Fix problems downloading apps with basic troubleshooting steps

Try the steps below if:

  • Your downloads and app updates get stuck and won’t finish.
  • You can’t download or install apps or games from the Google Play Store.
  • You can’t download books or other content from Google Play.
  • You can’t open the Google Play Store app at all.

Basic troubleshooting steps

Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection
  • Make sure you have a strong internet connection. 
  • It’s best if you can connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  • If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, make sure you have a strong mobile data connection.

After you check your internet connection, try your download again. To get more help with connection problems, go to Fix internet connection problems on Android devices.

Check your storage space

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open your Settings app.
  2. Tap Storage.

If your device is low on storage space, it can stop apps from downloading and installing.

Your device may be low on space if:

  • You get a notification about storage space.
  • There’s less than 1 GB available on your device.

To get help with storage space on Android, go to Free up space.

Check for Android system updates
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open your Settings app.
  2. Tap System and then Software update and then System update.
  3. Your update status appears.
  4. To download or install updates, follow the on-screen instructions.
Tip: If your device runs Android 2.2 or below, Google Play may not work properly. Contact your device manufacturer for help.
Close & reopen Google Play Store
  1. On your Android device, swipe up from the bottom, hold, then let go.
  2. To close the Google Play Store app, swipe up on it.
  3. To reopen the app, tap Google Play Store app Google Play.
Restart your device
  1. Press and hold the Power button.
  2. Tap Power off or Restart.
  3. If your device doesn’t restart, press and hold the Power button until your device turns on again.​

Check date and time settings

Make sure the date and time on your device are correct:
On your Android phone or tablet, open your device's Settings app.
  1. Tap System and then Date & time.
    • Under "Date & time," check if "Set time automatically” is turned on or off.
    • Under the "Time zone" section, check if “Set automatically" is turned on or off.
  2. If "Set time automatically" and "Set automatically" are turned off, turn both of them on.
  3. Wait a few minutes and check if your problem is fixed.
  4. If it's not, restart your device and check again.

If both "Set time automatically" and "Set automatically" are turned on, your device's date and time setting probably isn't your issue. Check your connectivity and restart your device or try the other troubleshooting steps.

 Get more help

If the steps above didn’t work, choose a link below to find advanced troubleshooting steps.

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