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

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

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: November 27, 2024 Fact Checked

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iPhone, iPad, Mac, and MacBook

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Android & Chromebook

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

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1
Add a payment method to your Apple account. 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]
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- To add a payment to Apple on iPhone/iPad, open Settings, tap your name, tap Payment & Shipping > Add payment method.^{[2]
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- 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]
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2
Address any payment error messages. You might see "billing problem with previous purchase" or "verification required," and you need to address those to be able to download another app.
- You can change your payment method, pay the unpaid balance with an Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card, manage your Family Sharing settings (if you have it set up).^{[4]
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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
Check your storage space. 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]
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- You can free up space if needed.
5
Close and re-open the App Store. 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.
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Make the app download a priority (iOS only). 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.
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Restart your device. 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]
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Section 2 of 2:

Android & Chromebook

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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
Check your storage space. If you don't have enough space, you won't be able to download apps.
- Check your free space in Settings > Storage.
- You can free up space if needed.
3
Close and re-open the Google Play Store app. 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
Clear cache & data of the Google Play Store. 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
Clear cache & data of Download Manager. 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]
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  - This step may result in parental controls and password protection resetting, so you'll have to set these up again.
6
Remove then re-add your Google Account. 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]
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Clear cache and data for Google Play Services. 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]
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