Google Play doesn’t allow you to download or install certain apps. This can be frustrating, especially when there are other apps that you can download.
We can help you, whether you don’t see the app in the Play Store or can’t find it. Let’s take a look at the reasons you are unable to download certain apps from Google Play Store, and then we’ll show you how to fix it.
1. Device incompatibility
Most likely, the developers of an app have made it “incompatible” with your phone. This is why you cannot download certain apps from Google Play. In this instance, you’ll receive a message saying “this app has been removed from your device” or “this application is not available on any of your devices”.
This could happen if the app is only compatible with Android phones. The Play Store screenshot above shows the web version. You can search for all apps and view them, even if your device isn’t compatible. You won’t find any apps that are incompatible when you search the Play Store from your device.
This doesn’t mean that the app is unlikely to work on your device. Developers might mark an app incompatible because of unfixable bugs or glitches with your model. You might also have a rooted device that is not compatible with certain applications.
The issue of apps not appearing in the Play Store is not a major problem on Android. Download the APK from another site and force it to be installed. This is at your own risk. You could have problems with your phone if there are incompatibilities. Your device will most likely prevent you from accessing certain features of the app.
2. Restrictions in Region
Another reason you might not find an app on Google Play that works in your region or country is the fact that it’s not available. It could be because of restrictions imposed by governments, but it is more often a decision made by developers to exclude people who are unable to use the app.
If you are not from the US, it is no use installing an app for US-only banks if you don’t live there. You won’t even be able to create an account or use bank services if the app is forced to install sideloading on your phone. Hulu is another example, but it is only available in the US.
Sometimes, apps may not be available in certain areas at first, so the owner restricts who can download them. This helps to prevent users from leaving negative reviews and ensures that the app is running proper tests. It’s worth asking the developers if you don’t understand why an app is restricted to a particular region.
Remember that if your country has changed recently, you might need to change the region setting in Google Play Store in order to access compatible apps.
3. Features of missing devices
Your device should be at least a few years old and not very basic. It will likely have the most recent hardware features. Your device can pick up data from the environment around it using gyroscopes and accelerometers.
These tools are required by some apps. You can’t download an app from the Play Store if your phone doesn’t have the required component. These features are less likely to be available on budget phones than on flagships.
A particular app might also require more power than your phone’s hardware. For example, apps that require a lot more resources may need more RAM. This was a problem that many people faced when Pokemon Go launched. Their phones didn’t meet the required requirements and the game wouldn’t run.
Upgrading to a newer model is the only solution. Although frustrating, it is possible to upgrade to a newer device.
4. You are using an outdated Android version
Apart from the hardware requirements, many apps require software to run. This is usually in the form your Android version. This information can be found on the app’s Google Play page. Scroll down and you will see a Required Android field under the Additional Info section.
Each major Android version comes with a few new features and improvements that apps may use. An app that relies on these features may not work if it isn’t available. This is why you shouldn’t install Play Store because it’s not worth the effort.
Developers often choose the older version of Android that the app supports as a cutoff. It’s not easy to make Android apps compatible with older versions of Android, just like desktop software. It makes no sense to continue supporting older Android versions, such as Jelly Bean.
Android fragmentation means your device won’t see an update. To give life to an older device, you can install a custom AndroidROM. If your phone can’t download any apps from the Play Store it might be time to get a new one.
5. Insufficient storage space
Apps can eat up surprising amounts of space on your phone. You might not have enough storage on your phone to install apps from Google Play Store. In some cases, this can prevent you from installing updates to apps.
To make way for the new app, clear space from your Android device. This can be done by uninstalling older apps and deleting any local photos or videos you have saved to cloud storage. This should be a problem that you have to deal with often.
6. Google Play Store Glitches
You may encounter an app that appears compatible with your device but doesn’t download. You may have an issue with Google Play Store on your phone.
If a Google Play download or installation fails to work, reboot your phone. If this fails, you can read our complete troubleshooting guide for fixing Play Store problems. This guide will assist you in diagnosing and fixing issues within the Play Store app.
Also, confirm that your network is reliable. It is possible for an app to fail if you are trying to download it on a weak connection.
7. Unavailable Manufacturer-Specific Apps
You might not find an app on the Play Store if it is only available for certain devices. Some apps (allegedly) are designed to use features that are limited to that manufacturer’s device. The Samsung Music app, for example, is available on the Play Store but will not install on a Google Pixel smartphone.
It might not work with other devices if the app’s title includes a manufacturer name. The good news is that most of these manufacturer-specific apps have alternatives that are often better anyway. If you don’t really need a specific app, you shouldn’t force an installation or switch to another device.
8. Google Play Removed the App
Another reason why an app might not be showing up in Google Play Store is that it is no longer available. Google or the developer could have removed an app that you downloaded (or saw) a while back.
This could happen if the developer isn’t willing to support the app anymore or if it violates Google Play Store policies. The app could have contained malicious code or had objectionable content. Although the app was likely to have been in good shape at its initial release, it received an update that violated the Play Store’s guidelines.
If you have any way to contact the developer, you might be able to try to reach them to find out what happened. It’s possible that the app was deleted for good reasons, so it won’t be coming back.
This is why you can’t install some apps from the Google Play Store
We’ve already explained why certain apps aren’t available in the Play Store. Now you need to understand why the app you’re trying to download is not compatible with your device. It’s possible to fix it, but most of the time the app will not work until you have a new device. There is not much you can do if it’s not available in your area.
You don’t have to worry if the Play Store doesn’t work for you. You can easily download Android apps from other app stores. The most popular apps are also available almost everywhere.
