If your Google Play Store is stuck on “Checking for updates”, or it won’t load app updates, it usually means Play Store can’t refresh the updates list because the download/update pipeline is blocked.
The common causes are:
- Weak internet or Wi-Fi DNS/VPN/Private DNS interference
- Storage too low (less than ~1 GB can stop downloads/updates)
- Corrupted Play Store cache/data
- Google Play services bug / stuck background process
- Download Manager disabled or stuck (especially on Samsung and some Android skins)
Do this first
- Switch Wi-Fi ↔ mobile data and turn VPN/Private DNS OFF
- Restart phone
- Ensure 1 GB+ free storage
- Clear Google Play Store cache + data
- Clear Google Play services cache + data (if still stuck)
- Reset Download Manager (enable + clear cache/data)
- Update Play Store (Settings → About → Update Play Store)
Google Play Store Download Pending: 13 Fixes
Fix 1: Switch network (Wi-Fi ↔ mobile data)
Google’s basic troubleshooting starts with checking your connection.
- Turn Wi-Fi off → try mobile data
- Or connect to a different Wi-Fi
If updates load on mobile data, your Wi-Fi DNS/router is the issue.
Fix 2: Turn OFF VPN / Proxy / Private DNS (test)
VPN or Private DNS can slow or block Google endpoints and keep Play Store stuck on checking. Turn them off temporarily and retry.
Fix 3: Restart router (if Wi-Fi is the problem)
If other devices also struggle on the same Wi-Fi, reboot router/modem (unplug 60 seconds).
Fix 4: Restart your phone
This clears stuck background processes (simple but effective).
Fix 5: Check storage (must have at least 1 GB free)
Google notes low storage can stop downloads and installs, and specifically mentions issues when there’s less than about 1 GB free.
Free space and try again.
Fix 6: Force stop Play Store
Go to: Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Force stop
Then reopen Play Store and try again.
Fix 7: Clear Play Store cache/data (most common fix)
Google’s advanced Play Store troubleshooting includes clearing cache and data.
Steps:
Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage & cache → Clear cache → Clear storage/data
Restart phone after this.
Fix 8: Clear Google Play services cache/data (when checking never ends)
Google provides a specific flow for Play services issues: update first, then clear cache/data if needed.
Steps:
Settings → Apps → Google Play services → Storage & cache → Clear cache → Clear data
Restart and test.
Fix 9: Reset Download Manager (very important)
On many Android phones, updates won’t start if Download Manager is disabled or stuck. Samsung’s support guidance includes clearing Play Store data and troubleshooting downloads/updates (and on many phones Download Manager is part of that pipeline).
Try:
Settings → Apps → (3 dots) Show system apps → Download Manager
- Make sure it’s Enabled
- Force stop
- Clear cache/data (if available)
Fix 10: Stop the update queue and try one app only
Go to Play Store → Manage apps & device
- Pause/cancel all updates
- Then update only one app
Queues often keep the store stuck on “checking for updates.”
Fix 11: Update Play Store itself
Google shows a built-in Play Store update option:
Play Store → Settings → About → Update Play Store
Fix 12: Uninstall Play Store updates (advanced)
If the issue started recently, reverting Play Store updates can help. Google’s help content and community replies commonly recommend uninstalling and reinstalling Play Store updates.
Path (usually):
Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → (menu) Uninstall updates
Then reopen Play Store and let it update.
Fix 13: Remove & re-add Google account (last step)
If authentication/sync is stuck:
Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove → Restart → Add again
Only do this if you remember the password and have 2FA access.
Google Play Store Keeps Stopping / Not Opening: 12 Fixes
Sources
Google Play Help: Fix problems with the Google Play Store app (advanced)
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/14121800
Google Play Help: Fix problems downloading apps (basic)
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/14122894
Google Play Help: Keep your device & apps working with Google Play services
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9037938
Samsung Support: Play Store isn’t loading updates / won’t download apps
https://www.samsung.com/ie/support/mobile-devices/what-to-do-if-google-play-store-will-not-load-or-download-apps/
