Quick Summary
Error code AW-2 on Android typically indicates an authentication failure with Google Play Services. This usually means there's an issue verifying your Google account, preventing you from accessing Google Play and its features.
Common Causes
- Incorrect Google Account Credentials: The Google account password stored on your device may be incorrect or outdated. This can happen if you recently changed your password on another device and haven't updated it on your phone.
- Outdated Google Play Services: An outdated version of Google Play Services can cause authentication problems. Google Play Services is a system app that handles authentication for various Google apps.
- Conflicting Accounts: Having multiple Google accounts signed in on your device can sometimes lead to conflicts during authentication. The system might be trying to authenticate with the wrong account.
- Cache and Data Corruption: Corrupted cache or data within Google Play Services or the Google Play Store can interfere with the authentication process.
- Network Connectivity Issues: An unstable or intermittent internet connection can disrupt the authentication process. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
- Date and Time Settings: Incorrect date and time settings on your device can cause authentication failures. Google servers require that the date and time on your device are properly synchronized.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Re-enter Google Account Credentials
Step 1: Go to your device's Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to 'Accounts' or 'Users & accounts' (the exact wording may vary depending on your Android version).
Step 3: Select your Google account.
Step 4: Tap 'Remove account' or 'Delete account'.
Step 5: Restart your device.
Step 6: Go back to Settings > Accounts and add your Google account again, carefully entering your password.
Method 2: Update Google Play Services
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store app.
Step 2: Search for 'Google Play Services'.
Step 3: If an 'Update' button is available, tap it to update the app. If you see an 'Open' button, your Google Play Services is already up-to-date.
Step 4: Restart your device after the update is complete.
Method 3: Clear Cache and Data for Google Play Services and Google Play Store
Step 1: Go to your device's Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to 'Apps' or 'Application manager' (the exact wording may vary).
Step 3: Find and select 'Google Play Services'.
Step 4: Tap 'Storage'.
Step 5: Tap 'Clear cache' and then 'Clear data' (or 'Manage storage' and then 'Clear all data').
Step 6: Repeat steps 3-5 for 'Google Play Store'.
Step 7: Restart your device.
Method 4: Check Date and Time Settings
Step 1: Go to your device's Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to 'Date & time' or 'General management' > 'Date and time' (the exact wording may vary).
Step 3: Ensure that 'Automatic date & time' and 'Automatic time zone' are enabled. If not, manually set the correct date, time, and time zone.
Step 4: Restart your device.
Method 5: Check your Internet Connection
Step 1: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection or active mobile data connection.
Step 2: Try opening a webpage in your browser to confirm your internet connection is working correctly.
Step 3: If you are using Wi-Fi, try restarting your router. If using mobile data try switching airplane mode on and off.