store and other google apps but in vain until i reached your fab forum and Solution no 4.
    I did exactly the same and now i can again access my google play, gmail, talk, etc.

    THANKS A TON

    ReplyDelete
  72. I had tried just about everything besides a factory reset. I found that my android 2.3.4 has to have Google play services. Once I downloaded the app from http://www.apk4fun.com/get/?id=1155&server=apk4fun. Installed using package installer then cleared all data and force closed Google play. Went to open the app and presto it works!

    ReplyDelete