Why can’t I download and install applications IF I have space?

By default, the Android system downloads and installs the applications in the INTERNAL memory. Therefore, first of all make sure to verify that there is enough space available on it.

If there is not enough space, you will have to uninstall applications and delete data, as we explained in our full memory article. Another alternative to make space is to increase the internal memory.

You may be able to download and install APK files without any problem and only inconvenience when downloading from the Play Store. Possibly the conflict is not the available space, but this store.

The problem of not being able to download apps can also be due to a “bug” in the Android system, for which there is also a solution.

Restart Android

Hopefully, the problem of not being able to download anything is due to a “clutter” of the Android software. And it wouldn’t be strange. Just restart the phone and test.

Ignore the micro SD card

It is important to understand that, by default, applications are downloaded and installed on internal memory. This is where there should be enough space.

Indeed, it is possible to install the applications directly on the SD card, jumping internal memory. However, this is a technical modification that needs to be done in the Android software.

Therefore, it does not matter if the device has a micro SD card with several GB of available space. If the internal memory is full, the insufficient memory error will continue to appear and applications will not be able to download and install.

ENOUGH available memory

Previously it was recommended to have at least 1 GB of free space to be able to install an application. Even an app of a much smaller size (for example 2 MB). On some devices where this requirement was not met, the Play Store application could show the error when downloading There is not enough space on the device.

This “headroom” of available space can vary from device to device. In current devices it seems that it is no longer so wide. However, if you’re having trouble downloading, free up more storage.

I can’t download from the Play Store

If you cannot install applications despite correcting the above, it is surely not a memory issue. Maybe it’s a times operation of the Play Store application (if the error occurs when downloading applications from this store).

In this case, the solution is simple and consists of clearing the cache and uninstalling the updates from the Google Play Store:

• Open the System Settings (to open the system settings, slide the top bar and tap on the cogwheel).
• Tap on “Applications” (or “Application Manager”).
• Select «All».
• Pulsar «Google Play Store».
• Touch «Clear data».
• “Uninstall update”.

Open the Play Store application and download an application. If you still can’t install, try other solutions to fix the Play Store app.

If it is a Samsung Galaxy

If you have a Samsung cell phone, use this “magic” trick:

1. Open phone app (where a number is dialed to call)
2. Enter the code * # 9900 #
3. Click on the “Delete dumpstate / logcat” option.

This is a safe procedure to perform. It only deletes “junk” files from the cell phone, which may have to do with the problem of not being able to download applications due to insufficient space despite having available storage.

Reset device

It is possible that the problem of not being able to download applications with memory can only be solved by restoring the factory settings of the cell phone:

1. “Android system settings”
2. “Backup and Factory Data Reset”

WATCH OUT: This procedure will erase all data from the Android cell phone. Make a backup, if deemed necessary.

Note: This article was updated with information valid as of the date indicated in the header. Some comments may refer to old versions of this article.