How to Fix EA FC 26 Update Stuck on Downloading Database Reset Bug

Few things are more frustrating than sitting down for a few matches of EA FC 26 only to discover that the latest update has completely locked you out of the game. Over the past few days, thousands of players across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S have reported the same problem: the game gets stuck on a database download screen, enters an endless update loop, or continuously asks for a database reset that never finishes.

As someone who spends far too many evenings grinding Ultimate Team and testing different Career Mode saves, I know how annoying this issue can be. The good news is that, in most cases, the problem isn’t caused by your hardware, your SSD, or even your internet connection. More often than not, it comes down to corrupted local files, cache conflicts, or communication problems between your system and EA’s servers.

After researching community discussions and testing multiple solutions myself, I found several methods that consistently help players get back into the game.

Why EA FC 26 Gets Stuck Downloading Database Updates

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

When EA FC 26 launches after a title update, it doesn’t simply load game files from your hard drive. The game first checks local data and then connects to EA’s online services to download updated squad information, live tuning data, Ultimate Team content, and other server-based assets.

If that synchronization process fails, the game detects a mismatch between local files and server data. Instead of correcting itself properly, the game can become trapped in a loop where it repeatedly attempts to download or rebuild the same database.

Common triggers include:

• Corrupted squad update files
• Interrupted patch downloads
• Broken launcher cache
• Authentication errors with EA servers
• Damaged profile data
• Anti-cheat conflicts on PC
• Console cache corruption

The result is usually the same: endless loading screens, update loops, crashes, or complete inability to reach the main menu.

Best Fixes for PC Players (EA App and Steam)

PC players seem to experience this bug more frequently because multiple systems work together during launch, including Windows, Steam, the EA App, cloud synchronization, and EA AntiCheat.

1. Clear the EA App Cache

This is usually the first thing I try because it’s quick and surprisingly effective.

Steps:

1. Close EA FC 26 completely.
2. Open the Start Menu.
3. Find the EA folder.
4. Launch App Recovery.
5. Click Clear Cache.
6. Allow the EA App to restart.
7. Log in again and launch the game.

Corrupted cache files often prevent the launcher from recognizing that an update has already been installed.

2. Verify and Repair Game Files

If an update was interrupted or partially downloaded, damaged files may be causing the loop.

For EA App:

• Open Library
• Find EA FC 26
• Click the three-dot menu
• Select Repair

For Steam:

• Open Steam Library
• Right-click EA FC 26
• Choose Properties
• Open Installed Files
• Click Verify Integrity of Game Files

This process may take several minutes but can replace broken files automatically.

3. Delete Corrupted Squad Data

In my experience, this solution fixes many cases where Ultimate Team refuses to load.

Windows stores certain profile information separately from the main game installation.

What to do:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type %localappdata%
3. Delete the EA FC 26 cache folder
4. Navigate to Documents
5. Open the EA FC 26 folder
6. Remove files related to:
   • Squads
   • Squad Updates
   • FUT Live Data

Do not delete Career Mode saves unless you’ve backed them up first.

When the game launches again, it downloads fresh versions directly from EA servers.

4. Reinstall EA AntiCheat

This one surprised me.

Several players discovered that EA AntiCheat occasionally prevents new database files from being written correctly after updates.

To reinstall it:

1. Open your EA FC 26 installation directory
2. Enter the _Installer folder
3. Open the EAAntiCheat folder
4. Run EAAntiCheat Installer as Administrator
5. Select EA FC 26
6. Click Uninstall
7. Install it again

After restarting the PC, many users report that the update loop disappears entirely.

Console Fixes for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S

Console players aren’t immune to this bug, although the cause is often slightly different.

One mistake I see repeatedly is launching the game as soon as the console says “Ready to Play.”

Technically, the game launches, but many files are still downloading in the background.

That can create database mismatches immediately after a title update.

1. Use the Offline Launch Trick

This workaround has become surprisingly popular among the community.

PlayStation 5:

• Open Settings
• Go to Network
• Disable internet connection

Xbox Series X/S:

• Open Settings
• Network Settings
• Choose Go Offline

Now launch EA FC 26.

Because the game skips server authentication, it usually reaches the offline menu without freezing.

Once you’re at the main menu:

1. Reconnect your internet.
2. Return to the game.
3. Connect to EA servers manually.

Many players find that the game loads correctly after this sequence.

2. Delete Local Saved Data

Corrupted profile data can keep forcing database validation failures.

PlayStation 5

Xbox Series X/S

Cloud saves remain safe as long as you only remove local storage files.

3. Restore PlayStation Licenses

PlayStation users occasionally encounter account synchronization issues after large updates.

To refresh licenses:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Users and Accounts
3. Scroll to Other
4. Choose Restore Licenses
5. Confirm the process

Once completed, restart the console and launch the game again.

Advanced Solutions if Nothing Else Works

If the bug keeps returning, it’s time to investigate potential network issues.

Change DNS Servers

Your ISP’s DNS cache may be directing the game toward outdated EA server routes.

Two reliable alternatives are:

After changing DNS settings:

• Save changes
• Restart your console or PC
• Reboot your router

This forces a completely fresh connection path.

Avoid Launching During Partial Downloads

This sounds obvious, but it’s probably one of the most overlooked causes.

Whenever EA releases a major title update, many consoles display the “Ready to Play” message while only part of the patch is installed.

Launching the game at 40% completion can leave database files incomplete and trigger future synchronization problems.

My recommendation is simple:

Wait until the update reaches 100% before launching EA FC 26.

It saves a lot of headaches later.

Use the FC Companion App

One lesser-known workaround involves forcing your Ultimate Team profile to refresh.

Open the FC Companion App or Web App and log into your club.

Then:

• Move a player in your squad
• Complete a pending objective
• Clear unassigned items
• Save changes
• Log out

This action sometimes forces EA’s servers to rebuild account data, which can remove database conflicts preventing the game from loading.

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Final Thoughts

From everything I’ve seen, the EA FC 26 database download bug is less about broken hardware and more about corrupted synchronization between local files and EA’s online services.

The fixes that seem to work most often are:

• Clearing the EA App cache
• Verifying game files
• Removing corrupted squad data
• Launching offline first
• Deleting local console saves
• Reinstalling EA AntiCheat

Personally, the offline launch method combined with clearing squad files solved the issue fastest. While EA will likely release additional patches to improve stability, these solutions should help most players get back into Ultimate Team, Clubs, Career Mode, and online matches without waiting for an official fix.

If you’re currently staring at that endless database download screen, don’t panic. In most cases, the problem can be resolved within a few minutes once the corrupted files are removed and the game is allowed to rebuild its data properly.

Fix EA SPORTS FC 26 Not Loading/Stuck On Loading Screen/Infinite Loading On PC