Have you ever encountered an issue where your iPhone cannot update apps? Since it’s not very common, it may be somewhat confusing, especially considering how easy it is to update apps on an iPhone. This problem has many solutions, but they are not readily apparent.
You’ve come to the correct place if your iPhone refuses to update its apps and you are certain that your Internet connection is operational (because you cannot download apps without it!). There are 13 techniques in this post to get your iPhone to update apps once more.
Note: This article’s advice applies to all current iterations of iOS and the iPhone, including iOS 11, iOS 12, and iOS 13.
Table of Contents
How to fix if your iPhone cannot update apps
Restart iPhone
Give your iPhone a restart. Restarting the iPhone is an easy fix for many issues with the device. Sometimes all your phone needs is a reset. This includes updating any programs and other stuff that wasn’t working when it restarted. Restarting your iPhone is easy.
- Depress the Side or sleep/wake button.
- Slide the slider from left to right when it shows up at the top of the screen.
- Allow the iPhone to shut off.
- Press and hold the sleep/wake button until the Apple logo appears after it has been switched off.
- Release the button and allow the phone to function normally.
Important: The restart procedure differs slightly depending on whether you use an iPhone 7, 8, X, XS, XR, or 11. Find out here how to restart those models.
Restart the app
Restart the app download after pausing it. An interruption in the connection between your phone and the App Store may be the source of problems with apps downloading. By stopping and resuming the download, you can reset that connection. Although it’s a little hidden, you can discover this option as follows:
- Locate the app’s icon on your home screen that you wish to download.
- When you tap it, the app will display a pause icon.
- To continue the download, wait a little and press the app icon again.
With devices that have 3D Touch screens, your options are a little different:
- Locate the app’s icon that has to be modified.
- Apply and press carefully on it.
- When the menu appears, select Pause Download.
- Tap the app icon to resume the download.
recent iOS version
Get the most recent iOS version. Making sure you’re using the most recent iOS version is another typical fix for a lot of issues. This is especially crucial if you cannot update apps because some updates can call for an iOS version that is higher than what you currently have.
The steps to updating iOS without iTunes will be somewhat different from those that apply if you have iTunes to assist with phone upgrades.
Verify the correct Apple ID
Be sure that you are utilizing the correct Apple ID. Verify that you are using the correct Apple ID if you are unable to update apps. An application has a connection with the Apple ID you used to download it. This suggests that you need to be logged into the original Apple ID to run the app on your iPhone.
Use these methods to verify which Apple ID was used to download an app on your iPhone:
- Press the App Store icon.
- Select Updates.
- In the upper right corner, tap your photo or icon (if you’re on iOS 10 or older, skip this step).
- Purchased Tap.
- Verify whether the app is included here. If not, it was probably downloaded using a different Apple ID than the one you have on file.
If you are using iTunes and are on a version that still shows your applications, you can verify what Apple ID was used to obtain a program by following these instructions; iTunes 12.7 removed the program Store and apps.
- Navigate to your app list.
- Select the app by using a right-click.
- Press Get Info.
- Select the File tab.
- Check the Apple ID by looking at Purchased by.
Tip: Try signing into a different Apple ID that you previously used to see if it resolves the issue (Settings -> iTunes & App Stores -> Apple ID).
Remove restrictions
Verify that the restrictions have been lifted. The Restrictions function is located under the Screen Time settings in iOS 12 and later. It enables users to prevent access to websites and app downloads on the iPhone, most commonly parents or corporate IT managers. Therefore, an update may be blocked if it refuses to install.
Tip: Restrictions in previous iOS versions can be found under Settings > General > Restrictions.
Log out the App Store
Log out of the App Store and then back in. Sometimes, logging in and out of your Apple ID is all that is required to resolve an iPhone that refuses to update apps. Though straightforward, that can address the issue. This is what you must do:
- Select Settings.
- Click on iTunes & App Store.
- The email address you use for your Apple ID is listed when you tap the Apple ID option.
- A choice will display; select Sign Out.
- Once more, tap the Apple ID menu and enter your Apple ID to log in.
storage availability
Verify the available storage. This is a brief explanation: Your iPhone’s available storage space may be the reason why you are unable to install the app update. The phone might not have enough room to complete the update and accept the new version of the app if you have little free storage, especially if it’s a huge app.
If you have a lot of data that you don’t need, including apps, pictures, podcasts, or videos, consider eliminating them.
Tip: With iOS 13, there are a few new methods for removing apps.
Change time and date
Modify the time and date settings. The date and time settings on your iPhone determine whether or not it can update apps. Although the causes are complex, in essence, your iPhone updates apps by interacting with Apple’s servers through a series of checks. The time and date are checked among other things. It may be impossible for you to update apps if your settings are off.
To fix this issue, take the following actions to have your date and time set automatically:
- The Set Automatically slider should be active or green.
- Tap Settings,
- then General, Date & Time.
reinstall the app
After removing the program, try to reinstall it. If all other attempts have failed, consider removing and reinstalling the application. An app can at times only require a restart. You’ll install the most recent version of the program when you do this. Just be aware that the pre-installed apps on your iPhone might not function in the same way.
Reset each setting
Reset each setting. To get things working again, you might need to try harder things if you’re still unable to update apps. Resetting the settings on your iPhone is the first thing you should do.
Your phone’s data won’t be erased by doing this. All it does is restore some of your settings and preferences to their initial settings. Once your apps have updated once again, you can make the changes again.
update iTunes
Use iTunes to update the app. If you use iTunes with your phone, try updating the app through it if it won’t update on your iPhone. It is rather easy to update in this manner:
- Open up iTunes on your PC.
- From the drop-down option on the upper left, choose Applications.
- Simply beneath the main window, click Updates.
- Simply give the app’s icon a single click to update it.
- Click the Update button in the area that appears.
- Install the new app and sync your iPhone normally after the update.
Note: As previously stated, because apps and the App Store have been removed from iTunes, this will not be allowed if you are using iTunes 12.7 or higher.
Restore iPhone factory
iPhone back to original factory settings. When all else fails, it’s time to attempt the most dramatic solution available: wiping your iPhone clean and starting over.
important: Your iPhone’s apps and media will be deleted if you reset it to factory settings. Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your iPhone.
Once that’s finished, you might want to use a backup to restore your iPhone.
Get Apple support
Contact Apple for assistance. It’s time to appeal to Apple, the higher authority if you’ve attempted all of these solutions and are still unable to update your apps. Apple offers phone support and in-store tech assistance. However, you can’t just walk into a business. They have too much going on. An appointment at the Apple Genius Bar is required.
FAQ
What can I do if my iPhone screen is not responding?
Try restarting your iPhone to see if that fixes the unresponsive screen issue. If not, make sure your screen is clean and free of water damage; take off any cases or screen protectors; and attempt to unplug any attached peripherals, such as USB or Lightning devices.
How can I resolve a non-charging iPhone?
Try resetting your iPhone and swapping out the charging cord if it isn’t charging. Additionally, confirm that the iPhone charger is plugged in somewhere it can receive enough power. Use Recovery Mode as a final option to see if it resolves the problem.
If my iPhone goes into the water, what should I do?
Take off the case, shake off any water, clean the screen, and take out the SIM card to dry and fix a wet iPhone. Give it a safe place to dry out. (Never use a hair dryer or turn it on.) To evaluate the damage, you might need to bring it to a repair facility that is approved by Apple.
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Good Luck!
