This error has been reported on all Android versions across different OEM phones, TVs, smartwatches, etc. Users experience the issue when reviewing apps, updating apps, or initiating a subscription. Additionally, some users have encountered this error when redeeming points on the Google Play Store. Several common causes for the Google Play Store error DF-DFERH-01 include:
Disabling of Essential Apps: The error DF-DFERH-01 may occur on the Google Play Store if applications important for its background operations, such as the Google Services Framework, are disabled on your phone.Outdated Device or Google Play Store: An outdated installation of the Google Play Store or the device’s OS may result in a server information retrieval error due to incompatibility with Google Servers.Missing Essential Permissions: The error can occur when the Google Play Store attempts to retrieve information from the server if it, or any of its dependencies (like Google Play Services), lacks the required permissions on your phone.Corrupted Cache: Corruption in the cache, data, or installation of the Google Play Store or related apps (like Google Play Services) can prevent the Play Store from accessing essential modules necessary for its operation.Corrupted OS of the Android Device: The error might occur if the OS of your Android device is corrupted, blocking the Play Store’s ability to access components needed for its functionality.
1. Force Restart Your Android Device
A temporary glitch in the Android phone’s modules might be causing error. A forced restart of your device could resolve this issue, as this process refreshes the system, fixes any minor software glitches, and can often restore functionality to apps that were misbehaving — including the Google Play Store. Before you begin troubleshooting, make sure there isn’t a service outage at Google.
2. Enable Google Services Framework on Your Device
This system application has many core functions on your Android device, including essential updates and service integration. When it’s disabled, certain apps may misbehave or encounter errors when trying to communicate with Google’s servers. By making sure that this framework is enabled, you’re restoring the smooth operation of services and apps, potentially resolving any related errors. Please note: If you (or any third-party app) have uninstalled Google Play Services, reinstalling it could fix the problem.
3. Update Your Device’s OS to the Latest Build
An OS update often includes patches for security vulnerabilities, bug fixes, and performance improvements that can enhance the stability and functionality of applications like the Google Play Store. By updating to the latest build, you’re eliminating potential conflicts between the OS and app, which might be causing the error. Although the update process is generally safe, it’s best to back up your Android device. Also, make sure your phone is fully charged and connected to Wi-Fi, if possible.
4. Update the Google Play Store to its Latest Build
The Google Play Store is no exception, with regular updates that not only bring new features but also important fixes for bugs and compatibility issues. By updating the Play Store to the latest version, you make sure that any outdated components that might be causing communication issues with Google’s servers are refreshed. Note that updating the Play Store is distinct from an Android OS update. If the error appears when launching the Google Play Store, this method might not be effective (although you could try these steps in your Android device’s safe mode).
5. Delete Dump on Samsung or Supported Android Phones
These files, though initially intended for debugging purposes, can sometimes grow too large and block the functionality of system applications like the Google Play Store. By using the *#9900# USSD code to remove these dumpstate/logcat files, you basically refresh the device’s memory space, fixing any memory-related issues that could cause the Google Play Store to malfunction and display the error.
6. Opt Out of Interest-based Ads on Your Phone
If the Google Play Store fails to serve the interest-based ads on your phone’s apps due to a glitch, then it may fail to retrieve information from the server. By choosing to opt out of interest-based ads, you’re effectively changing the way your device interacts with ad services. This change can sometimes remove glitches related to ad configurations that may accidentally affect the Google Play Store’s functionality.
7. Disable and Enable the Google Play Store
Google Play Store may show the error due to a temporary compatibility glitch between the Play Store and other device modules. Disabling and then re-enabling acts as a soft reset for the app, clearing out any temporary glitches that may be causing the error. By reactivating the app, you’re prompting your device to re-establish any connections and settings that authorize its operation, potentially resolving the error.
8. Enable All the Permissions Required by Google Play Store and Related Apps
If Google Play Store and related apps do not have the permissions required to operate, then the Store may fail to retrieve information from the server. Enabling all the permissions required by Google Play Store can fix issues where restricted permissions prevent the app from performing tasks like syncing data, accessing the network, or integrating with other Google services.
9. Uninstall Updates of the Google Play Store
If the Google Play Store updates are corrupt or incompatible with your device, the servers may refuse to respond to its queries, resulting in the error. By uninstalling updates of the Google Play Store, any recent update-induced conflicts or bugs that might be causing the server retrieval error are eliminated. After the uninstallation, the Google Play Store will update itself again, potentially resolving any issues that had sneaked in with the previous update. Keep in mind that if the issue re-appears, you may repeat the above steps and disable auto-updating apps on your device (till the issue permanently resolves).
10. Re-Add Your Payment Method to the Google Play Store
If any of your payment methods have expired or the Play Store is having difficulties using a particular payment method, the Store app may crash when doing a payment method action (like buying a subscription or app). By removing and re-entering your payment information, you basically refresh your account’s financial credentials, clearing out any issues in the system that might have been causing trouble during transactions or information retrieval. This process can restore smooth communication with the store’s billing services, thus potentially resolving the error.
11. Try Another Google Account in the Play Store
Switching between different Google accounts within the Play Store can sometimes act as a troubleshooter. When specific account-related issues, like synchronization problems or data inconsistency, are causing the error, using an alternative Google account might bypass these glitches. This action effectively refreshes the Play Store’s connection to Google’s servers under a new account, potentially resolving any communication issues linked to the previous account and thus clearing the error.
12. Clear Cache/Data of the Google Play Store and Other Related Apps
If the Google Play Store’s cache and data (or that of any other related apps) become corrupted, the Play Store may encounter difficulties accessing modules critical for operation, potentially leading to the error. By clearing the cache, you eliminate any temporary files that might be causing issues. Wiping the data goes even further, effectively resetting the app to its original state, as if you’ve just installed it. This means that any misconfigured settings, corrupted files, or glitches within the app are removed, providing a fresh start for the Google Play Store to operate. After performing this action, you’ll need to log back in and set up your preferences again, but it often resolves persistent errors and restores normal app functionality.
13. Try Another Network or Use a VPN
If your internet service provider (ISP) restricts access to Google Play’s servers, this may prevent the Play Store from retrieving necessary information. Switching to a different network or using a VPN could bypass such limitations.
14. Uninstall Conflicting Apps
When you uninstall applications that may be conflicting with Google Play’s operations, such as those that modify system behavior or replace core services (like MicroG for YouTube Vanced), you eliminate the possibility of these third-party apps interfering with Google Play Store’s ability to communicate with its servers, thus potentially resolving errors like DF-DFERH-01. It’s a process of simplifying the app environment on your device to make sure that Google Play Store runs without competing with other apps for crucial system resources or access. If you do not have MicroG or a similar app, consider booting your phone into safe mode to identify whether a third-party app is the problem. If the Play Store functions correctly in safe mode, you can remove non-essential apps one by one until you isolate the troublesome one.
15. Use the Browser Version of the Google Play Store
At times, a communication breakdown between your device and Google’s servers may prompt the server retrieval error. When you utilize the browser version, you initiate app installations and manage your account in a different environment, which is not affected by the potential software glitches on your phone. This change of platform can often avoid errors like DF-DFERH-01, as the web service communicates directly with Google’s servers without the interference of your phone’s software restrictions.
16. Reset App Preferences on Your Android Device
Modifications to your device’s app preferences, such as disabling essential apps for Google Play Store operations, can interfere with its ability to communicate with servers, potentially leading to the discussed server error. Resetting app preferences restores all apps to their default settings, re-enabling any that you may have disabled unintentionally and restoring default actions for links, app notifications, and background data restrictions.
17. Re-add Your Google Account to the Device
Server-side glitches can sometimes prevent Google servers from communicating with your Android device using your Google account, potentially causing an error when retrieving information from Google Play. When you remove and re-add your Google account, it prompts the system to refresh and re-establish the connection with Google’s servers. This can clear potential issues that might have occurred with account credentials or sync processes, thereby potentially resolving the error. Before you begin, make sure you have your Google account credentials to hand. If two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled, make sure you can log into your account using alternative 2FA methods, such as an SMS code.
18. Reset Your Android Phone to Factory Settings
If you’ve exhausted all the previous methods and still encounter the Google Play Store error DF-DFERH-01, the error might be rooted in your Android device’s operating system. A factory reset could be the solution. Resetting your Android phone to factory settings erases all the data and custom configurations on your device, reverting it back to its original state as when it first left the factory. By doing so, any corrupted files, system misconfigurations, or problematic apps that might interfere with the Google Play Store’s functionality are removed, potentially resolving the error at hand. Before proceeding, make sure your device’s battery is fully charged and that you’ve backed up your data. If you’re using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, transfer it to another device to prevent being locked out of your accounts. If none of the above methods work, consider contacting Google support or reinstalling the Google Play Store. However, downloading the Google Play Store APK from a third-party source is not generally recommended and may not be safe.
