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How to Stop a Download on Android
Because sometimes you tap the wrong thing
By Molly McLaughlin Molly McLaughlin Senior Editor & Content Strategist Molly K. McLaughlin has been a technology editor and writer for over a dozen years. She runs product reviews for Lifewire, overseeing the process from hands-on testing to publishing. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 20, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Stop From Google Play Stop From an App Prevent Downloads From Apps Delete Apps and Files Last Resort Reset Your Device What to Know
Stop a download from the Google Play Store: Tap the X next to the progress bar. Stop a download from an app: Turn off Wi-Fi; put your phone in airplane mode; power off your phone. Prevent downloads: Settings > Apps & notifications > tap app name > Permissions > toggle off Storage. This article explains how to stop an Android download. Instructions apply to smartphones and tablets with Android 7.0 or later. Stop an App Download From the Google Play Store
Many apps in the Google Play Store (and other app stores) deliberately try to look like other popular apps. Search for a Google app, and you'll see plenty of copycats. If you accidentally tap Install on one of these lookalikes, you can stop the download immediately by tapping the X next to the progress bar. The Amazon AppStore has a similar option, but the progress bar and X are much smaller, so it might take a few tries to cancel the download. Stop a Download From an App
When you start downloading something from an app, such as a mobile browser or messaging app, there's no straightforward way to pause or stop the download. You can turn off Wi-Fi in a pinch, put your phone in airplane mode, or power off your phone. You can also download a third-party file manager that has better options for stopping downloads. Prevent Downloads From Apps
If you often find yourself (or someone who uses your phone) unintentionally downloading apps on your Android, it's a good idea to restrict downloads from some or all your apps. For example, someone could access a random app store in a mobile browser, such as Chrome, which can put your security at risk. Launch the Settings app. Go to: Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access > Install unknown apps. By default, this option is turned off for all apps. Scan the list of your apps to make sure it says Not allowed under each one. To prevent file downloads, go to Settings > Apps & notifications, and tap the app name in the list. Tap Permissions and toggle Storage to off. Delete Apps and Files
If you accidentally download an app or file that you don't want, you can delete it. Delete Downloaded Apps
Go to Settings > Apps & notifications, and find the app in the list. Tap the app name and then tap Uninstall. Delete Downloaded Files
If the download was a file rather than an app, you can delete it: Go to Settings > Storage > Free up space. Tap Downloads, and you'll see a list of files, all of which are selected. Uncheck any files you want to keep. Tap Free up [X] MB. (Your phone will display how much storage you can reclaim.) Tap Free up space on the pop-up window. Last Resort Reset Your Device
Sometimes a download affects the performance of your smartphone, such as slowing it down or disabling functions. In that case, the best solution is to reset your phone to factory settings. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Free Up Space on Android Phones How to Install APK on Android 7 Ways to Tell If Your Phone Is Being Tapped How to Find Downloads on Android Phones How to Manage Android App Permissions How to Download Music to Your Android Phone How to Clear Your Instagram Search History 3 Best Free Antivirus Apps for Android Phones How to Free Up Space on Your Phone Fast How to Install Kodi on Android How Do I Stop Podcasts Automatically Downloading to My MacBook? How To Fix an Android That Can't Make or Receive Calls How to Cancel a Frozen App Download on Android How to Install Google Play on Kindle Fire How to Delete Apps on an Android Phone How to Download Apps on Android Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies