Fix problems downloading apps from the Play Store

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.

If you can’t open the Play Store app at all, follow the steps to troubleshoot when you can’t open the Play Store app on your phone.

Basic troubleshooting steps

Check that you have a strong 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

  • If your device is low on 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 Advanced and then System update.
  3. Your update status appears.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to download or install updates.
Tip: If your device runs Android 2.2 or below, Google Play may not work properly. Contact your device manufacturer for help.

Troubleshoot problems with only one app

Try these steps if you have problems when you try to download a specific app.

Check if the app is available for your device

  1. Open the Google Play Store app Google Play.
  2. Find and tap the app you want to download. 
  3. On the app’s page, it says whether the app is available for your device.
    • If it’s not available, you can’t download it.

Uninstall & reinstall the app

  1. Open the Google Play Store app Google Play.
  2. At the top right, tap the Profile icon.
  3. Tap Manage apps & device and then Manage.
  4. Tap the name of the app you want to delete and then Uninstall.
  5. To reinstall it, tap Install or Enable.

If you still can’t download the app, try the troubleshooting steps below.

More troubleshooting steps

If you tried all the steps above but still can’t download apps, try the steps below. After each step, try to download an app again to check if it fixed the problem.

Close & reopen the Play Store

  1. On your Android device, swipe up from the bottom, hold, then let go.
  2. To close the Play Store app, swipe up on it.
  3. Open the Play Store again.

Uninstall & reinstall Play Store updates

  1. Make sure you’re connected to a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
  2. Find the Play Store app on your device’s home or app screen.
  3. Touch and hold the Play Store app.
  4. Tap App info .
  5. At the top, tap More and then Uninstall updates.
  6. If you’re asked to change the Play Store app back to the factory version, tap OK.

Restart your device

  1. Press and hold the Power button.
  2. Tap Power off or Restart.
  3. If needed, press and hold the Power button until your device turns on again.

Clear cache & data from Google Play Services

  1. Open your device’s Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps & notifications and then App info or See all apps.
  3. Tap Google Play Services.
  4. Tap Storage and then Clear cache.
  5. Tap Clear storage and then Clear all data and then OK.

Remove & re-add your Google Account

When you remove your account, some information is removed from your device. Make sure you back up any important information before you complete this step.

Learn how to remove and re-add your account.

Clear the cache & data of the Play Store

  1. Open your device’s Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps & notifications and then App info or See all apps.
  3. Tap Google Play Store.
  4. Tap Storage and then Clear Cache.
  5. Tap Clear storage and then Clear all data and then OK.

Clear cache & data from Download Manager

  1. Open your device’s Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps & notifications and then App info or See all apps.
  3. Tap Download Manager.
  4. Tap Storage and then Clear cache.
  5. Tap Clear storage and then Clear all data and then OK.

Get more help

If you tried all the steps above and still have trouble, we recommend you contact the app developer or reset your device to factory settings.

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