Google Play Store Not Downloading Apps? 10 Fixes
Quick Fix
Clear the Play Store cache by going to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage > Clear Cache. Then force stop the app and try downloading again. This resolves most download issues instantly.
Understanding Play Store Download Problems
When Google Play Store won’t download apps, you might see the download stuck at “Pending,” downloads that start but never complete, or error messages with cryptic codes. This is one of the most common Android issues users face.
The causes range from simple connectivity issues and full storage to corrupted cache files and Google account problems. Sometimes multiple Google services need to be reset together for downloads to work again.
The good news is that most Play Store download issues can be fixed without factory resetting your device. Follow these methods in order for the best results.
Method 1: Check Internet Connection
- Open your browser and try loading a website
- If websites don’t load, fix your WiFi or mobile data first
- Try switching from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa
- Toggle Airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off
- Restart your router if on WiFi
- Move closer to your WiFi router
- Try downloading again after connection is stable
Method 2: Clear Play Store Cache
- Open Settings on your Android device
- Tap Apps or Application Manager
- Find and tap Google Play Store
- Tap Storage or Storage & Cache
- Tap Clear Cache
- Go back and tap Force Stop
- Open Play Store and try downloading
Method 3: Clear Play Store Data
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store
- Tap Storage
- Tap Clear Data (this resets the app)
- Confirm when prompted
- Open Play Store – you may need to accept terms again
- Sign in if prompted
- Try your download again
Method 4: Clear Google Play Services Cache
- Go to Settings > Apps
- Tap the three dots and select Show System Apps
- Find Google Play Services
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache
- Do NOT clear data for Play Services
- Restart your phone
- Try downloading from Play Store
Method 5: Check Storage Space
- Go to Settings > Storage
- Check how much free space you have
- Apps need space to download AND install
- Delete unused apps, photos, or videos to free space
- Move media to SD card or cloud storage
- Aim for at least 1GB free space
- Try downloading after freeing storage
Method 6: Remove and Re-add Google Account
- Go to Settings > Accounts
- Tap your Google account
- Tap Remove Account and confirm
- Restart your phone
- Go back to Settings > Accounts
- Tap Add Account > Google
- Sign in with your Google credentials
- Open Play Store and try downloading
Method 7: Check Date and Time Settings
- Go to Settings > System > Date & Time
- Enable Automatic date & time
- Enable Automatic time zone
- If already enabled, toggle them off and on
- Incorrect date/time can prevent secure connections
- Restart your phone after changing
- Try Play Store download again
Method 8: Uninstall Play Store Updates
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store
- Tap the three dots in the corner
- Select Uninstall Updates
- Confirm when prompted
- This reverts Play Store to factory version
- Open Play Store – it will update itself
- Try your download after it updates
Preventing Future Download Issues
- Keep your Android system and apps updated
- Maintain at least 1-2GB of free storage space
- Regularly clear app cache to prevent buildup
- Use a stable WiFi connection for large app downloads
- Don’t interrupt downloads by switching networks
FAQ
Why does Play Store say “Download Pending”?
Pending downloads usually indicate another download or update is in progress, or there’s a connection issue. Check the notification panel for ongoing downloads, and clear the download queue by going to Play Store > My Apps > Cancel all pending items.
Why won’t Play Store download over mobile data?
Play Store has a setting to download only over WiFi. Go to Play Store > Settings > Network preferences > App download preference and select “Over any network” to enable mobile data downloads.
How do I fix error codes like RH-01 or DF-DFERH-01?
These error codes typically require clearing both Play Store and Play Services cache, then removing and re-adding your Google account. Follow Methods 2-6 in this guide.
Can I download apps from outside Play Store?
Yes, you can install APK files from trusted sources, but this bypasses Google’s security scanning. Enable “Install unknown apps” in Settings for your browser, but only download from reputable sources like APKMirror.
Why does Play Store work but downloads fail immediately?
This often indicates a Google account sync issue. Go to Settings > Accounts > Google > Account Sync and ensure all items are syncing. Try toggling sync off and on.
Will clearing Play Store data delete my apps?
No, clearing Play Store data only resets the Play Store app itself. Your installed apps, their data, and your purchase history remain intact. You just need to sign back in.
