Devices running Android 6.0.1 come with an outdated version of the Play Store (typically version 6.x or 7.x). Google has since released dozens of updates (currently version 38.x as of 2025-2026). The automatic update system on Marshmallow often fails due to:
After installing the Google Play Store APK:
: Never download "cracked" or "premium unlocked" versions of core system apps, as they frequently contain embedded spyware.
: Users installing custom operating systems (like LineageOS) on older hardware often need to "sideload" the Play Store APK to regain access to Google’s ecosystem. Regional Restrictions
Before installing the Google Play Store APK on your Android 6.0.1 device, consider the following requirements and considerations:
Not every Play Store APK works on Android 6.0.1. Google regularly increases the minimum SDK requirement. For Marshmallow (API level 23), you need a Play Store APK that supports .
Open your device's web browser and navigate to your chosen repository to download the file.
6.0.1 : Play Store crashes - can't update Google P... - Sony
To manually fix or install the app marketplace, follow these precise deployment steps: 1. Enable Unknown Sources
If you are running an older Android device powered by , you might occasionally face issues with your pre-installed application store. Whether your app store is crashing, stuck on an endless loading screen, or completely missing due to a custom ROM flash, manually installing the Google Play Store APK is the absolute best way to restore full functionality to your device.
: Trusted third-party repositories like APKMirror host historical and compatible versions specifically for Android 6.0+. How to Install the APK
Launch your mobile browser and navigate to a trusted APK mirror website. Search for "Google Play Store".
Tap at the bottom right corner and wait for completion. Troubleshooting Common Errors "App Not Installed" Error
This write-up covers the requirements, risks, and steps for installing or updating the Google Play Store APK on devices running Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
Need the Play Store for Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow)? Download the latest APK, fix common errors like “Unfortunately, Google Play Store has stopped,” and learn step-by-step installation.
Manually downloading an APK, known as side-loading, has risks. The primary risk is that a malicious actor could modify an APK to include malware. Google emphasizes that apps from sources outside the Play Store are 50 times more likely to contain malware .
There are several reasons why you might want to download and install Play Store Android 6.0.1 APK on your device: