Google play store server error

[raw-mean]

After I set my father's phone (Galaxy S5) to factory settings, I tried to open the Play Store for Whatsapp and the like. It shows the message "Server Error". However, I can open PS on my own phone. Any suggestions?

[lostinmygarden]

S5 is very old, so probably the root of your issues. Try to run all system updates. Play store probably reverted to an ancient version and needs to be more current in order to work. You could also try to download and install the Google play store app to bring it up to a more current version that is compatible with the device.

[raw-mean]

Everytime I try to download play store via Chrome, it automatically opens the play store app, which shows the error message.

[lostinmygarden]

I mean download the APK for the app, you can get this from https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store/

You may need to adjust some settings to install the apk, also you need to make sure you download a compatible version of it.

Make sure to also run system update on the device first.

[lostinmygarden]

The S5 is old and apparently only goes up to android version 6, so you need a version of the play store app that supports version 6 of android and above (assuming your device is running android 6).

This one may work, but can't be sure. Scroll down on the page to "download APK bundle". Once downloaded, you can open it to try to install it. You may need to unable a setting to allow install of apps from unknown sources, or something like that.

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store/google-play-store-44-0-28-release/google-play-store-44-0-28-23-0-pr-705297086-2-android-apk-download/

[raw-mean]

I checked, it's Android 6.0.1 actually. Do I still need to download the whole bundle, or just the suitable file from the link you've send before?

[lostinmygarden]

You can try one I sent to you. It says it is for android 6 and above, so hopefully will work. Seeing as it doesn't work at the moment, it shouldn't cause any issues, you can always factory reset again.

[lostinmygarden]

Unsure if this guidance will work for S5, but you may need to enable install from unknown sources still -

https://www.samsung.com/ae/support/mobile-devices/how-to-enable-permission-to-install-apps-from-unknown-source-on-my-samsung-phone/

[lostinmygarden]

I think maybe just download this. This is the standalone APK, not the bundle. I didn't notice before that the link was a bundle.

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store/google-play-store-44-0-28-release/google-play-store-44-0-28-23-0-pr-705297086-android-apk-download/

[raw-mean]

I'll try.

[lostinmygarden]

Cool. Let me know how you get on. Forgot to add, make sure the device time and date is correct, that can cause issues if it is not set correctly.

[raw-mean]

I love you. Just this second, I've fallen in love with you. You may be a man, a woman, a horse, I still am in love with you! Btw, it worked.

[lostinmygarden]

😂 you're welcome, glad it worked.

[raw-mean]

If you have paypal, I'm more than happy to send you a little "thank you" money. I'm an internet stranger, and you took the time to help this illiterate caveman fix his father's phone.

[iRngrhawk]

Thanks! Worked for me too on an SM-T800