Google Play, otherwise known as Google Play Store and formerly Android Market, serves as the official app store for certified devices running on the Android operating system, its derivatives, and ChromeOS, letting users browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit or SDK and published through Google. It works perfectly well, but there are times when you might encounter errors related to the app, such as the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play.”
Are you encountering this error on the Google Play Store? This notification has a second part, and it says, “Turn off any apps that might be drawing over the screen and try again.”
There is also another variation of this error message, and it reads, “It seems that another app is blocking access to Google Play.”
If you are experiencing this error, you will not be able to install apps, update apps, or make a payment.
3 Methods To Fix The ‘Looks Like Another App Is Blocking Access To Google Play’
So without further ado, we present three effective methods you can follow to fix the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error.
Uninstall Updates For Google Play
A. Go To Your Settings
The first method is to uninstall updates for Google Play.
If you have updated the Google Play Store recently, you might get the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error.
This is since the latest version of the Google Play Store is causing the error message.
First, you go to your settings by tapping on the settings icon.
B. Tap On ‘Apps’
Once you are in your settings, you will see multiple options. These include “Google,” “Accounts and backup,” “Advanced features,” and so much more.
Scroll down until you find the “Apps” option. Then, tap on “Apps” to manage your default apps and app settings.
C. Select ‘Google Play Store’
After tapping on “Apps,” you will see a list of apps on your device. From the list, you need to find “Google Play Store.” Scroll down to find this.
Then, tap on “Google Play Store” to open its info.
D. Tap On The Three Dots Followed By ‘Uninstall Updates’
After you have tapped on “Google Play Store,” you will be directed to its info. This time, you will be able to see the app’s privacy settings, defaults, and usage.
You will see three dots on the top right corner of your screen. Tap on the three dots followed by “Uninstall updates” to uninstall updates on the Google Play Store. After you have uninstalled these 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 resolved.
2. Disable ‘Appear On Top’
A. Open Your Settings
The second approach is disabling the “Appear on top” for all of your apps. This function is also known as “Screen Overlay,” allowing apps to appear on top of other apps.
In particular cases, the function will cause the “It seems that another app is blocking access to Google Play” error.
For you to disable it, you must first tap on the settings icon to go to your settings.
B. Tap On ‘Apps’
Once you reach your settings, you will see various options. These include “Google,” “Accounts and backup,” “Advanced features,” and more.
Scroll down until you see the “Apps” option. Tap this to manage your default apps and app settings.
C. Tap On The Three Dots Followed By ‘Special Access’
Once you have tapped on “Apps,” you will be able to see a list of apps you have on your device.
Now, you need to navigate to the “Special access” menu. To do this, tap on the three dots in the top right corner of your screen. Then, tap on “Special access” to open the “Special access” menu.
D. Select ‘Appear On Top’
After you have tapped on “Special access,” the “Special access” menu will open.
On the menu, you will see different options.
These include “All files access,” “Optimize battery usage, “Connected personal and work apps,” and so much more.
Tap on “Appear on top” to go to the “Appear on top” setting.
E. Disable ‘Appear On Top’ For All Apps
Right after you have tapped on the “Appear on top” option, you will land on the “Appear on top” setting.
Now, you will see a list of apps you have allowed to appear on top of other apps.
In order to get rid of the error message or the error itself, you must disable “Appear on top” for all apps. To do this, turn off the switches for all the apps on the list.
Once done, go back to Google Play Store and try installing an app. The error is fixed if you can successfully install the app.
3. Restart Your Phone
The last method you can do is to restart your phone.
The “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error might be caused by an app running in the background.
To restart your device, press and hold the power button until you see the “Options” menu.
Then, tap on “Restart” to restart your device. Restarting your device will force close every app. In other words, restarting your device is like starting it on a fresh slate.
Once you are done restarting your device, open the Google Play Store and try installing an app. This time, the error message should have been lifted.
In Conclusion
As of September 2021, several Android users have been experiencing the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error. This error is also known to be caused by a Google Play Store update.
Therefore, you can try uninstalling the latest Google Play Store update to fix this error.
The error might likewise be caused by an app running in your device’s background. To fix this, you can force close all apps.
To force close all apps on your Android device, first, swipe up from the bottom of your screen, then swipe up on every app to force close them.
Alternatively, restarting your device can also fix the error.
We hope this guide has helped those who are experiencing the “Looks like another app is blocking access to Google Play” error.
