Start with the most basic and move on to the more complex. Google Play Store is the fastest and safest way to install apps on Android devices. While every Android user is familiar with how to use Play Store, not all users know what to do if things go wrong.
The solutions below will help you fix the problem if the Play Store stops downloading or uploading apps to your device. You should cancel any downloaded apps and then try again. The issue might be resolved by closing and reopening the Play Store.
1. Verify Your Internet Connection
To download apps from Play Store, you need strong Wi-Fi or cellular data. Are apps stuck in the “download pending” stage? If so, tap the Update or Install button. Verify that your internet works properly. Open your browser and go to a random site. If the page does not load, it is most likely that your internet connection is down. Turn off airplane mode.
If you are unable to download apps using mobile data, switch to Wi-Fi. If the problem persists with Wi-Fi, restart or reset your router and then try again. Google Play can also be affected by a VPN connection. If you have one, close it or disable it. Then check to see if the problem is resolved.
2. Last Update Date and Time
Incorrect data settings can cause system services or third-party apps to malfunction. Go to the system settings menu ( Setting > > Time & Date). Make sure that your device is using the -provided date and time. Also, toggle the Use network time-zone option.
3. Bluetooth on your device should be disabled
This may seem strange, but many Android users have experienced similar problems with Google Play Store. They confirmed that disabled Bluetooth was an effective solution. You can disable Bluetooth from your notification center, or go to settings > connected devices > connection preferences > Bluetooth to turn off Bluetooth.
4. Storage space can be freed up
Low storage space can cause some system functions to be unavailable. Play Store might not be able to update or download new apps. Some apps might also slow down and sometimes crash while are being used.
Android will display a notification if there is less storage than your device can hold. To find out if you have enough storage to store new applications, go to Settings > Store.
It’s important to see how much storage has been used and how much you have left. To remove duplicate files and junk from your device, tap the Free up Space button.
5. Clear Play Store Cache & Data
Go to Settings > Apps and notifications > App Info (or See All Apps) > Google Play Store > Storage > Clear Cache.
After clearing Play Store’s cache, you can download the app. If the problem persists then return to Play Store’s Storage page and tap the Clear stored icon.
6. Reset the Download Manager
Through the Android Download Manager, the Google Play Store downloads apps to your device. If the built-in downloader malfunctions or is disabled, you can’t update or install apps. Play Store download problems can be fixed by resetting the Download Manager. You can follow the steps below to do it.
- To access Settings> Application info (or View all apps), click the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select Show system.
- Scroll down through the apps, and then tap Download manager.
- Choose Storage and cache.
- Tap Clear cache or Clear storage.
- To proceed, tap OKat the confirmation prompt.
Start Play Store to see if you are able to download or update apps.
7. Reset Google Play Services
Google Play Services is the core Android system that powers all Google services and apps. Resetting Google Play Services’ cache can help you get your apps downloaded on the Play Store.
Navigate to Settings > Apps and notifications > App Info (or See all Apps) > Google Play Services. Tap Clear cache. After that, click the Clear Storage button and then select Clear All Data from the next page.
Some system applications will be downloaded to your device in order to run Google Play Services. After the setup is completed, you can open the Play Store to verify that the problem has been resolved by resetting Google Play Services.
8. Uninstall Play Store updates
Android updates Google Play Store automatically in the background. Some updates are free from errors, but others can introduce performance problems. These bugs can be fixed by restoring Play Store to its factory default version.
- Tap the info icon by long-pressing the Play Store icon.
- Tap the three dots menu icon.
- Select Uninstall Updates.
- To proceed, tap OK
After installing the Google Play Store, you should upgrade it to the most recent version. Open Play Store by tapping the menu icon and then go to Settings > Play Store Version.
The latest version of Google Play Store will be downloaded to your device and installed in the background.
9. Restart your device
If the Google Play Store isn’t downloading, you can power-cycle your device. Hold down the power button, and then tap to restart from the power options.
Retry the download by connecting to strong Wi-Fi and mobile data connections.
10. Keep your device up-to-date
The latest Android update will fix problems that prevent Play Store from downloading and updating apps. To check if a software upgrade is available, go to Settings > > Advance > Software update
11. Re-Add your Google Account
Sign out of your Google Account and sign back in. This might resolve the issue with Play Store. However, you should be aware that deleting your account could cause some data to be lost (emails, calendar events, and contacts, for example). You have synced to your Google Account. It’s essential that you back up your Android device to ensure you don’t lose any unsynchronized data.
Go to Settings > Accounts to sign out of your Google Account. Select the Google account that is connected to Play Store. To disconnect your account, click Remove Account.
Select Add Account from the Accounts menu. Follow the prompts to re-add your account.
No issues when you download and update apps
We are confident that at most one of these 11 troubleshooting methods will work on your device. This guide on fixing Google Play problems has more solutions. Install applications from trusted third-party APK websites if none of the above solutions work.