4 Ways to Fix Chrome Downloads Keep Pausing on Android

Basic Fixes:

• Close and restart Chrome: You can open all background apps and close Chrome. This will stop the app from running in the background. Then, tap on the app icon to reopen Chrome and try downloading the file again to check.
• Ensure your device has storage available: Your Android device can’t save your Chrome downloads without enough storage space. To ensure this is not the case, open storage settings and check. If it’s more than 90% full, delete some files or photos and try again.
• Clear Chrome app cache: Caches help speed up app functions. However, corrupt cache files can cause certain app functions not to work properly. When this happens, open the app settings for Chrome and clear the app cache on your Android phone.
• Check for app updates: Updating the app is known to fix many issues that may arise due to bugs in the app. So, check and install the latest app updates for Chrome and try downloading the file again.

Fix 1: Turn off Data Saver

Data savers can restrict app functions to save on mobile data usage. While this is helpful if you’re on a limited data plan, it can also pause your Chrome downloads. In this case, turn off the Data saver on your Android phone and allow Chrome’s data usage at all times. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open Settings > tap on Connections > Data usage.

Step 2: Here, tap on Data saver. First, turn off the Turn on now toggle.

Step 3: Then, tap on Apps that can always use data. Scroll through the apps and turn on the toggle for Chrome.

Tip: You can also check the data usage on your Android device to ensure you never exceed your set monthly limits.

Fix 2: Unrestrict Google Chrome

Your Android phone can restrict the Chrome app to save on battery life. This can, in turn, affect your downloads. When this happens, allow Chrome to run unrestricted on your Android phone. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Apps. Scroll down and tap on Chrome.

Step 2: Tap on Battery. From the options, select Unrestricted.

Fix 3: Clear the Download Folder

If your Downloads folder is cluttered with too many old downloads, it might stop new items from being downloaded. When this happens, open your current download folder and delete the items you no longer want. Then, try downloading the file again on Chrome. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Open the relevant Files app and tap on Downloads. Select the files you wish to delete and tap on Delete all.

Step 2: Tap on Move to recycle bin when prompted. This will delete these files from the Downloads folder.

Tip: You can open the trash folder on Android and delete these files forever immediately.

Fix 4: Change the Download Location

If your phone supports a microSD card, you can change the download location from your phone to the microSD card. Do this if Chrome downloads are still pausing on your Android phone. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open Chrome > tap the three-dot icon at the top-right corner > Settings > scroll down and tap on Downloads.

Step 2: Tap on Download location > select the relevant location. Or, turn on the Ask where to save files toggle.

This will allow you to select the download location manually whenever you download files using the Chrome browser on your Android phone. Now, try downloading the file again to check.