Quick Summary
Error -24 on Android usually indicates a problem during the installation or update of an application from the Google Play Store. It typically means that there are residual files (usually data folders) from a previous, incomplete, or corrupted installation that the system is having trouble overwriting.
Common Causes
- Incomplete Installation: A previous attempt to install the app was interrupted or failed, leaving behind some files.
- Corrupted App Data: Existing app data or cache is corrupt and preventing a clean installation.
- File System Permissions: The user account on the device does not have necessary permissions to access or modify the older files that are causing the installation issue.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data
Step 1: Open your device's Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Apps & notifications (or Applications, depending on your Android version).
Step 3: Find and tap on 'Google Play Store'.
Step 4: Tap on 'Storage'.
Step 5: Tap 'Clear Cache' and then 'Clear Data'. Note that clearing data resets the Google Play Store app to its default state, and you may need to re-enter your login credentials.
Step 6: Restart your device and try installing the app again.
Method 2: Clear Google Play Services Cache and Data
Step 1: Open your device's Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Apps & notifications (or Applications, depending on your Android version).
Step 3: Find and tap on 'Google Play Services'.
Step 4: Tap on 'Storage' then 'Manage Storage'.
Step 5: Tap 'Clear All Data' (or 'Clear Cache' and then 'Clear all data', depending on your Android version).
Step 6: Restart your device and try installing the app again.
Method 3: Uninstall and Reinstall the App (If Applicable)
Step 1: If the app is already installed, try uninstalling it.
Step 2: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > [App Name] > Uninstall.
Step 3: Restart your device.
Step 4: Reinstall the app from the Google Play Store.
Method 4: Delete Residual Files via a File Manager
Step 1: Install a file manager app (like Files by Google) from the Play Store if you don't have one.
Step 2: Open the file manager and enable 'Show hidden files' in settings (if available). This is important to reveal any data directories that might be hidden.
Step 3: Navigate to 'Android/data/' in your internal storage.
Step 4: Locate the folder associated with the app you're trying to install (usually named like 'com.appname').
Step 5: Delete the folder.
Step 6: Restart your device and retry the installation.
Method 5: Factory Reset (Last Resort!)
Step 1: Back up your important data (photos, contacts, etc.) because a factory reset will erase everything.
Step 2: Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. (The exact path might vary depending on your Android device.)
Step 3: Confirm the reset and wait for the process to complete. Your device will restart.
Step 4: After the reset, set up your device and try installing the app again.
Warning: A factory reset erases all data on your device.