If Google Play Store says “Waiting for Wi-Fi” (or “Waiting for download”) even though your Wi-Fi is connected, it usually means one of these is happening:
- Your Wi-Fi is marked as metered (so Play Store avoids big downloads)
- Background data or Data Saver is blocking Play Store downloads
- Another app update is already downloading (Play Store often handles one download at a time)
- Download Manager is disabled/stuck (common on some Android skins)
- Play Store / Play services cache is bugged and stuck in a loop
Quick diagnosis (30 seconds)
- Switch to mobile data and try installing the same app
- If it starts on mobile data → your Wi-Fi settings/network is the issue
- If it still doesn’t start → it’s likely Play Store / Play services / Download Manager
Do this first
- Cancel all queued updates and try one app only
- Turn Data Saver OFF and allow background data for Play Store
- Check Wi-Fi is not metered (or allow downloads on metered)
- Clear Google Play Store cache/data and restart
- Reset Download Manager (enable + force stop + clear cache)
Google Play Store Download Pending: 13 Fixes
Fix 1: Make sure Play Store isn’t already downloading another app
Play Store often processes one app at a time. If another update is running, the next one may show “Waiting for Wi-Fi.” Samsung also notes Play Store downloads one app at a time.
Do this:
- Play Store → Profile → Manage apps & device
- Pause/cancel other updates
- Install only one app
Fix 2: Toggle Wi-Fi OFF/ON + restart phone
Basic, but works more often than people expect. Google’s download troubleshooting starts with connection checks and a restart.
Fix 3: Turn OFF VPN / Proxy / Private DNS (temporarily)
If you use any of these, Play Store may “wait” because it can’t reach Google endpoints reliably.
Fix 4: Check if your Wi-Fi is marked “Metered”
On many Android phones you can set Wi-Fi as:
- Metered (treat like mobile data)
- Unmetered (normal)
If your Wi-Fi is metered, Play Store may hold downloads.
Tip: If you’re on a hotspot, it can also be treated as metered.
Fix 5: Turn OFF Data Saver
Data Saver can block background downloads and cause “waiting” behavior.
Fix 6: Enable background data for Google Play Store
Google provides official steps to allow background data / unrestricted data usage for Play Store.
Do this:
- Settings → Data usage (or Network & Internet)
- Find Google Play Store
- Turn on Background data / Unrestricted data usage
Fix 7: Check “Download over Wi-Fi only” preferences
Play Store settings can push updates to wait for Wi-Fi depending on your choices.
Go to: Play Store → Profile → Settings → Network preferences (options vary by device).
Fix 8: Fix captive portal Wi-Fi (hotel/office Wi-Fi)
Some Wi-Fi networks require a browser login.
- Open Chrome
- Visit any site to trigger the login page
- Accept terms/sign in
Until that happens, Play Store may stay stuck.
Fix 9: Clear Google Play Store cache (safe)
Google recommends closing/reopening Play Store and clearing cache for download problems.
Steps:
- Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage & cache → Clear cache
Fix 10: Clear Google Play Store data (strong)
If cache doesn’t help:
- Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear storage/data
Restart after this.
Fix 11: Clear Google Play services cache/data (if downloads stay stuck)
Google’s guidance for Play Store issues often includes Play services cleanup when the problem persists.
Fix 12: Reset Download Manager (very important)
Samsung’s official guide includes Reset the Download Manager (enable + force stop).
Path usually:
- Settings → Apps → (Filter) Show system apps
- Download Manager
- Make sure it’s Enabled
- Force stop
- Clear cache/data (if available)
Fix 13: Free storage (keep at least 1 GB free)
Google warns low storage can stop downloads/installs and recommends checking storage.
Also, “waiting” can happen when the phone can’t finish the install.
Fix 14: Update Android system
Google suggests checking for Android system updates as part of download troubleshooting.
Fix 15: If nothing works, uninstall Play Store updates
If this started recently:
- Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Uninstall updates
Then open Play Store and let it update again. (This is part of Google’s advanced Play Store troubleshooting flow.)
Play Store Not Downloading on Wi-Fi (Works on Mobile Data): 15 Fixes
Sources
Google Play Help: Fix problems downloading apps (basic steps)
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/14122894
Google Play Help: Turn on background data (Play Store)
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/1663315
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/
Samsung Pakistan Support: How to troubleshoot Google Play Store download (one app at a time note)
https://www.samsung.com/pk/support/mobile-devices/how-to-troubleshoot-google-play-store-download/
