Sonarr: A download remains stuck in importPending when Sonarr already has a REPACK version of an episode and receives a non-REPACK download with superior
A download remains stuck in importPending when Sonarr already has a REPACK version of an episode and receives a non-REPACK download with superior features like MULTi audio. The UI shows the error 'Not a quality revision upgrade for existing episode file(s)', which gives no hint that the rejection is based on REPACK revision status rather than the quality profile's preferred words or other configuration.
Sonarr evaluates quality revisions before applying any other quality criteria including preferred words. REPACK status is part of its internal revision hierarchy; a file without REPACK is treated as lower revision regardless of audio quality or preferred word matches. To fix: (1) In Settings → Quality → Propers and Repacks, set to 'Do Not Prefer' to stop treating REPACK as strictly superior. (2) Add explicit preferred words for dual-audio formats (MULTi, DDP) to a Release Profile covering the series. Step 1 is essential because release profile preferred words are only evaluated after the revision check passes; skipping it leaves preferred words ineffective for non-REPACK releases.