Provided are a method and device for receiving downlink data. The method includes: when a terminal is in a target status and receives downlink data sent by a base station, detecting whether the downlink data is successfully received or not and obtaining the detection result; generating target signaling for indicating the detection result; and sending the target signaling to the base station so that the base station resends the downlink data to the terminal when it is determined, according to the target signaling, that the terminal does not successfully receive the downlink data.