13 Fixes for Can’t Download Apps From Play Store
You just purchased a brand new Android phone, and you are super excited to try out all the nifty features it offers. But then all your excitement goes down the drain when you find yourself unable to install apps from the Play Store. However, there’s no need to worry. In this guide, we will show you multiple solutions that will help you fix the app downloading issue on your Android phone.
NOTE 1:Make sure you’vesigned in to your Google accountbecause you may’t install apps from the Play Store without it.
NOTE 2:The steps may vary depending on the phone brand you are using.
Table of Contents
1. Check Your Internet Connection
It goes without saying, but please check your internet connection. Sometimes,you might think you’re connected, but in reality, you could be experiencing slow bandwidth speed. As a result, you will continuously see the Pending status on the app’s page.
UseSpeedTest.netto test your internet connection speed. If the result doesn’t match your data plan, there may be an ongoing issue with your internet connection. You can try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
2. Check the Play Store Server
Another common reason you’re able to’t install apps on your Android phone could be a server issue on Google’s end. This isn’t the first time it has happened, so maybe you can visit theGoogle Play Status Dashboardto check the server status.
If there isn’t a server outage, you’re able to check out the next troubleshooting.
3. Force Close and Clear Data
When any app behaves abnormally, one of our go-to solutions is force closing andclearing the cache & data of the app. Perhaps you can also do the same for the Play Store. This will help you clean out all the misconfigured settings and background processes. Here’s how:
1.Navigate AndroidSettings > Apps > Google Play Store.
2.Next, tap theForce stopbutton and hitOKto confirm.
3.Now to clear the Play Store cache and data, go to theStoragesection.
4.Then, tap on theClear databutton and hitDelete.
That’s it. This should probably get your Play Store working and you should now be able to install apps on your Android Phone.
4. Restart Your Phone
If even after clearing the Play Store cache, you’re still not able to download apps from Play Store, you’re able to try restarting your phone. This will stop any background apps or processes that might be conflicting with the Play Store services. If that also didn’t help, you can move on to the next solution.
TIP:Learn howrestarting a device fixes most problems.
5. Turn Off Private DNS
If you have set custom DNS on your Android phone, then it’s time for you to turn it off because it might conflict with the Play Store’s communication protocols, leading to download issues. AReddit usersuccessfully resolved this issue by following the same steps. Maybe you can give it a try too.
Here’s how to turn off the Private DNS:
1.Go toSettings > Connections > More Connection Settings.
2.Next, tap on thePrivate DNSsetting, then select theAutomaticoption, and hitSave.
6. Remove and Re-Add Your Google Account
You already know that you need a Google account to install any apps, games, or books from the Play Store. However, sometimes bugs, server connection, or unknown issues may make it difficult for you to download apps from the Play Store. So removing all the Google accounts from your Android phone may help you fix the ongoing app downloading issue.
Here’s a step-by-step process:
1.Navigate toSettings > Accounts and backup > Manage accounts.
2.Now select theGoogle accountthat you wish to remove first and then hit theRemove accountbutton.
3.After the confirmation prompt appears, tap theRemove accountoption again.
Repeat the abovestepsfor each Google account.
4.Once done, open thePlay Storeapp and thensign into your Google account.
Afterward, see if you can now download apps from the Play Store. If not, proceed to the next method.
TIP:Learn how toremove devices from your Google account
7. Apps Updating in the Background
When you first set up your Android phone, hundreds of apps are updated in the background. Perhaps that’s the reason you’re unable to download apps from the Play Store. To confirm if that’s the issue you’re able to open the Play Store and then tap on your Profile Picture in the top right corner. Then tap theMy apps & gamesoption and go to theUpdating apps/Updates availablepage.
On the following screen, if you discover that apps are being updated, please wait for the updates to complete. Afterward, retry installing apps on your phone.
8. Update the Play Store App
The current version you are using may have some bugs that may be preventing apps from being downloaded from the Play Store. Therefore, we recommend updating the Play Store app. Here’s how to do it:
1.Launch thePlay Store, tap yourProfile Pictureicon, and select theSettingsoption.
2.Next, tap on theAboutsection to expand it and then hit theUpdate Play Storelink. If the update is available, the newer version will be installed on your Android Phone.
9. Turn Off VPN
While a reliable VPN service can help maintain the privacy of your online activities, it may, in some cases, create issues with certain apps or web services, including banking, video streaming, or mobile apps. If you’re having trouble downloading apps from the Play Store, try turning off your VPN temporarily and then download the app. Once it’s installed, you can turn the VPN back on.
ALSO READ:Free VPN vs Paid VPN: Which one is best for you?
10. Check Your Phone Storage Space
Sometimes we forget that low phone storage can also prevent us from downloading apps from the Play Store. With the evolution of smartphone cameras and increasing game sizes, it’s not surprising to see yourphone storage fill up quickly.
To confirm if this is the issue, please check your phone storage. If this turns out to be the case, we recommend uninstalling unnecessary apps or games from your phone. To do that, just navigate toSettings > Apps.
Then, tap on theUninstallbutton and hitOKto confirm your decision.
11. Remove Data Usage Restriction
We almost forgot about this setting. Is there any data usage limit set on your Android phone? Many cellular networks or broadband connections have a monthly data allowance, and we cap it to prevent additional charges. you’re able to test this by following the below steps:
1.Open theSettingsapp on your Android phone and then navigate toConnections > Data usage.
2.On the following screen, tapBilling cycle and data warningand turn off theSet data limittoggle.
12. Update Your Phone
There might be a bug in your Android version that’s preventing your phone from downloading apps from the Play Store. Usually, phone brands address such issues promptly and provide updates to fix them. You should check for updates, and if available, update your phone as soon as possible to resolve the app downloading issue.
13. Factory Reset Your Phone
If all the above solutions fail to fix the app download issue on your Play Store, the only option left for you is to reset your Android phone. This will help you restore your device to its factory settings, and resolve any persistent software issues that may be affecting the app downloads.
NOTE:Make sure tobackup all your filesbefore resetting your phone.
Here’s how to reset your Android phone:
1.Navigate toSettings > General management > Reset.
2.Next, tap onFactory data resetand hit theResetbutton.
3.Enter thePINwhen asked and then hit theDelete allbutton to begin resetting.
- What are the best Play Store alternatives?
Many smartphone brands nowadays bundle their app store. For example, Samsung has the Galaxy Store, Xiaomi has GetApps, and there are third-party app stores like F-Droid and Aptoide. If you’re unable to download apps from the Play Store, you can use some of these well-known alternatives.
ALSO READ:Galaxy Store vs Play Store: Which one is better?
Stop App-Ocalypse on Android
It can be frustrating when you want to install an app on your Android phone, and the Play Store refuses to download the app. We hope the above solutions will fix the downloading issue without the need to factory reset your phone.
Now that you have resolved the downloading issue on your phone, learn how todownload Android apps on multiple devices at once.
Rahul is your go-to guide for fixing Windows, Steam, Android, Samsung TV, and Google Chrome. An engineering college dropout who followed his passion for tech, he brings 3 years of troubleshooting experience and 2+ years of running his own tech blog to the table. When he’s not solving your tech problems, you’ll find him unwinding with the latest anime or K-drama.
