Play Store Not Downloading on Wi-Fi (Works on Mobile Data): 15 Fixes

If Google Play Store is not downloading apps on Wi-Fi but downloads fine on mobile data, that usually means:

• Your Wi-Fi is connected, but something on that network is blocking Google endpoints (DNS, firewall, router filters), or
• Your phone settings are forcing Play Store to wait for a different network (download preference / auto-update settings), or
• Play Store / Play services / Download Manager is stuck, but the problem only shows on Wi-Fi.

Start here (data-rich quick diagnosis)

What you’ll typically notice

• Play Store shows “Download pending”, “Waiting for Wi-Fi”, or just sits at 0%
• App pages load, but Install doesn’t start on Wi-Fi
• Switching to mobile data starts the download instantly

30-second test (pinpoint Wi-Fi vs phone)

1. Open any website on Wi-Fi (Chrome)
2. Then try Play Store download on Wi-Fi
3. If web browsing works but Play Store doesn’t → it’s usually DNS / Private DNS / router filtering or Play Store settings.

Do this first

1. Turn VPN / Proxy / Private DNS OFF and retry
2. Play Store → Settings → Network preferences → check Auto-update apps and download preferences
3. Restart router (unplug 60 seconds) + restart phone
4. Clear Play Store cache/data
5. Clear Google Play services cache/data
6. Ensure Download Manager is enabled and reset it
7. If still failing: remove & re-add Google account or uninstall Play Store updates

Google Play Store Download Pending: 13 Fixes

Fix 1: Turn off VPN / Proxy / Private DNS (most common Wi-Fi-only cause)

On many phones, Play Store fails on Wi-Fi when:

• Private DNS is set to a custom provider
• VPN is running
• Proxy is configured

Turn them off temporarily and test again. (Community support threads frequently point to VPN/Private DNS as blockers.)

Fix 2: Check Play Store Network Preferences (Wi-Fi-only settings)

Go to: Play Store → Profile → Settings → Network preferences → Auto-update apps
Make sure it’s not restricting updates in a way you don’t want (Wi-Fi only vs any network).

This doesn’t always control manual installs, but on some devices it affects how Play Store queues downloads/updates.

Fix 3: Data Saver / background data restrictions (Wi-Fi & update pipeline)

If Data Saver or background restrictions are aggressive, Play Store behavior can become weird (especially with queued updates).

Google provides steps to allow background data for Google Play when needed.

Fix 4: Restart the router properly (not just “restart phone”)

Do this:

• Unplug router/modem 60 seconds
• Plug back in, wait 2–3 minutes
• Reconnect phone and retry

If possible, try a different Wi-Fi (friend’s hotspot) to confirm it’s your router.

Fix 5: Switch Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz)

Some routers have issues with one band:

• Try your 2.4 GHz SSID
• Then try 5 GHz SSID

Fix 6: Captive portal (hotel/office Wi-Fi)

If you’re on a public network:

• Open Chrome and visit any non-HTTPS page
• Complete the login/terms page first

Until that’s done, Play Store may silently fail.

Fix 7: Force stop Play Store

Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Force stop
Reopen Play Store and retry.

Fix 8: Clear Play Store cache/data (official “most common solution”)

Google explicitly says clearing Play Store cache is the most common fix, and clearing data may remove Play Store settings (like parental controls).
Steps:
Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage & cache → Clear cache → Clear storage/data

Restart phone after this.

Fix 9: Clear Google Play services cache/data (Wi-Fi auth + sync conflicts)

Google’s Play services guidance includes updating it and clearing cache/data if problems continue.
Steps
Settings → Apps → Google Play services → Storage & cache → Clear cache → Clear data

Restart and test.

Fix 10: Reset Download Manager (super important on Samsung + many Android skins)

If Download Manager is disabled or stuck, Play Store downloads can fail on Wi-Fi (or remain pending).

Samsung’s official guide includes resetting Download Manager (enable + force stop).
Path (varies):
Settings → Apps → Filter/3 dots → Show system apps → Download Manager

• Ensure it’s Enabled
• Force stop
• Clear cache/data (if available)

Fix 11: Remove queued updates and try ONE app

Go to Manage apps & device

• Cancel pending updates
• Download/install one app only

Queues cause “works on mobile data but not Wi-Fi” symptoms a lot.

Fix 12: Update Play Store

Play Store updates itself, but you can manually trigger it:
Play Store → Settings → About → Update Play Store

Fix 13: Uninstall Play Store updates (advanced)

If the issue started recently:
Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → (menu) Uninstall updates
Google includes uninstalling Play Store updates as part of advanced troubleshooting.

Fix 14: Remove & re-add Google account (last step)

Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove → Restart → Add again
Google lists this as an advanced Play Store troubleshooting step.

Fix 15: Router DNS problem (real-world common)

If Play Store fails only on your home Wi-Fi, it can be DNS filtering or router security features.

Quick tests:

• Turn off Private DNS on phone (Fix 1)
• Try mobile hotspot Wi-Fi
• If hotspot works → your router DNS/filter is the issue

(If you use adblock DNS, try switching to automatic DNS.)

Play Store Stuck on “Verifying Download”: 13 Fixes

Sources

Google Play Help: Fix problems with the Google Play Store app
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/14121800

Google Play Help: Keep your device & apps working with Google Play services
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9037938

Google Play Help: Turn on background data
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/1663315

Google Play Help: How to update apps on Android (Network preferences > Auto-update apps)
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/113412

Samsung Support: What to do if Google Play Store will not load or download apps (Download Manager reset)
https://www.samsung.com/ie/support/mobile-devices/what-to-do-if-google-play-store-will-not-load-or-download-apps/