Fix Google Play Store 'Download Pending' Stuck Error

Updated: 11/29/2025

You hit 'Install' on a new app, but the bar just says 'Download Pending...'. You wait 10 minutes. It's still pending. This happens because the Play Store's internal download queue is clogged with background auto-updates that have frozen, preventing any new downloads from starting.

Method 1: Clear Queue & Force Stop

You need to kill the stuck process.

Step 1: Open App Info

Long-press the Play Store icon and tap the (i) Info button.

Step 2: Storage & Cache

Tap Storage > Clear Data (or Clear Storage). This resets the store's settings but does not delete your apps.

Step 3: Force Stop

Go back one screen and tap Force Stop. Relaunch the Store and try downloading again.

Method 2: Cancel Stuck Updates

If 20 apps are trying to update at once, the queue gets gridlocked.

• Open Play Store.
• Tap your Profile Picture > Manage apps & device.
• Tap 'See details' under 'Updates available'.
• Click 'Cancel all'. Now try to install your specific app.

Method 3: Uninstall Play Store Updates

Sometimes a new version of the Store itself is buggy.

Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store. Tap the three dots in the top corner > Uninstall updates. This reverts the Store to the factory version, which often clears the download block. It will auto-update itself back to the newest version silently in the background later.