Google Play Store stuck on “Download pending” and apps won’t install or update? This frustrating issue prevents you from downloading new apps or updating existing ones on your Android phone.
Here are 7 working methods to fix Play Store download pending issues and get your apps installing again.
Quick Fixes (Try These First)
1. Restart Google Play Store
- Close Play Store from recent apps
- Wait 10 seconds
- Open Play Store again
- Try downloading app again
2. Check Internet Connection
- Test other apps (YouTube, WhatsApp) to confirm internet works
- Switch between WiFi and mobile data
- Move closer to WiFi router for stronger signal
- Restart router if WiFi is slow
3. Pause and Resume Download
- Open Play Store → My apps & games
- Find pending download
- Tap “Pause” then “Resume”
- Or cancel download and start fresh
Storage and Cache Solutions
4. Clear Play Store Cache and Data
- Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage
- Clear Cache first, then test download
- If still pending → Clear Data (will sign you out)
- Sign back in and try download
5. Free Up Storage Space
- Settings → Storage → check available space
- Need at least 1GB free for smooth downloads
- Delete unused apps, old photos, or downloads
- Clear cache of other apps to free space
6. Clear Google Play Services Cache
- Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Storage
- Clear Cache (don’t clear data)
- Restart phone
- Try downloading again
Account and Settings Fixes
7. Remove and Re-add Google Account
- Settings → Accounts → Google → Select your account
- Remove account (data stays in cloud)
- Restart phone
- Add Google account back
- Open Play Store and try download
8. Check Date and Time Settings
- Incorrect date/time causes Play Store errors
- Settings → Date & Time → Set automatically
- Restart phone after fixing
- Test app download
9. Disable VPN/Proxy
- Turn OFF any VPN apps temporarily
- Check WiFi proxy settings → set to “None”
- Test downloads without VPN
- Some VPNs interfere with Play Store
Advanced Solutions
10. Update Google Play Store
- Play Store → Profile icon → Settings → About
- Tap “Play Store version” multiple times to force update
- Or download Play Store APK from APKMirror (safe source)
11. Reset App Preferences
- Settings → Apps → Three dots menu → Reset app preferences
- Confirm reset (doesn’t delete app data)
- Restart phone
- Try downloading apps
12. Check Download Manager
- Settings → Apps → Show system apps → Download Manager
- Clear Cache and Clear Data
- Enable if disabled
- Restart phone
Network-Specific Fixes
13. Change DNS Settings (WiFi)
- WiFi Settings → Advanced → IP Settings → Static
- DNS 1: 8.8.8.8
- DNS 2: 8.8.4.4
- Save and reconnect to WiFi
14. Reset Network Settings
- Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Network Settings
- Will reset WiFi passwords but often fixes connection issues
- Reconnect to WiFi and test downloads
Prevention Tips
Keep Play Store Working:
- Keep 2GB+ storage free always
- Update Play Store regularly
- Don’t disable Google Play Services
- Use stable internet connection
- Restart phone weekly
Avoid These Issues:
- ❌ Downloading multiple large apps simultaneously
- ❌ Using modified Play Store apps
- ❌ Disabling auto-updates completely
- ❌ Ignoring storage warnings
Alternative Download Methods
If Play Store Still Won’t Work:
- Use Aurora Store (alternative Play Store client)
- Download APK files from trusted sources (APKMirror)
- Use Samsung Galaxy Store (Samsung phones)
- Try Amazon Appstore for some apps
Temporary Workarounds:
- Download on WiFi if mobile data doesn’t work
- Try downloading smaller apps first
- Update one app at a time
- Use web versions of apps temporarily
Device-Specific Solutions
Samsung Phones:
- Samsung Members app → Get help → Interactive checks
- Galaxy Store as alternative for Samsung apps
Xiaomi/Redmi:
- Mi Store as alternative app source
- Disable MIUI optimization temporarily
- Settings → Additional Settings → Developer options → Turn off MIUI optimization
OnePlus:
- Clear OxygenOS cache in recovery mode
- OnePlus Store for OnePlus-specific apps
When to Factory Reset
Consider factory reset if:
- Multiple Google services not working
- Play Store completely broken
- Phone has other major issues
- Nothing else works
Before reset: Backup all data to Google Drive.
Contact Google Support
Get help if:
- Account-specific issues persist
- Payment problems with app purchases
- Regional restrictions seem incorrect
- All methods fail after multiple attempts
Most Play Store download pending issues resolve with cache clearing and storage management. Network problems are also common causes.