Google Play Error 920? 8 Fixes to Download Apps Again

Google Play Error 920 is one of the most common download errors on Android — it appears when you try to download or update an app and shows the message: “Error retrieving information from server [RPC:S-5:AEC-0]” or simply “Error 920.” This error means your Android device cannot connect to Google’s Play Store servers to complete the download. The good news: it’s almost always a software issue that can be fixed quickly without any technical knowledge.

What Causes Google Play Error 920?

Error 920 occurs when Google Play Services cannot authenticate or communicate with Google’s servers. Common causes include: a corrupted Google Play Store cache, a corrupted Google Play Services cache, a network connectivity issue (especially on Wi-Fi with proxy settings), a Google account sync problem, an outdated version of Google Play Services, or incorrect date and time settings on the device that break SSL authentication.

8 Fixes for Google Play Error 920

1. Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data

A corrupted Play Store cache is the most common cause of Error 920 and the fastest fix. Go to Settings → Apps → See All Apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear Cache. Then tap Clear Data (this resets Play Store settings but doesn’t delete any apps). After clearing, restart your phone and open the Play Store again. This fix resolves Error 920 in the majority of cases because it forces the Play Store to rebuild its local database fresh from Google’s servers.

2. Clear Google Play Services Cache

Google Play Services is the background framework that powers Play Store functionality. A corrupted Play Services cache can block downloads just as effectively as a corrupted Play Store cache. Go to Settings → Apps → See All Apps → tap the three-dot menu → Show System Apps → find Google Play Services → Storage → Clear Cache. Do not clear data for Play Services (this can cause more issues) — just the cache. Restart your phone after clearing.

3. Remove and Re-add Your Google Account

An authentication problem with your Google account can trigger Error 920. Removing and re-adding the account forces a fresh authentication with Google’s servers. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → select your account → Remove Account. After removing, restart your phone, then go to Settings → Accounts → Add Account → Google and sign back in. Open the Play Store and try the download again. Note: removing your Google account temporarily disables sync-dependent apps, but no data is deleted.

4. Switch from Wi-Fi to Mobile Data (or Vice Versa)

Error 920 sometimes occurs because the Wi-Fi network your phone is connected to has a proxy, firewall, or DNS configuration that blocks Google Play’s servers. Try switching to mobile data and downloading the app — if it works, the issue is with your Wi-Fi network, not your device. Conversely, if you’re on mobile data and getting the error, try connecting to Wi-Fi. This quick test immediately tells you whether the problem is network-specific or device-specific.

5. Check and Correct Date and Time Settings

Google’s servers use SSL certificates for secure communication, and SSL certificates are time-sensitive — an incorrect date or time on your phone causes authentication to fail, which can manifest as Error 920. Go to Settings → General Management → Date and Time (location varies by Android version) and enable “Automatic date and time” and “Automatic time zone.” If these are already on, toggle them off and on again to force a resync. This fix is particularly important if your phone was recently factory reset or had the battery completely drained.

6. Uninstall Google Play Store Updates

A buggy Play Store update can introduce Error 920 for many users simultaneously. Rolling back to the factory version of the Play Store sometimes resolves it. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → tap the three-dot menu → Uninstall Updates. The Play Store will revert to its original factory version and immediately begin updating itself to the latest stable version. This process takes a few minutes, after which you can try the download again.

7. Restart Your Router and Check Network Settings

If the error occurs consistently on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data, the issue is with your router or network configuration. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Also check if your router has any app or service blocking enabled that might affect Google’s servers. If your network uses a VPN or proxy, try disabling it temporarily. Corporate and school Wi-Fi networks frequently block certain ports that Google Play needs.

8. Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If Error 920 persists across all the above fixes, a factory reset will eliminate any deep software conflict causing the issue. Back up all your data first (photos, contacts, app data) via Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync or by copying files to a computer. Then go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data Reset. After the reset, set up your device fresh and the Play Store should work correctly. This is rarely necessary for Error 920 but is the definitive solution when nothing else works.

Preventing Google Play Error 920

Keep your Android OS and Google Play Services updated, as updates often include fixes for Play Store connectivity issues. Periodically clear the Play Store cache (monthly is reasonable for heavy users). Keep your device’s date and time set to automatic. Avoid using unofficial VPNs or proxy services that may interfere with Google’s servers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Error 920 caused by my internet connection?

Error 920 can be caused by a network issue, but it’s usually a device-side problem — specifically the Play Store or Play Services cache. If you can browse other websites normally but get Error 920 in the Play Store, the issue is almost certainly a corrupted cache rather than your internet connection. Clear the Play Store and Play Services caches as the first step.

Does Error 920 affect all apps or just some?

Error 920 typically affects all Play Store downloads — it’s a server communication error that prevents any download from completing, not an issue with a specific app. If only one particular app is failing while others download fine, the problem may be specific to that app on the server side (try again later). If all downloads fail with Error 920, it’s a device or network issue that needs to be fixed on your end.

Will clearing Play Store data delete my apps?

No — clearing the Play Store’s cache and data only resets the Play Store app’s local settings and cached files. It does not delete any installed apps, their data, or your downloads. Your apps, their saved data, and your Google account remain completely intact. The Play Store will simply re-download its configuration from Google’s servers the next time it opens.

Why does Error 920 happen after a software update?

Android software updates sometimes reset or corrupt the Play Store’s cached authentication tokens, causing Error 920 on the first download attempt after the update. Clearing the Play Store cache immediately resolves this post-update occurrence. Some updates also change date/time settings or reset network configurations — check these after any major Android update if you experience Play Store issues.