How To Resolve The Play Store Download Pending Issue
So you can escape from app purgatory
Play Store download pending is one of the issues you could face while installing new apps on your Android device from the Google Play Store. When the error occurs, it causes your phone not to download any new apps. Anything that you try to download remains pending regardless of what you do.
It’s really frustrating not being able to install apps from the Play Store, especially as it’s the only source of trusted app downloads for Android devices. If you too are facing the issue, there are a few methods you might want to try and see if they help resolve the issue.
Cancel The Current Downloads An/Or Updates
One of the possible reasons why your Play Store downloads get stuck in download pending is because you have many of them already running on your device. To fix it, you candisable the installation and updates for all the appsthat you don’t urgently need, and then get the app you actually really want installed.
Download Over Mobile Data If WiFi Doesn’t Work
Since your app downloads require the Internet, you should make sure that your Internet connection works. If you’re on a WiFi network and it’s stopped working for some reason, you can actually change your Internet source to cellular data to download your apps.
Turn Off The VPN App On Your Device
The Play Store download pending issue could be caused by a VPN app as well. Since VPNs basically spoof your location, it may lead Google Play Store to think you aren’t in the country where you should be according to your device, and it can pause your downloads.
If that’s the case, there really isn’t much you need to do to fix the issue. All you need to do is disable the VPN app on your phone and you should be good to go.
The steps on how to disable a VPN vary by the app you use. In most apps, though, you’ll find a large button on the main interface letting you turn the service on and off. You want to turn it off to fix the Play Store issue.
Delete Play Store Data
Like other apps on your device, the Play Store app also stores its configurations and settings in temporary files on your device. Sometimes, these files could be the reason why you have issues in the Store.
To fix it, simplyremove the Play Store app filesand you’ll be good to go.
Uninstall Play Store Updates
If the Play Store download pending issue has come up only after a recent Play Store update, the update might be the culprit here. Fortunately, your device allows you toroll back these updatesand that should fix the issue for you.
Free-Up Memory Space On Your Phone
Each new app you download to your device requires a certain amount of space. If you’re running out of memory on your phone, you’re going to need to clear some memory before your apps can be downloaded.
Having insufficient storage can be the cause of the pending downloads issue in the Play Store.
Reset Your App Preferences
When you install an app that can open certain file types, your device allows you to set it as the default app for that specific file format. While this doesn’t directly have anything to do with your pending downloads issue, it’s worth clearing this app preferences to see if it helps resolve the issue.
You can always set an app as a default opening tool for your files even when the preferences are reset.
Factory Reset Your Device
Lastly, if nothing works and you still have the Play Store download pending issue on your phone, your last resort should be toreset your phone to the factory settings. It’ll clear all of your configurations, settings, data, and let you set up your phone from scratch.
Make sure to backup the files you need before you wipe off your device.
Has the Google Play Store ever caused any issues to prevent new app downloads on your Android device? If so, what did you do to fix it? We await your response in the comments below.
Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio
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