Don’t worry — this is a common issue and usually easy to fix!
“Google Play — Authentication Is Required”
What This Means (In Plain English)
Google Play needs you to sign in again before you can download or update apps. Your Google account needs to be verified.
Common Causes
- •Your Google account session expired
- •You recently changed your Google password
- •A Google Play Store cache issue
- •A new security check from Google
How to Fix It — Step by Step
- 1
Open the Google Play Store app.
- 2
If asked to sign in, enter your Google (Gmail) email address and password.
- 3
If you are already signed in but see this error, try this: go to Settings > Accounts > Google.
- 4
Tap your Google account and then tap "Remove Account".
- 5
Restart your phone.
- 6
Go to Settings > Accounts > Add Account > Google and sign in again.
- 7
Open the Play Store and try your download again.
How to Prevent This in the Future
Keep your Google account password up to date on your phone. If you change your Gmail password on a computer, update it on your phone too.
Related Errors You Might See
Still stuck? Don’t worry!
If the steps above did not solve the problem, ask a trusted friend or family member for help, or contact us and we will do our best to assist you.