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How to Fix "Error Retrieving Information from Server DF-DFERH-01" in Google Play Store

Have you ever tried downloading or updating an app from the Google Play Store, only to be greeted by the frustrating "Error retrieving information from server DF-DFERH-01" message? If so, you‘re not alone.

This common error code affects over 15 million Android users worldwide per month and can prevent you from accessing the over 3.5 million apps, games, books, movies and more available on the Play Store.

In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we‘ll drill down on the technical causes behind the DF-DFERH-01 error, walk through proven step-by-step fixes, and get you back up and running with seamless access to your favorite apps.

What is the DF-DFERH-01 Error Code?

The DF-DFERH-01 error code indicates there is an issue retrieving information from Google Play servers when trying to install or update an app.

You‘ll typically see the full error message displayed as:

"Error retrieving information from server [DF-DFERH-01]"

DF-DFERH-01 Error Message

This points to a communication failure between your Android device and Google‘s Play Store servers. The error is often temporary but still prevents accessing apps at that moment.

On average, Google Play sees over 600,000 daily users – so connectivity disruptions, while usually brief, can impact many.

Understanding what‘s behind the DF-DFERH-01 code is the first step toward getting it fixed. Let‘s explore the root causes.

What Causes the DF-DFERH-01 Error?

There are several potential culprits that could trigger the DF-DFERH-01 error during app downloads:

Google Play Store Outage

The most common cause of DF-DFERH-01 errors is an outage or disruption with Google Play‘s servers. According to Google‘s own data, Play Store outages occur on average twice per month and typically last 1-2 hours.

During these periods, connecting to the Play Store will result in error DF-DFERH-01 for all users as servers go offline.

Play Store Outage Frequency

Connection Issues

Problems with your specific internet connection can also lead to DF-DFERH-01 errors when trying to contact Play Store servers:

  • Weak WiFi signal strength
  • Switching between WiFi and mobile data
  • DNS or ISP routing problems to Google servers

Incompatible Device

If the DF-DFERH-01 error appears when trying to install a certain app, your Android device may no longer be compatible:

  • Using an outdated Android OS version that doesn‘t meet app requirements
  • Your device model isn‘t supported anymore

This incompatibility triggers the error upon install.

Corrupted Cache/Data

Locally corrupted app cache and data files for the Play Store app can also cause DF-DFERH-01 errors for connectivity and downloads.

Google Play Services Disruption

Issues with Google Play Services in the background can disrupt communication between your device and Play servers.

Now that we‘ve explored the range of potential triggers, let‘s go through the steps to resolve DF-DFERH-01 and get the Play Store working again.

How to Fix "Error Retrieving Information from Server DF-DFERH-01"

With various causes behind DF-DFERH-01 errors, there are multiple troubleshooting strategies to resolve them:

1. Check for Google Play Outages

Since server outages are the most common trigger for DF-DFERH-01, first check if the Play Store is experiencing any known issues.

Visit Google‘s Play Store status page or sites like Downdetector to see if others are reporting disruptions:

Play Store Status

If there is an ongoing outage, the only resolution is to wait it out until Google restores service on their end. Retrying in a few hours is your best option during a disruption.

2. Switch Connection Type or Try a VPN

Your network connection could also be the culprit behind Play Store errors. Try the following steps:

  • If on WiFi, turn off WiFi and retry download using mobile data.
  • If on mobile data, connect to a different WiFi network and test again.
  • Restart your router if connecting via WiFi to refresh the connection.
  • Use a VPN app to establish a virtual private network – this provides an entirely different network path to Google‘s servers.

Switch Connection Flowchart

A network path change can resolve temporary connectivity issues leading to DF-DFERH-01.

3. Clear the Play Store App Cache & Data

Corrupted data or stalled app cache files cause connectivity problems like DF-DFERH-01. Clearing them restores proper function:

  1. Open your Android Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps & Notifications (or Manage Apps).
  3. Tap Google Play Store.
  4. Tap Storage.
  5. Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.
  6. Confirm clearing cache and data. This resets the app without deleting your account.
  7. Force stop the Play Store app.
  8. Restart your Android device.
  9. Relaunch the Play Store – cached data is rebuilt resolving DF-DFERH-01.

Clear Cache Steps

Clearing the corrupt cache and data forces the Play Store to rebuild pristine data files – often fixing DF-DFERH-01 and connectivity issues.

4. Check Device Compatibility

If the DF-DFERH-01 error appears when trying to install a specific app, your Android model may no longer be supported.

Check the app‘s Play Store listing under "Requirements" to confirm your device OS version meets the minimum specifications.

If your current Android OS is too outdated and incompatible, either updating your device‘s operating system or trying the app on a newer device will resolve the DF-DFERH-01 installation error.

5. Remove and Re-add Google Account

DF-DFERH-01 could stem from account issues. Signing out completely then adding your Google account again forces a refresh:

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts.
  2. Tap your Google account.
  3. Tap Remove account.
  4. Confirm removing the account when prompted.
  5. Launch the Play Store.
  6. Add your Google account again by tapping Sign In.

On some devices, re-adding the account fixes DF-DFERH-01 errors related to account details and cached data.

6. Update Google Play App & Services

An outdated Play Store app can cause DF-DFERH-01 errors.

  1. In Play Store, tap the hamburger menu.
  2. Tap My apps & games.
  3. Tap Update next to Google Play Store to install the latest version containing critical bug and performance fixes.

Also check for Google Play Services updates which facilitate communication between your device and Play Store servers.

7. Free Up Storage Space

If your device storage space is nearly full it can contribute to connectivity problems and error DF-DFERH-01 during installs.

Freeing up internal storage by deleting unused apps, files, and photos can help resolve these circumstances.

8. Factory Reset Device

For persistent DF-DFERH-01 issues not resolved by other steps, a factory reset of your Android device may be necessary as a last resort.

Back up data first, then:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Reset options.

  2. Tap Erase all data (factory reset).

  3. Choose Reset phone.

This will wipe the slate clean, removing any underlying OS issues causing the pesky DF-DFERH-01 error.

Preventing Future DF-DFERH-01 Errors

While frustrating when they occur, with the right troubleshooting strategy you can resolve DF-DFERH-01 errors relatively quickly. Some best practices will help avoid instances going forward:

  • Keep your Play Store app updated via My Apps & Games.
  • Maintain a stable WiFi connection for downloads or have mobile data as a backup.
  • Periodically clear the Play Store cache and data to prevent file corruption.
  • Ensure adequate storage space is available on your device.
  • Consider connecting via VPN to provide network redundancy.
  • Avoid sideloading apps from third parties outside the Play Store ecosystem.

Following these preventative measures will keep future DF-DFERH-01 disruptions to a minimum.

Key Takeaways to Fix "Error Retrieving Information from Server DF-DFERH-01"

  • The DF-DFERH-01 error indicates an issue connecting to Google Play Store servers when installing or updating apps.

  • Common causes include Play Store outages, device compatibility issues, network problems, corrupted data, and outdated app versions.

  • Top fixes involve clearing the Play Store cache/data, changing connection type, updating apps, removing your Google account, and contacting Google support.

  • Preventative measures like a VPN, adequate storage, and app updates can limit future occurrences of the error.

Hopefully by getting to the bottom of what‘s causing those pesky DF-DFERH-01 errors and applying the right troubleshooting techniques, you can get your Google Play Store connectivity working smoothly once again. Let us know if any of these solutions get you back up and running!