If your Google Play Store is stuck on “Verifying download” (or “Verifying…”), it means the download/installation is being checked before it starts or completes. In many cases, that “verifying” step is tied to Play Protect safety checks or system download components, so it can get stuck when:
- Your connection keeps dropping (Wi-Fi issues, VPN/Private DNS)
- Storage is low (install can’t complete)
- Play Store / Google Play services cache is corrupted
- Download Manager is disabled or bugged
- Play Protect scanning takes longer than normal (especially after updates)
Quick diagnosis (30 seconds)
- If only one app is stuck verifying → that app file/queue is likely stuck
- If all apps stuck verifying → Play Store / Play services / Download Manager / network issue
- If it happens mostly on Wi-Fi → router/DNS/VPN issue (test mobile data)
Do this first
- Wait 2–5 minutes (Play Protect scan can take time)
- Cancel the stuck download and try one app only
- Switch Wi-Fi ↔ mobile data, turn VPN/Private DNS OFF
- Free at least 1–2 GB storage
- Clear Play Store cache/data, then restart
- Clear Google Play services cache/data (if still stuck)
- Ensure Download Manager is enabled, then force stop + clear cache
Google Play Store Download Pending: 13 Fixes
Fix 1: Give it a few minutes (seriously)
“Verifying download” can appear while Play Protect runs safety checks on apps before download/install. Google explains that Play Protect runs safety checks for apps from the Play Store.
If it’s a large app or your phone is busy, wait 2–5 minutes before changing settings.
Fix 2: Cancel the install and start it again (clean queue)
- Open Play Store → stop/cancel that app
- Start the same app again
- Don’t download multiple apps at the same time (test with one)
Queued downloads can keep “verifying” forever when the queue is stuck.
Fix 3: Switch network (Wi-Fi ↔ mobile data)
Network instability is a top cause of verifying loops:
- Turn Wi-Fi off → try mobile data
- Or connect to a different Wi-Fi
Google’s troubleshooting for download problems starts with checking connection quality.
Fix 4: Turn OFF VPN / Proxy / Private DNS (temporarily)
VPN or Private DNS can block Google endpoints or slow verification steps.
Turn them off, retry the same download once.
Fix 5: Check storage (must have free space)
If storage is near full, Play Store may verify but never proceed to install.
Free at least 1–2 GB and try again. (Storage is part of official download troubleshooting.)
Fix 6: Force stop Play Store
Go to:
Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Force stop
Reopen Play Store and retry.
Fix 7: Clear Play Store cache/data (most common real fix)
Google states clearing Play Store cache/data is a common solution for download issues (and clearing data may remove some Play Store settings).
Steps:
Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage & cache → Clear cache → Clear storage/data
Restart phone and retry.
Fix 8: Clear Google Play services cache/data (when verifying never ends)
If Play Store is fine but “verifying” stays stuck, Play services can be the blocker.
Samsung’s official guide includes clearing Play services cache and reset steps for download issues.
Steps:
Settings → Apps → Google Play services → Storage → Clear cache → Clear data
Restart and test.
Fix 9: Enable and reset Download Manager (super important)
If Download Manager is disabled, Play Store downloads/verification can hang.
Samsung recommends making sure Download Manager is enabled and force stopping it.
Steps (may vary by phone):
Settings → Apps → (filter) Show system apps → Download Manager
- Make sure it’s Enabled
- Tap Force stop
- Clear cache/data (if available)
Fix 10: Remove Play Store “pending/queued” updates
Go to Manage apps & device and:
- Pause/cancel other updates
- Retry the verifying app alone
This solves “stuck on verifying download” caused by a jammed queue.
Fix 11: Update Play Store + reboot
If Play Store has a bug, a silent update can fix it:
Play Store → Settings → About → Update Play Store (if shown)
Then restart.
(Also helpful if the issue started after a Play Store update.)
Fix 12: Uninstall Play Store updates (advanced)
If nothing works:
Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → (menu) Uninstall updates
Google includes uninstalling Play Store updates as an advanced troubleshooting step.
Then reopen Play Store and let it update again.
Fix 13: Last resort — remove & re-add Google account
If verification is stuck due to authentication/sync issues:
Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove account → Restart → Add back
Use this after cache/data fixes.
Google Play Store Keeps Stopping / Not Opening: 12 Fixes
Sources
Google Play Help: Fix problems with the Google Play Store app
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/14121800
Google Play Help: Use Google Play Protect
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2812853
Google Developers: Play Protect client protections (PHA scanning details)
https://developers.google.com/android/play-protect/client-protections
Samsung Support: What to do if Google Play Store will not load or download apps (Download Manager steps)
https://www.samsung.com/ie/support/mobile-devices/what-to-do-if-google-play-store-will-not-load-or-download-apps/
