This article explains how to stop an Android download. Instructions apply to smartphones and tablets running Android 7.0 or later.

Many apps in the Google Play Store (and other app stores) intentionally 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 may take a few tries to cancel the download.

When you start downloading something from an app, like a mobile browser or messaging app, there’s no easy way to pause or stop the download. You can turn off Wi-Fi for emergencies, put your phone in airplane mode, or turn your phone off. You can also download a third-party file manager that has better options for stopping downloads.