Google Play Store not working? 8 fixes to try

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

When the Play Store will not open, will not load or leaves downloads stuck on Pending, the usual causes are a poor connection, a full phone or damaged temporary files in the store app.

Step by step

1. Check the connection

   Open a website in Chrome. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see whether one of them is the problem.

   Done

2. Check the date and time

   A wrong clock breaks the secure connection to Google. Open Settings, System, Date & time and switch on Set time automatically.

   Done

3. Restart the phone

   Then open the Play Store again.

   Done

4. Check free storage

   Downloads wait when there is less than about 1 GB free. Open Settings, Storage.

   Done

5. Clear the Play Store cache and storage

   Open Settings, Apps, See all apps, Google Play Store, Storage & cache. Tap Clear cache, then Clear storage. You stay signed in to your Google Account and your apps are not removed.

   Done

6. Do the same for Google Play services

   In the app list, open Google Play services, Storage & cache, Clear cache.

   Done

7. Cancel stuck downloads

   In the Play Store, tap your profile picture, Manage apps and device. If several updates are queued, cancel them and start the one you need.

   Done

8. Remove and re-add your Google Account

   As a last step, open Settings, Passwords, passkeys & accounts, remove the Google Account and add it again. Make sure you know the password first.

   Done

Good to know

Downloads set to "Over Wi-Fi only" wait on mobile data. Check Play Store Settings, Network preferences, App download preference.

A VPN can stop the Play Store from loading. Switch it off as a test.

On a phone with no Play Store at all, such as some Huawei models, these steps do not apply.

In short: Connection, date and time, restart, storage, clear the Play Store cache and storage.