How do I fix unfortunately the process android process media has stopped?

Are you dealing with the "Android.process.media keeps stopping" error? The issue pops up due to various reasons. Simply force-resetting or clearing your device's cache might help.

Although I've never faced the hiccup, a friend of mine did. He knows that I'm a smartphone pro, so he asked me to fix his Galaxy S12.

I've discussed the troubleshooting tips that helped below.

There are many tricks to try:

Solution 1: Force Reboot 

A reboot might help. This would clear any minor software problem you may be facing.

Instead of a regular reboot, I'd recommend doing a force reboot. All the processes running would be shut down abruptly. Your chances of clearing minor glitches and bugs would increase. 

Androids have various models and manufacturers. The force restart process can differ according to each model. Usually, holding the Power and Volume Down buttons for 20 seconds does the job. 

Solution 2: Check Google Sync

Google may have trouble syncing with your account. This can cause annoying errors like the one you're facing.

Fixing this is easy:

• Go to Settings > Accounts
• Click on Google
• Uncheck all the Google Synchronization boxes

Solution 3: Reset App Preferences

Faulty app permissions can be responsible. If they are the cause of the problem, you have probably meddled with your app settings and forgot to change them back.

You’ll need to reset your app preferences if you don't remember what you changed. Be warned that all your custom settings would be removed. You'll have to reconfigure them from the top.

Here's what you do:

• Open Settings > Application Manager
• Click on the three dot icon
• Choose Reset App Preferences

An outdated operating system can cause a Media storage problem. If you're using an older Android version, you're probably already aware. You would have been getting update prompts. 

Even if this solution doesn't work, it will keep future bugs at bay.

Here's what you do:

• Open the Settings app
• Tap on About Phone
• An update prompt will appear if there's a firmware file
• Accept it

The update might take a while if your internet is patchy. 

Solution 5: Clear Play Store Cache

An app will act up if its cache has become corrupt. The Google Play Store is no different. Refreshing its temporary memory would help. In case you're wondering, you won't lose any important information.

Here's what you do:

• Go to Android Settings > Application Settings
• Click on All the Apps
• Find and tap on the Google Play Store
• Click Clear Cache and Clear Data

I'd recommend that you reboot afterward. Hopefully, the Android.process.media has stopped error will be gone.

Solution 6: Clear Google Play Services Cache

The Google Services Framework cache may have become corrupt too. Clear its temporary memory. What exactly does the Google Services Framework do? It ensures that your apps are functioning well. You can imagine what a big problem it would be if its cache became corrupt.

Here's how you Fix android.process.media has stopped error:

• Open Settings > Application Manager
• Click on All the Apps
• Find Google Services Framework
• Tap on Clear Cache and Clear Data

Solution 7: Clear Download Manager Cache

Another app whose temporary memory may have become corrupt is the Download Manager.

Here's what you need to do to fix it:

• Go to Settings and open the All the Apps section
• Find the Download Manager
• Select Clear Cache and Data

The Contact Storage app's cache becoming corrupt can also be responsible.

Here's what you do:

• Go to Settings, and then the All the Apps section
• Find and click on the Contacts Storage application
• Click Clear Cache and Data

There's one last app whose temporary memory you might have to clear - the Media Storage app.

Here's what you do:

• Go to the All the Apps sections
• Locate Media Storage settings program
• Click Clear cache and Data
• Disable Media Storage once you're done 

Solution 10: Enter Safe Mode

Whenever you’re facing any Android issue, it's always a good idea to enter Safe Mode. You'll be able to tell if your problem is due to malware. Your phone would run in its default state.

Entering Safe Mode is easy:

• Place your finger on the Power button for a few of seconds (while your phone is on)
• Tap the Power key on the screen
• Hold the Power button until you see the Safe Mode prompt
• Click on it

Stay in Safe Mode for around half an hour. If the error message doesn't appear, a third-party application is likely responsible.

How can you tell which program is the culprit? You can't, sadly. Your best bets are your most recently-installed apps.

Here's how you uninstall an application:

• Go to the App drawer
• Find the application you want to delete
• Hold it down
• Click Uninstall
• Tap Delete to confirm 

Solution 11: Wipe Cache Partition

You may have to clear your phone's temporary memory instead of that of a specific app. It could have become corrupt. 

Fixing this requires you to enter Recovery Mode. This can be a bit risky - errors can pop up. That's why this solution is in the latter part of my article.

The process to enter recovery mode depends on your phone and manufacturer. This is similar to how force-restarting differs. Usually holding the Volume Down and Power buttons, and then letting go of the Power button when the Android logo appears does the job.

Here's what you do once you're in the recovery menu:

• Use the Volume Down button to scroll down until you find Wipe Cache Partition
• Select it using the Power Button
• Click the Power button to reboot once your cache has been wiped clear

In case you're wondering, no, you won't lose any Android data. A cache partition doesn't wipe your system like a master reset would.

Solution 12: Master Reset

You might have to factory reset if you're still having trouble. I know this is extreme, but if nothing has worked so far, the issue could be stubborn.

You're probably aware that all your data will be erased. Backup your files and videos before proceeding.

Here's how you backup your files:

• Launch the Settings app > Google
• Tap on Backup
• Select Backup to Google One
• Go back to the earlier settings page
• Tap Backup Now to confirm

Here's how you reset afterwards:

• Open your phone's settings > General & Backup
• Click on Factory Reset
• Tap Reset Device
• Click on Delete All to confirm

Prepare to spend a couple of minutes setting your phone up afterward.

You could use a recovery software instead of factory-resetting. The majority of them don't result in data loss. And they are more thorough at clearing errors.

All good things come at a price. Most repair tools aren't free but I've got your back. 

Here's what you do to fix Android media error:

• Visit the Droidkit website
• Click on the Download button
• Plug your mobile to your desktop's USB port
• Launch the Droidkit tool once it's been installed
• Click on the Fix System Issues page (on the home screen)
• Tap the Start button
• Enter Download Mode
• Install the firmware that's available

Related Reading

FAQ

Answered below are some popular questions

There are many possible reasons:

• When did you update your OS last? If it's been a while, you might be dealing with a bug. 
• You may have an isolated glitch on your hands.  A force restart should help. If not, you will have to factory reset or use a  recovery tool. I've discussed a personal favorite in my article - the DroidKit program. If you're going to factory reset, remember to backup your files.
• The error could be due to your Google account failing to sync. Sign out and back into your account.
• Corrupted cache is a major offender. Clear the following applications’ temporary memory helps - the Google Play Store, Google Services Framework, Contacts Storage and Media Storage. Lastly, your device's cache as a whole may have become corrupt. You will have to perform a cache partition.
• Invalid App preferences can be responsible. Reset them back to their default state.
• One of the programs you've downloaded may have gone rogue. Enter Safe mode and then check whether the issue pops up. If it doesn't, this means that a third-party application is responsible. The process to enter Safe Mode differs for Android Users. Refer to my guide.

Final Thoughts

The error message pops up due to various reasons. The tips and tricks I discussed will work no matter the Android device you own, irrespective of the manufacturer or if it’s old or new. 

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