How to Stop a Download on Android

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.

1. Launch the Settings app.

2. Go to: Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access > Install unknown apps.

3. 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.

4. To prevent file downloads, go to Settings > Apps & notifications, and tap the app name in the list.

5. 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:

1. Go to Settings > Storage > Free up space.

2. Tap Downloads, and you'll see a list of files, all of which are selected. Uncheck any files you want to keep.

3. Tap Free up [X] MB. (Your phone will display how much storage you can reclaim.)

4. 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.