How to Fix App Updates on Google Play Stuck on Pending

Published On - April 14, 2025

Jonathan Dough Content

So you’re trying to update your favorite app on Google Play, but it’s stuck on that annoying little word: “Pending.” Don’t worry! You’re not alone — and yes, there’s a fix. In fact, there are several. Let’s break it down step by step, using plain language and a little fun!

Why Do App Updates Get Stuck?

Before we fix it, let’s understand why this happens. Here are some usual suspects:

  • Too many updates at once
  • Poor or no internet connection
  • Low phone storage
  • Google Play Store glitches
  • Download settings in the Play Store

Don’t worry. We’ll tackle each one with a simple solution.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Sounds obvious, but even the best of us forget this!

  • Make sure you’re on a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
  • Try switching networks — sometimes one Wi-Fi just won’t cut it.
  • Still nothing? Try toggling airplane mode on and off.

2. Clear the Google Play Store Queue

Google Play might be trying to update too many apps at once. Let’s reduce the crowd.

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Tap your profile picture (top right).
  3. Go to Manage apps & device.
  4. Tap See details.
  5. Now cancel the updates for apps you’re not using right now.

This gives the stuck update a better chance!

3. Restart Your Phone

It’s classic for a reason. Sometimes all your phone needs is a nap.

  • Hold the power button.
  • Tap Restart or Reboot.
  • Once it’s back on, try updating the app again.

4. Clear Google Play Store Cache

If the Play Store has too much stored data, it may start acting up. Let’s give it a clean-up.

  1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
  2. Tap Apps or Applications.
  3. Find Google Play Store in the list.
  4. Tap Storage.
  5. Now tap Clear Cache.

Bonus points for also clearing data if the problem sticks around!

5. Check Available Storage

If your phone is full, there’s no room to install updates! Time for a little spring cleaning.

  • Delete old photos you don’t need (back them up first!).
  • Uninstall apps you haven’t used since dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
  • Clear download folders filled with memes and forgotten files.
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6. Update Google Play Services

Google Play Services is like the brain behind many app activities. If it’s outdated, your updates can struggle.

  1. Search for Google Play Services in the Google Play Store.
  2. If there’s an update option — tap it!
  3. Then go back and try your app update again.

7. Download Over Any Network

Sometimes Google Play is set to update apps only on Wi-Fi. But what if you’re on mobile data?

  1. Open Play Store.
  2. Tap your profile picture, then Settings.
  3. Go to Network preferences > App download preference.
  4. Choose Over any network.

This can kick-start that pending update!

Still Stuck? Try Removing Your Google Account

This is a bit more intense, but it often works when all else fails.

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts.
  2. Select your Google account.
  3. Tap Remove account.
  4. Restart your device, then add your account again.

This resets your connection to Google Play. Just make sure you remember your login info!

A Final Tip!

Sometimes updates are delayed on Google’s end. If nothing works, it might just be a temporary glitch.

Grab a snack, take a walk, then try again in a bit. 😄

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Wrap-Up

There you go, app doctor! With these easy steps, you’ll fix those stubborn pending updates in no time.

So reopen Google Play and give that update another tap – it’s time to get things rolling!