Why Can't I Download Apps on My Phone or Computer?

PDF download Download Article
Keep trying these fixes until you're able to download again
PDF download Download Article

Are you unable to download apps on your Apple or Android device? App downloading errors cause problems regardless of the type of smartphone, tablet, or computer you're using like iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Android, or Chromebook; however, there are many troubleshooting steps that you can take to fix the error and download apps. Read on to learn more.

Easily Fix Apps Not Downloading

Generally, check your internet connection and restart the Google Play Store or App Store. If you're using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or MacBook, add a valid payment to your Apple ID or change the faulty payment method. On Android, clear the cache and data from the Google Play Store and Download Manager.

Section 1 of 2:

iPhone, iPad, Mac, and MacBook

PDF download Download Article
  1. Users have found that if you previously purchased something without having a payment method added, or if you used a payment method that didn't work, you must have a valid payment method added to your account even if you're trying to download a free app. [1]
    • To add a payment to Apple on iPhone/iPad , open Settings, tap your name, tap Payment & Shipping > Add payment method . [2]
    • On a laptop, open the App Store and click your name (or sign in if you need to). Click Account Settings > Manage Payments > Add Payment . [3]
  2. You might see "billing problem with previous purchase" or "verification required," and you need to address those to be able to download another app.
    Advertisement
  3. A poor or weak signal will prevent you from downloading apps. You may need to connect to a Wi-Fi network if one is available, or, if you're already on a Wi-Fi network, try disconnecting to use cellular data.
  4. You need free space to download apps.
    • iPhone and iPad : Check your free space in Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage .
    • Mac and MacBook : Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings > General > Storage > All Volumes . [5]
    • You can free up space if needed .
  5. Sometimes restarting the app will fix any glitches that stop new apps from downloading.
    • Swipe up to open a list of Recent apps, then swipe up on the Google Play Store app to close it.
    • Tap the app icon again to open it.
  6. This makes sure that your iPhone or iPad knows that you want to download an app as soon as possible.
    • Tap and hold the app on your Home Screen, and tap Prioritize Download .
  7. Sometimes a glitch in the current session can cause apps not to download.
    • iPhone and iPad : Press and hold either Volume button and the Side button until a slider appears, then drag it to power off. Press the Side button again to turn it back on.
    • MacBooks : Go to the Apple menu and select Restart . [6]
    8. Advertisement
Section 2 of 2:

Android & Chromebook

PDF download Download Article
  1. A poor or weak signal will prevent you from downloading apps. You may need to connect to a Wi-Fi network if one is available, or, if you're already on a Wi-Fi network, try disconnecting to use cellular data.
  2. If you don't have enough space, you won't be able to download apps.
  3. Sometimes restarting the app will fix any glitches that stop new apps from downloading.
    • Swipe up to open a list of Recent apps, then swipe up on the Google Play Store app to close it.
    • Tap the app icon again to open it.
  4. This is the most simple troubleshooting step that usually fixes the problem instantly.
    • Tap and hold the Google Play Store app on your Home Screen and select App Info .
    • Tap Storage & cache > Clear cache then tap Clear storage > Delete .
      • This step may result in parental controls and password protection resetting, so you'll have to set these up again.
  5. This troubleshooting step, along with the previous one, is another one of the most common solutions to not being able to download apps.
    • Open Settings and go to Apps > All Apps .
    • Tap Download Manager > Storage > Clear cache and Clear data . (Tap the filter icon and toggle Show system apps if you don't see "Download Manager".) [7]
      • This step may result in parental controls and password protection resetting, so you'll have to set these up again.
  6. All the information that's currently on your phone will be removed with your Google account, so make sure you back up any important data before continuing.
    • Go to Settings and tap Google account to remove your account. Return to this menu to sign back in. [8]
  7. This method may delete information including COVID cards, virtual payments, passwords, and transit cards. You'll also need to re-authenticate all your payment methods in Google Pay.
    • Open Settings and go to Apps > Google Play Services > Storage & cache > Clear cache and Clear data . [9]
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Download APKs from Google Play: A Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Install APK Files on Android
      How to
      Know Chat ID on Telegram on Android
      How to
      Hide Apps on Android
      Downloading and Installing WhatsApp to Your Android Device
      A Complete Guide to Lucky Patcher for Android
      How to
      Update Whatsapp on Android
      How to
      Check What Apps You Have Installed on Android
      How to
      Set up and Use an IR Blaster on Android
      How to
      Download Android Apps: The Complete Beginner's Guide
      How To View Who Is Connected to Your Hotspot on Android
      Saving Photos on Telegram on Android + Fixes
      How To Install APK Files from a PC on Android
      How to
      Leave a Group Text on Android
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/iphonehelp/comments/1aqycbj/cant_download_free_apps_without_paying_or_adding/?rdt=62222
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118429
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118429
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118284
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/storage-space-mac-syspf9b375b9/mac
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102632
      7. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/what-to-do-if-google-play-store-will-not-load-or-download-apps/?srsltid=AfmBOorNw2OKomObT1GGVPSpn5bejMIdMZYY4hJdKf-4unEDtRSOHmK7
      8. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7664951
      9. ↑ https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/14121793?hl=en#zippy=

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 259 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement