How to Fix Play Store Not Downloading or Download Pending Problem (100% Working Guide)

 The Google Play Store is the main source of apps for every Android phone, and when it refuses to download apps or gets stuck on “Download Pending”, it becomes frustrating. This issue is extremely common on Android phones like Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Realme, OnePlus, and others.

The good news is—this problem can be fixed easily by adjusting a few settings. Most users face this issue because of cache problems, storage issues, background restrictions, or Play Services errors.

In this detailed guide, I will show you 10+ working methods to fix the Google Play Store not downloading or stuck on “pending” issue.

1. Clear Google Play Store Cache & Data (Most Effective Fix)

This is the number one solution and works for almost every phone.

When Play Store collects too much cache, it stops responding and apps get stuck in queue.

Steps to Fix:

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Apps

3. Tap Google Play Store

4. Select Storage

5. Tap Clear Cache

6. Tap Clear Data

Now reopen Play Store and try downloading the app again.

✔ Why it works:

Clearing cache removes corrupted temporary files that often block downloads.

2. Clear Google Play Services Cache

Play Store depends on Google Play Services for downloading apps.
If this service misbehaves, downloads will stop.

Steps:

1. Settings → Apps

2. Look for Google Play Services

3. Storage → Clear Cache

4. Restart your phone

✔ Why it works:

Play Services controls background download permissions and verification.

3. Check Your Internet Connection

Slow or unstable internet is the biggest reason for “pending download.”

Try these fixes:

• Switch from WiFi → Mobile Data

• Or from Mobile Data → WiFi

• Restart the router

• Turn Airplane mode ON → OFF

• Disable any active VPN

✔ Why it works:

Changing networks resets your connection and forces Play Store to reload downloads.

4. Check Available Storage Space

If your phone storage is full, Play Store won’t download anything.

Check storage:

1. Settings → Storage

2. If low space:

   • Delete unused apps

   • Clear WhatsApp media

   • Move photos to cloud

   • Empty recycle bin

   • Delete duplicate files

✔ Why it works:

Play Store needs free space to download both the app and installation files.

5. Cancel All Pending App Updates

If multiple apps are updating in the background, your download will wait.

Steps:

1. Open Google Play Store

2. Tap your profile icon

3. Tap Manage apps & device

4. Tap Updates available

5. Cancel all updates

6. Download your desired app again

✔ Why it works:

Play Store downloads apps one at a time, not all together.

6. Restart Your Phone

A simple restart refreshes system processes.

✔ Steps:

• Hold power button → Tap Restart

✔ Why it works:

It resets:

• Background services

• Network settings

• Cache loaders

This often solves minor download issues.

7. Check Date & Time Settings

Incorrect time settings cause certificate verification failure, resulting in download issues.

Steps:

1. Settings → System → Date & Time

2. Enable Use network-provided time

3. Enable Automatic time zone

✔ Why it works:

Play Store needs correct time to verify app downloads.

8. Disable Battery Saver / Background Restrictions

Battery saver restricts background downloading.

Steps:

1. Settings → Battery

2. Turn off Battery Saver

3. Go to Apps → Google Play Store

4. Tap Battery

5. Select Unrestricted

Also check:

• Google Play Services

• Download Manager

Make sure both are allowed to work in the background.

9. Check Download Manager App

Play Store depends on Download Manager.

If Download Manager is disabled, Play Store will NOT download anything.

Steps:

1. Settings → Apps

2. Look for Download Manager

3. If disabled → Tap Enable

4. Clear cache

5. Try downloading again

✔ Why it works:

Download Manager handles file transfers for Play Store.

10. Sign Out & Sign In Again (Google Account Refresh)

Google account sync errors can block Play Store downloads.

Steps:

1. Settings → Accounts

2. Tap your Google Account

3. Remove it

4. Add the same account again

✔ Why it works:

Resets sync permissions and clears account-level configuration errors.

11. Update Google Play Store to the Latest Version

Outdated versions may have bugs.

Steps:

1. Open Play Store

2. Go to Settings

3. Tap About

4. Check Play Store Version

5. Tap to request update

12. Reset App Preferences

This fixes hidden restrictions.

Steps:

1. Settings → Apps

2. Tap the three dots menu

3. Select Reset app preferences

This will reset:

• Background data limits

• Disabled apps

• Notification controls

• Restricted permissions

(No data will be deleted.)

13. Advanced Fix: Remove & Reinsert SIM Card

Sometimes carrier network issues block downloads.

Steps:

• Turn off phone

• Remove SIM

• Reinsert

• Restart phone

• Try downloading again

When NONE of These Methods Work

If all methods fail, the issue may be deeper:

✔ Custom ROM bug
✔ System update glitch
✔ Incorrect APN settings
✔ Corrupted Play Store build

In such cases, perform:

Last Option: Reset Network Settings

1. Settings

2. System

3. Reset options

4. Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth

This does NOT delete any data.

Pro Tips to Avoid Play Store Issues in Future

• Keep Play Store + Play Services updated

• Don’t use random cleaners or boosters

• Don’t restrict background data

• Always keep 2–3 GB free storage

• Avoid using VPN during downloads

• Restart your phone once a week

Conclusion

Fixing the Google Play Store not downloading or “Download Pending” issue is easier than it looks.
Most of the time, the problem is caused by:

• Cache corruption

• Background restrictions

• Slow internet

• Storage issues

• Disabled services

By following the methods in this guide, you can easily get your Play Store working again.