Fix: android.process.media has stopped

Android.process.media is a common issue that can occur at any time and is primarily caused by two applications: the Download Manager and Media Storage.

Before we conclude that this cannot be solved without the support of a technician, I would suggest you give the following methods a try, as they have worked for many.

Method 1: Clear Cache and Data.

1. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications and make sure to look under the ‘All’ tab. Scroll down and find Google Services Framework, then clear the cache and data for this one.
2. After completing that task, scroll down and locate Google Play. Tap on it and clear the cache and data for this app as well.
   
3. Now, press the back button and choose Google Services Framework from all apps > Force stop > Clear cache > OK.
4. Now, open Google Play from your app drawer, and when given an error, click OK.
5. Turn off your device by holding the power button and clicking on “Shut Down” or “Reboot.

Turn the device back on, go back to apps, and turn the Google Services Framework back on. Then, test to see if the issue is resolved. If not, proceed with Method 2.

Method 2: Resetting App Preferences.

1. Open the settings on your phone.
2. Browse for an “Application Manager” or “Apps.” As different phones vary, the name may not always be the same.
3. Now, you will see different applications listed in front of you. Without changing anything else, look for the menu (many phones have it on the upper right side, while some may find it after clicking the menu button on their phones).
4. Here, you will find the option “Reset App Preferences.” Click it, and hopefully, you will be free of all worries.

Method 3: Clearing Contacts and Contact Storage.

This may erase your contacts, so please back them up before performing this method. Many people face this problem because they have trouble syncing their contacts with Google. Although it may seem like nothing, it interferes with the phone, and as a result, you see the error message popping up.

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Browse for an ‘Application Manager‘ or ‘Apps.’ As various phones differ, the name may not always be the same.
3. Now, search for the “Contacts” application from all of the listed applications. Click on it.
4. Here, you will see an option labeled “Storage.” Click it.
5. Now, clear data and clear cache; hopefully, you will be good to go.

Method 4: Disabling Media Storage

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Browse for an “Application Manager” or “Apps.” As various phones differ, the name may not always be the same.
3. Before proceeding, look for options in the top right and toggle ‘Show System.’ This may enable you to locate Media Storage from the list of applications if it isn’t already visible.
4. Now, search for the “Media Storage” application from all the listed applications. Click on it.
5. Disable it completely by clicking Disable.
   

Method 5: Check Google Sync and Media Storage Settings.

Make sure you have a full backup of pictures before attempting this method.

1. Stop the Google Synchronization. You can do this by going into Settings > Accounts and Personal > Google Sync > Uncheck all of the checkboxes.
2. Disable and clear all of the Media Storage data. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > All Apps > find the Media Storage > Clear data > Disable.
3. Disable and clear the Download Manager data using the same method as mentioned above.
4. After doing this, shut down your device and turn it back on.
5. After doing this, the message should not appear.

To ensure that your Android device performs the same tasks as before, turn on the Download Manager, Google Sync, and Download Manager.