Download arrow blocked by a small cone and file box
Downloads that won’t start (or get stuck at 0% / “Waiting”) on Android are usually caused by one of three things: a flaky connection, not enough free storage, or a browser/app process that’s jammed.

Let’s start with the fastest fixes first, then go deeper only if you need to.

1. The 60-second reset: toggle Airplane mode, then retry

This sounds basic, but it’s the quickest way to clear a “connected, but not really” network state.

  • Turn Airplane mode ON for 10 seconds, then OFF.
  • If you’re on Wi‑Fi, toggle Wi‑Fi OFF/ON too.
  • Try the download again (or hit pause/resume if it’s available).

If it immediately starts, your issue was likely a temporary network route or DNS hiccup.

2. Confirm you actually have space (and not just “a little”)

Phone and nearly full storage gauge illustration
Android can fail downloads even when you have some free space, especially for large files, app updates, or when the system needs room to unpack/install.

  • Go to Settings > Storage.
  • Aim for at least 1–2 GB free (more if the download is large).
  • Empty Trash/Recycle bin inside Photos or Files apps if you use them.

Then retry the download once, before changing anything else.

3. If it’s a web download: check Chrome’s download + storage permissions

Chrome usually doesn’t need broad permissions, but downloads can break if storage access is restricted by device policy, a “Files and media” setting, or a security app.

  • Open Settings > Apps > Chrome > Permissions.
  • Look for anything related to Files and media (naming varies by Android version).
  • If you changed anything, fully close Chrome and try again.

One quick test: try the same download in another browser (like Firefox). If it works there, you can focus on Chrome-specific fixes.

4. Clear the “stuck queue”: remove the broken download and restart it

Some downloads get locked in a bad partial state and will never resume cleanly.

  • In Chrome: tap the menu (three dots) > Downloads and delete the stuck item.
  • In Files (or your file manager): look in Download and delete any file with the same name (especially if it’s 0 KB).
  • Start the download fresh.

If the file comes from a site that supports it, choose an alternate mirror/link.

5. If Google Play downloads are stuck: clear Play Store + Download Manager cache

System download queue with packages moving toward a tray
When the Play Store says “Pending” or updates won’t move, the bottleneck is often the system download service.

  • Go to Settings > Apps.
  • Tap Google Play Store > Storage & cache > Clear cache.
  • Go back and do the same for Google Play services.
  • Then find Download Manager (you may need to show system apps) > Storage & cache > Clear cache.

Avoid “Clear storage/data” unless you’re ready for deeper resets (it can sign you out or reset app state).

6. Turn off VPN, Private DNS, and ad blockers (temporarily)

If a download fails instantly, loops, or never starts, filtering tools can be the reason—even if browsing looks normal.

  • Disable your VPN (if active) and retry.
  • Check Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS and set it to Automatic for a test.
  • If you use an ad-blocking DNS/app, pause it briefly and retry the download.

If this fixes it, you don’t need to stay unprotected—just whitelist the site/service you’re downloading from.

7. Try a different network (this isolates the cause fast)

This is the quickest “advanced” diagnostic because it tells you whether to blame the phone or the network.

  • Switch from Wi‑Fi to mobile data (or the other way around).
  • If possible, try a different Wi‑Fi (friend’s network, hotspot).

If downloads work on another network, focus on your router, ISP restrictions, or DNS settings.

8. Last-resort (but still safe): restart, then update Android System WebView/Chrome

If downloads break across multiple apps, a restart plus a component update can fix underlying web/download handling.

  • Restart your phone.
  • In the Play Store, update Chrome and Android System WebView (if present on your device).
  • Retry the download after updates complete.

If you’re on a managed/work device, a device policy can block certain file types—your IT admin may need to allow it.

Final thoughts

Most “stuck download” problems on Android resolve with the fast trio: toggle Airplane mode, free up real storage, and restart the download cleanly.

If changing networks fixes it, stop tweaking the phone and focus on Wi‑Fi/router/DNS—otherwise you can waste time resetting apps that aren’t the root cause.