If your apps are not downloading or updating on the Google Play Store, it can be extremely frustrating. You tap Install or Update, and nothing happens. Or the download gets stuck on “Pending…”, stays at 0%, or fails with random error messages.
This problem is very common on Android phones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Poco, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, Google Pixel, and others. The good news: in most cases, you can fix it yourself without going to a repair shop.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through all the proven solutions to fix apps not downloading or updating on the Google Play Store.
Common Reasons Why Apps Won’t Download or Update
Before we fix the problem, it helps to understand what might be causing it:
- Poor or unstable internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)
- Insufficient storage space on your phone
- Play Store cache or data corruption
- Google Play Services issues
- Download Manager disabled on your device
- Pending downloads queue stuck with other apps
- Incorrect date and time settings
- Battery saver or data saver blocking background downloads
- VPN or ad-blocker apps interfering with Play Store traffic
- Google account sync problems
Now let’s fix the issue step by step.
Fix 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Google Play Store needs a stable internet connection to download or update apps. Even if your WiFi or mobile data icon is on, the connection might be unstable.
Try this:
- Open YouTube or a browser and try playing a video
- If the video buffers or doesn’t load, your network is the problem
- Switch between WiFi and Mobile Data to test both
- Restart your router if you’re on WiFi
If your connection is slow, wait until you are on a more stable network, then try again.
Fix 2: Pause and Resume the Download
Sometimes the download just gets stuck.
- Open the Google Play Store
- Tap your profile icon (top right)
- Tap Manage apps & device
- Under Overview, tap Updates available or See details
- If your app shows “Downloading…” or “Pending…”, tap the app and press Cancel
- Now tap Update or Install again
This refreshes the download request and fixes temporary stuck states.
Fix 3: Check Storage Space
If your storage is almost full, apps may not download or update.
- Go to Settings → Storage
- Check how much free space you have
Try to keep at least 20–25% of your storage free.
If your storage is low:
- Uninstall apps you no longer use
- Delete large videos and old downloads
- Move photos and videos to cloud storage or SD card
After freeing space, return to Play Store and try again.
Fix 4: Restart Your Phone
A simple restart can fix background processes that are blocking Play Store downloads.
- Hold the Power button
- Tap Restart (or Reboot)
After the phone restarts, open Google Play Store and try downloading/updating the app again.
Fix 5: Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data
Corrupted cache or data in the Google Play Store app is one of the most common reasons apps won’t download or update.
To clear cache & data:
- Go to Settings → Apps (or Apps & notifications)
- Find and tap Google Play Store
- Tap Storage (or Storage & cache)
- Tap Clear Cache
- Then tap Clear Data or Clear Storage and confirm
Don’t worry, this won’t delete your apps. It only resets the Play Store app settings.
Now open Google Play Store again and try downloading or updating.
Fix 6: Clear Google Play Services Cache and Data
Google Play Services is the backbone of many app functions, including downloads from the Play Store.
To reset Google Play Services:
- Go to Settings → Apps
- Tap the menu (3 dots) and select Show system apps if needed
- Find Google Play Services and tap it
- Tap Storage (or Storage & cache)
- Tap Clear Cache
- Optionally tap Clear Storage/Data (this may reset some Google settings but can fix deep problems)
Restart your phone after this, then try the Play Store again.
Fix 7: Make Sure Download Manager Is Enabled
The Play Store uses a system app called Download Manager. If it’s disabled, downloads won’t work.
To check Download Manager:
- Go to Settings → Apps
- Tap the menu (3 dots) and select Show system apps
- Scroll and find Download Manager
- Make sure it is Enabled
If it shows “Disabled” or has an Enable button, tap Enable.
Fix 8: Cancel Other Pending Downloads
Sometimes, the Play Store has multiple apps in the download queue, and one stuck app blocks all others.
To manage the queue:
- Open Google Play Store
- Tap your profile icon
- Tap Manage apps & device
- Tap See details if there are pending updates
- Cancel all downloads by tapping the X or Stop button
- Now try updating or installing just one app first
Fix 9: Check Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date and time can cause connection issues between your phone and Google’s servers.
To fix this:
- Go to Settings → System → Date & time
- Turn on Automatic date & time and Automatic time zone
Once synced, try using the Play Store again.
Fix 10: Check Data Saver and Background Data Settings
If Data Saver or background data restrictions are enabled, the Play Store may not be allowed to use data freely.
Check Data Saver:
- Go to Settings → Connections → Data usage (names may differ)
- Tap Data Saver
- If it is ON, either turn it OFF or add Google Play Store and Google Play Services to the allowed list
Check background data for Play Store:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store
- Tap Mobile data or Data usage
- Make sure Allow background data usage is ON
Fix 11: Disable VPN, Ad Blockers, or Firewall Apps
VPNs, ad-blockers, or firewall apps can interfere with Google Play Store connections, especially if they block Google servers or change your region.
Try this:
- Disable any VPN apps
- Turn off ad-blocker apps
- Disable firewall or “network protection” apps temporarily
Then reopen the Play Store and try again.
Fix 12: Sign Out and Back Into Your Google Account
A Google account sync issue can stop downloads.
To refresh your account:
- Go to Settings → Accounts
- Tap your Google account
- Tap Remove account (you must know your password to sign back in)
- Restart your phone
- Go back to Settings → Accounts and tap Add account
- Sign in with your Google account again
Now open the Play Store and try to download or update your apps.
Fix 13: Update Google Play Store and Google Play Services
Outdated versions of Play Store or Play Services may cause download issues.
To update Google Play Store manually:
- Open Google Play Store
- Tap your profile icon
- Go to Settings → About
- Tap Update Play Store if available
Google Play Services updates automatically, but you can check:
- Search for Google Play Services in Play Store
- If an Update button is available, tap it
Fix 14: Try Downloading Over a Different Network
Sometimes the problem is specific to your current WiFi or mobile network.
- If you’re on WiFi, turn on Mobile Data and try again (if you have enough data)
- If you’re on Mobile Data, try a stable WiFi network instead
If it works on a different network, your original connection may be blocking or throttling Google services.
Fix 15: Check If Your Phone Is Rooted or Running a Custom ROM
Devices with root access or custom ROMs sometimes have compatibility problems with Google Play Store.
If you recently:
- Unlocked the bootloader
- Installed a custom ROM
- Flashed a modified system image
Then the Play Store issue may be related to system-level modifications. In that case, you may need to:
- Re-flash the correct Google Apps (GApps) package
- Revert to stock ROM
- Follow specific ROM documentation for Play Store fixes
Fix 16: Reset All Network Settings
If none of the above works and you suspect a deeper network problem, reset your network settings.
Warning: This will reset WiFi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings (you’ll have to reconnect to WiFi networks).
- Go to Settings → System → Reset options
- Tap Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth
- Confirm the reset
After the reset, reconnect to WiFi or mobile data and try the Play Store again.
Fix 17: Factory Reset (Last Software Resort)
If all software fixes fail and you are absolutely sure it’s not a network or account issue, a factory reset might help.
Important: Back up your data before doing this. It will erase everything on your phone.
- Go to Settings → System → Reset options
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
- Confirm and wait for the reset to finish
Once your phone restarts, sign in with your Google account and try downloading or updating apps again.
When It Might Be a Server-Side Issue
Sometimes, Google’s services themselves experience temporary outages in certain regions. If:
- All your fixes fail
- You have a stable internet connection
- Other people near you also can’t use the Play Store
Then the problem might be on Google’s side. In this case, waiting a few hours and trying again is often the only solution.
Conclusion
When apps are not downloading or updating on the Google Play Store, the cause is usually related to internet connection, storage space, Play Store cache, Google Play Services, or system settings like Data Saver and Download Manager.
By following the steps in this guide — from basic checks to advanced resets — you can almost always solve the problem on your own and get your apps downloading again.
If none of the methods work, consider testing another Google account or contacting your phone manufacturer or carrier for further support.