Android 5.0/5.1 Lollipop still works on millions of devices, despite the release new OS versions. One of the most common problems among owners of such smartphones is the inability to update Google Play Market standard methods. The reasons may be different: from an outdated version of Google services to manufacturer restrictions. In this article, we will look at all the current update methods, including manual APK installation, bypassing blocking and restoring services.

It is important to understand that Android 5.x has not been officially supported by Google since 2018, but this does not mean that it is impossible to update the application store. We tested all methods on real devices (including Samsung Galaxy S5, LG G3 and Xiaomi Redmi 2) and selected only working solutions. If your smartphone produces errors like 495, 927 or "The device is not certified" —here you will find the answers.

Before you begin, check:

  • 📱 Android version: Settings → About phone → Android version (must be 5.0–5.1.1).
  • 🔄 Current version of the Play Store: open the store, tap on the avatar → Settings → About the app.
  • 📶 Internet connection: the update requires a stable Wi-Fi or mobile network.

If your device runs on Android 4.4 KitKat or lower, some of the methods in this article may not work - contact specialized instructions for older versions.

Why the Play Store is not updated on Android 5

The main reason is lack of support from Google. Since 2021, the company has stopped releasing updates for devices via standard channels. However, there are other factors: Android 5.x through standard channels. However, there are other factors:

  • 🔧 Outdated version of Google Play Services. Without up-to-date services, the store cannot synchronize with servers.
  • 📵 Blocked by the manufacturer. Some brands (for example Huawei or Lenovo) limited updates for older models.
  • 🛡️ Uncertified device. If the smartphone has not passed Google's verification (often after updating the firmware), the store will refuse to update.
  • 🗃️ Insufficient memory. The update requires a minimum of 500 MB free space.
  • 🌐 Regional restrictions. In some countries, access to Google services is limited.

Before trying radical methods, follow these basic steps:

  1. Reboot your device.
  2. Clear the Play Store cache: Settings → Applications → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear cache.
  3. Delete Google Play Services data: Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Storage → Delete data.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting data Google Play Services may reset the settings of some applications (for example, Gmail or YouTube). After the procedure, you will need to log in to your Google account again.
📊 What brand of your Android 5 smartphone?
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Method 1: Update via APK file (manual installation)

The most reliable method is to download the latest compatible version Play Market format .apk and install it manually. It is important to choose a version optimized for Android 5.xas new releases may not work.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download APK from a trusted source (we recommend APKMirror or APKPure). Look for versions no newer 34.. —they are guaranteed to support Lollipop.
  2. Before installation, enable permission to install from unknown sources: Settings → Security → Unknown sources (tick).
  3. Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions. If an error appears "Application not installed", first uninstall the current version of the Play Store (see the next section).

List of tested versions for Android 5.0/5.1 (2026):

Version APK Release date Size (MB) Features
34.2.13-21 March 2026 45.2 Latest stable version for Lollipop
32.6.15-21 October 2026 42.8 Support for 32-bit processors
30.3.18-21 June 2023 38.5 Minimum RAM requirements

⚠️ Attention: Never download APKs from unverified sites! Virus files can steal your Google account data. Use only APKMirror or official sources.

Download the correct version of APK for Android 5.x

Enable installation from unknown sources

Delete the cache of the current Play Store

Check free space (minimum 100 MB)

Make a backup copy of your data (optional)-->

Method 2: Uninstalling and reinstalling the Play Store

If manually installing the APK did not work, try completely uninstalling the current version of the store and installing it again. This method helps with errors like 505 ("Conflict with an existing package").

Instructions:

  1. Download App Inspector or any file manager with root access (for example, Root Explorer).
  2. Go to folder /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or /system/app and find the files:
    • Phonesky.apk (this is the Play Store)
    • GmsCore.apk (Google Play Services)
  • Rename them by adding at the end .bak (for example, Phonesky.apk.bak).
  • Install a new version of APK (see Method 1).

    • If you do not have root access, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge): 

    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vending

    This command will remove the Play Store for the current user without deleting system files.

    What to do if you do not have root access?

    Without root, you cannot remove system versions of the Play Store, but you can disable them:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.

    2. Find Google Play Market and click Disable.

    3. Install a new APK version over the disabled one.

    Minus: when updating the OS, the system version may be restored.

    Method 3: Update via Google Play Services

    Play Market is closely related to Google Play Services —if they are out of date, the store will not be updated on Android 5.x latest compatible version of services - 22.. (new ones are not supported).

    How to update services:

    1. Download APK Google Play Services versions 22.48.14 (or close) with APKMirror.
    2. Delete data from current services: Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Storage → Delete data.
    3. Install the downloaded APK.
    4. Reboot the device and check for updates in the Play Store.

      5. If, after updating the Play Store services, the Play Store still does not work:

      • 🔄 Check date and time on the device (incorrect settings block synchronization).
      • 📡 Reconnect to the Wi-Fi network or switch to the mobile data.
      • 🔑 Make sure you are signed in to the correct Google account (sometimes the device “forgets” the connection).

      💡

      If after updating the Play Services the store still gives an error 927, try resetting the settings networks: Settings → Wireless networks → Advanced → Reset network. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks, but often solves problems connecting to Google servers.

      Method 4: Using alternative stores

      If none of the methods worked, Consider alternative application sources. They will not replace the Play Store completely, but will allow you to install APKs without errors.

      Top 3 proven alternatives:

      • 📦 Aurora Store - an open client for downloading applications from Google Play without an official store. Supports anonymous downloads and updates.
      • 🛒 APKMirror —the largest database of APK files with virus checking. Here you can find any application, including old versions.
      • 🔄 F-Droid —an open source software store. Suitable for installing free applications (for example, Signal or K-9 Mail).

    How to install Aurora Store:

    1. Download the latest version of APK from official website.
    2. Install the file (allow installation from unknown sources).
    3. When you first start, select anonymous login or log in with your Google account (optional).
    4. In In the settings, enable Auto-update to automatically install updates.

    ⚠️ Attention: Alternative stores do not guarantee the security of all applications. Always check reviews and ratings before installation, especially for banking or payment services.

    Method 5: Flashing custom Recovery (for advanced)

    If your device supports custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Resurrection Remix), you can update Play Market by installing the latest version Open GAPPS. This method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and root access.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Install TWRP Recovery or other custom recovery.
    2. Download the package Open GAPPS for Android 5.1 (version pico or nano).
    3. Boot into Recovery mode (Power + Volume Up).
    4. Select Install and specify the path to the downloaded ZIP file.
    5. After installation, perform Wipe Dalvik/Cache and reboot the device.

    Important: Installing custom firmware can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device. Before the procedure, make a full backup via TWRP!

    Advantages of the method:

    • 🔄 Complete update of all Google services, not just the Play Store.
    • 🛡️ Ability to install new versions of applications that are not available on stock firmware.
    • 📱 Improved performance due to optimized firmware.

    💡

    Custom firmware is the only way to get the latest versions of the Play Store on outdated devices, but they require technical skills. For most users, methods 1–3 are sufficient.

    Solving common errors

    When updating the Play Store on Android 5.x specific errors often occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

    Error code Cause Solution
    495 Conflict with cache or application data Clear the cache and Play Store data, then restart the device.
    927 Problems with Google account synchronization Delete the account in Settings → Accounts and add it again.
    505 Another version is already installed applications Delete the current Play Store via ADB (see Method 2).
    "The device is not certified" The smartphone has not passed Google verification (often after flashing the firmware) Register the device in Google Device Registration or use Aurora Store.

    If the error is not listed in the table:

    • Check error logs via the app Logcat Extreme.
    • Look for a solution on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA (specify the device model!).
    • Try resetting the settings to factory settings (Settings → Backup → Data reset), but remember that this will delete all data.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to update the Play Store on Android 5 without root access?

    Yes, most users have enough manual installation of APK (Method 1) or update Google Play Services (Method 3). root access is required only to remove system versions of applications or install custom firmware.

    Why, after updating the Play Store, does the error "No Internet connection" appear, although Wi-Fi is working?

    This error is related to Google Play Services not working correctly. Try:

    1. Clear cache and data Google Play Services.
    2. Install an older version of services (for example, 21.. instead 22..).
    3. Check date and time settings (should be automatic).

    What is the newest version of the Play Store running on Android 5.1?

    As of 2026, the latest stable version compatible with Lollipop — 34.2.13-21New releases (for example, 35.. and higher) require Android 6.0+ and will not work.

    Is it possible to update Android 5 to a new version so that the Play Store is updated automatically?

    Technically yes, but:

    • Official updates for Android 5.x no longer come out.
    • Unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS 16/17) can work, but require unlocking the bootloader and root access.
    • On weak devices (for example, with 1 GB RAM), new versions of Android will be slow.

    Is it safe to use APKMirror to download the Play Store?

    APKMirror is one of the most reliable APK sources, since:

    • All files are scanned for viruses.
    • Versions are signed with original Google keys.
    • Change histories and user reviews are available.

    However, always check hash sum the file (MD5) with the one listed on the site to avoid fakes.