The gradlew script works by checking the gradle-wrapper.properties file located in your project folder. It looks for a specific distributionUrl. If the version specified in that URL isn't found in your local Gradle user home directory, the script automatically triggers a download. To stop this, you have to redirect the script or bypass the wrapper entirely. Method 1: Point to a Local Distribution

By using these methods, you can save bandwidth, save time, and keep your development environment running smoothly without constant interruptions from the Gradle distribution manager.

Stop Gradle from Downloading with gradlew If you are trying to run a build and find yourself stuck waiting for a download, you likely want to know how to force gradlew to use a local version. The Gradle Wrapper is designed to ensure every developer uses the exact same version, but it can be frustrating when you already have Gradle installed or are working offline. Here is how to take control of the process. Understand the Wrapper Mechanism

The cleanest way to stop the download while still using the wrapper script is to change the distributionUrl to point to a file on your hard drive. Open gradle/wrapper/gradle-wrapper.properties. Locate the distributionUrl line.