Alex Ruben
How To Uninstall Google Play Store Updates on Google TV Streamer 4K & Chromecast With Google TV
Dealing with Google TV or Chromecast that just won’t cooperate? Apps crashing, weird glitches, or stubborn update prompts can be super frustrating. Uninstalling updates from the Google Play Store can sometimes act like a reset button—getting rid of bugs that cropped up after an update, or restoring things to a more stable version. Basically, it rolls back the app to its original state, which often helps with weird bugs or slow performance. Keep in mind, this process works across different Android TV OS versions, including 14 and 15, and all sorts of smart TVs, whether it’s QLED, OLED, or 4K models. Because, of course, Google’s ecosystem makes things a little more complicated than they should be.
How to Uninstall Google Play Store Updates on Google TV and Chromecast
Access the Settings menu
- Start by hitting the Home button on your remote. From there, navigate to the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear. Sometimes, it’s hidden in a quick menu or under the profile picture if you’re on newer versions.
- Once in Settings, look for Device Preferences > Apps. Sometimes, these menus are different depending on the device, but the general idea is the same.
This is where things get weird sometimes—on some devices you might see a different menu layout or need to dig through different settings, but overall, you’re aiming for the Apps section.
Show System Apps
- In Apps, you’ll probably see just your user-installed apps. To find the Google Play Store, you need to turn on Show System Apps — usually a toggle or checkbox somewhere on the screen.
- This step is key because the Play Store is technically a system app, so if you don’t see it, just toggle that option and refresh the list.
Honestly, on one setup it took me a couple of tries just to get it to show up, so patience helps here.
Locate Google Play Store
- Scroll through the full list of apps and find Google Play Store. It’s usually labeled clearly, but sometimes it’s buried depending on how many apps you’ve installed or what launcher you’re using.
- If you’re using a custom launcher, it may be hidden or appear differently, so make sure you’re viewing all system apps.
Uninstall Updates
- Click or select Google Play Store. In the app info page, you’ll see options like Force Stop and Uninstall Updates.
- Tap on Uninstall Updates. This is what reverts the app to the factory version, which often clears up bugs caused by recent updates.
- Sometimes, a confirmation prompt appears. Just confirm, and voilà—your Play Store is now back to its original state.
Fun fact: on some devices, this doesn’t take right away or needs a restart to fully reset. Weird, but that’s Android for you.
Verify the Version
- After doing this, you can check the version of the Play Store to make sure it’s rolled back. Go back to the Apps info page, and under App details or Version, it should show an older number, like dropping from 46.2 to 45 or similar.
- This confirms the uninstall went through, and you’re now running the factory version.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While messing with system apps isn’t as straightforward as regular apps, here are some tricks and things I’ve seen help:
- Make sure your device actually has an active internet connection—sometimes updates or reverts won’t stick if Wi-Fi isn’t solid.
- After uninstalling, give your device a quick restart. Sometimes, apps just refuse to update or revert until you do that.
- If the Google Play Store still acts weird afterward, look for system updates for your device. On some setups, an outdated Android TV OS messes with app management.
Wrap-up
Following these steps usually helps clear up issues caused by problematic updates. Reverting the Play Store back to its default version can fix crashes, glitches, or stuck update prompts. Of course, if the problem persists, other troubleshooting options like factory resets or checking for software updates might be needed. But often, just uninstalling updates gets things running smoother again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Google Play Store updates after uninstalling?
Definitely. Just go back into the Apps menu, and in the Google Play Store info page, hit the Update button or check for updates in the settings within the Play Store itself. Sometimes, it auto-updates in the background, but you can also manually force an update if needed.
Will uninstalling updates delete my installed apps?
Nope. Uninstalling updates only reverts the app to its original factory version. All your installed apps stay untouched, so no worries there.
What if I can’t find the Google Play Store in the apps menu?
This can happen if your device has a weird setup or no longer shows system apps by default. Sometimes, rebooting or updating your device can help bring it back. If all else fails, a factory reset might be the only option, but try the other steps first because those are less invasive.