How to Troubleshoot Stalled Download Issues in qBittorrent?

Facing a stalled issue is very common in torrent clients due to their P2P (Peer-to-Peer) nature. Typically, files are downloaded directly from a server. However, in P2P environments, files are downloaded from various users’ uploaded parts. Interruptions in the downloading process for a variety of reasons can often lead users to encounter this issue. The stalled error may occur if the server from which you are downloading the file shuts down or ceases to provide the file.

In some instances, you might be asked for payment to resume downloading. The issue may also arise if the seeders sharing the file stop or exit the network, making it impossible to download the file. If your download remains stalled even after attempting to force resume, the solutions provided below will help you overcome this error.

This issue has several potential causes. It is frequently encountered due to incorrect settings configured in qBittorrent. Additionally, using a VPN or having misconfigured network settings can also lead to this problem. This guide covers all scenarios that could contribute to this issue.

Restarting the PC or router is a common troubleshooting technique that can resolve the stalled issue and is recommended before trying any other solution. Additionally, ensure there is sufficient space for the torrent file you are attempting to download. Once these steps are completed, proceed with the following solutions.

1. Turn off Validate HTTPS Tracker Certificates

This feature, when enabled, validates HTTPS Trackers and web seeds, helping to establish a secure connection. However, it can also contribute to stalled issues as it adds an extra security layer that complicates downloading via qBittorrent.

1. Navigate to qBittorrent Settings by clicking the Gear icon at the top.
2. Select Advanced from the left pane.
3. Locate and uncheck the option Validate HTTP Tracker Certificates.
   
4. Click Apply, then OK. Subsequently, check if you can resume downloading.

2. Change Ban Client After Consecutive Failures to 0

If utilizing the Web UI of qBittorrent, adjusting Ban Client After Consecutive Failures from 5 to 0 can prevent unauthorized users from accessing your web UI and remedy the stalled issue. To implement this change, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings from the top.
2. From the left pane, select Web UI. Here, change the Ban Client after consecutive failures to 0.
   
3. Afterward, verify if the issue persists.

3. Configure Proxy settings

Proxy settings serve as an intermediary between the user and the server. Within qBittorrent settings, a proxy server option is available. Using a proxy server can cause stalled issues in qBittorrent, so it is highly recommended to select None in the proxy settings as detailed below.

1. Access Settings and go to Connection from the left pane.
   
2. Select None for the Proxy server type to remove any existing proxy settings.
3. Click Apply, then OK.
   
4. Confirm whether the stalled issue has been resolved.

4. Configure qBittorrent Settings Correctly

qBittorrent includes numerous settings, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. This method provides screenshots of the optimal qBittorrent settings. Ensure your settings match those in the screenshots provided.

1. First, access qBittorrent Settings and select RSS from the left pane.
2. Ensure that Enable auto-downloading of RSS torrents is selected.
   
3. Proceed to Advanced on the left and adjust your settings to match those shown in the screenshots.
   
4. Apply the changes, click OK, and then check if the stalled issue has been resolved.

5. Reset TCP/IP

Problems with TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), which facilitates communication over the network, may be responsible for the issue. Resetting TCP/IP is advised in such instances.

Furthermore, resetting network settings is also recommended. Misconfigured network settings can lead to stalled issues in qBittorrent.

1. Press the Win key and type Command Prompt.
2. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
3. Enter the following commands sequentially to reset Winsock, TCP/IP, and network settings.

   netsh winsock reset
   netsh int ip reset
   netsh advfirewall reset
   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew

   

4. Verify if the issue has been resolved.

6. Delete qBittorrent from Appdata

The qBittorrent folder in Appdata, which stores user settings and cache files, can sometimes become corrupted, resulting in various error messages. Hence, deleting the cache data from the local Appdata folder is recommended.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Run.
   
2. Type %localappdata% and press Enter to open the folder.
   
3. Delete the qBittorrent folder.
   
4. Reopen qBittorrent and check for the issue.

Lastly, if none of the provided solutions are effective, consider reinstalling the qBittorrent application. This action will ensure any corrupted files causing the issue are eliminated.