Are you getting a “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error on the Google Play Store?
Here’s the second part of the error message, “Turn off any apps that might be drawing over the screen and try again”.
Another variation of the error message is, “It seems that another app is blocking access to Google Play”.
If you’re experiencing this error, you won’t be to install apps, update apps, or make a payment.
To fix “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play”, you can either try uninstalling updates on Google Play or disabling “Appear on top”.
Alternatively, you can try restarting your phone to start it on a clean slate.
Here are 3 methods to fix the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error:
- Method 1: Uninstall updates for Google Play
- Method 2: Disable “Appear on top”
- Method 3: Restart your phone
Method 1: Uninstall updates for Google Play
1. Go to your settings
The first method is to uninstall updates for Google Play.
If you’ve recently updated the Google Play Store, you might get the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error.
This is because the latest version of the Google Play Store is causing the error message.
Firstly, go to your settings by tapping on the settings icon.
2. Tap on “Apps”
Once you’re in your settings, you’ll see multiple options.
This includes “Google”, “Accounts and backup”, “Advanced features”, and more.
Scroll down until you find the “Apps” option.
Tap on “Apps” to manage your default apps and app settings.
3. Select “Google Play Store”
After you’ve tapped on “Apps”, you’ll see a list of apps that you have on your device.
In the list, you need to find “Google Play Store”.
Scroll down the list until your find the “Google Play Store” app.
Then, tap on “Google Play Store” to open its info.
4. Tap on the three dots followed by “Uninstall updates”
After you’ve tapped on “Google Play Store”, you’ll land on its info.
Now, you’ll be able to see the app’s privacy settings, defaults, and usage.
On the top right corner of your screen, you’ll see three dots.
Tap on the three dots followed by “Uninstall updates” to uninstall the Google Play Store updates.
After you’ve uninstalled updates, open the Google Play Store and try installing an app.
This time, the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error should be fixed.
Method 2: Disable “Appear on top”
1. Open your settings
The second method is to disable “Appear on top” for all of your apps.
The function is also known as “Screen Overlay” that allows apps to appear on top of other apps.
In some cases, the function will cause the “It seems that another app is blocking access to Google Play” error.
To disable it, you need to first tap on the settings icon to go to your settings.
2. Tap on “Apps”
Once you’re in your settings, you’ll see multiple options.
This includes “Google”, “Accounts and backup”, “Advanced features”, and more.
Scroll down until you find the “Apps” option.
Tap on “Apps” to manage your default apps and app settings.
3. Tap on the three dots followed by “Special access”
After you’ve tapped on “Apps”, you’ll see a list of apps that you have on your device.
Now, you need to navigate to the “Special access” menu.
To do so, tap on the three dots on the top right corner of your screen.
Then, tap on “Special access” to open the “Special access” menu.
4. Select “Appear on top”
After you’ve tapped on “Special access”, the “Special access” menu will open.
On the menu, you’ll see multiple options.
This includes “All files access”, “Optimise battery usage”, “Connected personal and work apps”, and more.
Tap on “Appear on top” to go to the “Appear on top” setting.
5. Disable “Appear on top” for all apps
After you’ve tapped on “Appear on top”, you’ll land on the “Appear on top” setting.
Now, you’ll see a list of apps that you’ve allowed to appear on top of other apps.
To get rid of the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error, you need to disable “Appear on top” for all apps.
To do so, turn off the switches for all the apps on the list.
Once you’re done, go back to the Google Play Store and try installing an app.
If the error is fixed, the app will be successfully installed!
Method 3: Restart your phone
The final method is to restart your phone.
The “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error might be caused by an app that is running in the background.
To restart your device, press and hold the power button until you see the “Options” menu.
Next, tap on “Restart” to restart your device.
Restarting your device will force close every app.
In other words, restarting your device will start it in a fresh slate.
Once you’ve restarted your device, open the Google Play Store and try installing an app.
Now, the error message should be lifted.
Conclusion
As of September 2021, many Android users are experiencing the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error.
The error is known to be caused by a Google Play Store update.
Hence, you can try uninstalling the latest Google Play Store update to fix it.
The error might be caused by an app that is running in your device’s background as well.
To fix this, you can force close all apps.
Here’s how to force close all apps on your Android device:
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen.
- Swipe up on every app to force close them.
Alternatively, you can restart your device by pressing the power button and tapping on “Restart”.
Once you’ve restarted your device, try installing or updating an app again.
Further reading
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