You must have encountered problems with Google Play at once or multiple times over the years. Having issues in apps is not a big deal but there are certain problems and issues that always irritate us while trying to download from Google Play. In this guide, we will explain how to fix the Google Play store ‘Download Pending’ error.
Check current downloads and updates
It is quite common to encounter Play Store Download Pending error when we update multiple apps at the same time. It is likely that you will face the same issue while downloading multiple apps simultaneously. If you urgently need to download Uber app to get a ride, for ex: here is what you can do:
- Go to Google Play > Menu > My apps & games.
- You will see which apps are being updated or downloaded on Google Play Store.
- You just need to press the X next to them to cancel the download and proceed with getting the app you urgently need.
Check your connection
It might sound strange to you but this should be the first step you must take to fix Google Play Download Pending error. If you are using Wi-Fi, try to open a website on your PC or test your Internet speed. If it is working slower than usual, either re-start your router or contact your ISP. If the speed of the internet is fine but Google Play is still showing the same problem, Switch to data temporarily.
Make sure you have switched to data. Here’s how to do that:
- Go to Play Store and then tap on the menu button located in the left corner (three lines).
- Go to Settings > App download preference > Over any network.
- If downloading resumes as normal, check your home or office network. Restart your internet connection and if all else fails, call your Internet service provider.
Check your storage and SD card
There is one more reason why people face Play Store download pending error and it happen when users do not have sufficient storage in their device. Usually, you will get notified if your storage is low and you are trying to download an application.
However, if you still want to make sure storage is not causing the download to pend, there are a couple of things that need to be considered.
- First of all, check how much free space you have left in your device by going to Settings > Storage.
- Free up some space by uninstalling unnecessary apps, videos and pictures from the device.
- Try your download once again.
If you are stilling facing the same issue, it is your SD card to bale. Cancel the download, eject the SD card and then carefully positioned it properly.
Restart your device
If you did not put anything on downloading and your connection is normal but your download is still pending, you must restart your device. It might seem to be a no-brainer step, but it is quite effective. Just press and hold the power button on your device, then tap Restart.
Download apps through your browser instead
There is one more way to solve Play Store download pending error and it is getting downloaded your app via your mobile or PC browser. What all you have to do is to visit the official Google Play Store website and log into your Google account.
After doing this step, type the name of the app you want to download in the search bar and click it and install the app. You might be asked your account password one more time. When that’s over with, you can select a device of your choice from the dropdown list of devices associated with this Google account.
We can’t guarantee that this process will work depending on the reasons people face download pending error, but it’s surely worth a try!
Clear Google Play app cache and data
If you did not find the above-mentioned steps worthy, it’s time to try a new one. What all you have to do is to clear the app cache of Google Play Store. Yes, clearing the app cache often solves plenty of problems including download pending error.
If you don’t know how to do this, follow these simple steps:
- Go to Settings, then Apps.
- Navigate Google Play Store and tap it.
- Underneath the Disable, Uninstall updates, and Force stop buttons, you will see App notifications and other options. Press on Storage.
- Make sure Google Play is closed and then hit the Clear Cache button.
- If you don’t want to repeat steps, you can clear the data as well.
Now, restart your device. Once your device is restarted, downloads should be no longer be pending.
Clear Play Services and Download Manager app cache and data
If you wish to try yet another way to fix Google Play Store download pending error, this might suit you well. Go back to Apps. In the upper right corner press the menu button (usually three dots or three lines) and select Show system.
This will allow you to see system apps. Navigate Google Play Services and repeat the same steps — clearing cache and data. You can then restart your device or go straight to the Download Manager app. Once again, clear app data and cache and then restart your phone. Everything should be back to running smoothly.
Check for system updates
If you are still facing the download pending error then you should know that update or security patch might all that required. In order to check if one is available for your device, go to Settings. Scroll all the way down and tap on About > Software updates > Check now. If an update pop-ups, install it and hope for the best.
Uninstall and reinstall Play Store updates
If you have tried everything but nothing seem to help, you are required to follow this step. You need to uninstall all Play Store updates. If you do not know how to uninstall them, you can do this through Settings > Apps > Google Play Store> Uninstall updates.
Don’t factory reset your device if you haven’t tried uninstalling Google Play updates yet.
There are some tips and tricks on how to fix the Google Play Store “download pending” error.