If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

What to do if you can't download apps on iPhone? ›

Causes of iPad Not Updating

Most of the time, when software on an iPad won't update, the culprit is an authentication problem. The Apple App Store may be having a hard time figuring out who you are. Or, the iPad may be downloading another update or app simultaneously, and your app is waiting in line.

If the App Store is missing on your device, you might have parental controls turned on. Adjust your iTunes & App Store Purchases settings and make sure that you choose "Allow" for the Installing Apps setting. The App Store should reappear on your device. If you still can't find the App Store, swipe to search for it.

Check your Apple ID payment method. You need to connect a payment method to your Apple ID to download apps, even if you're downloading a free app. If you do not have a payment method on file or your card is expired, you might not be able to download apps. This can also lead to a Verification Required pop-up message.

iPhone or iPad apps can become unresponsive if app or operating system versions are out of date, device memory is low, or the network is unreliable. An app with issues might not open or can quit unexpectedly, become sluggish, stop responding, or appear to freeze.

How can I solve this? This is probably because the software on your iPad is too old to support the apps you download. Sometimes you can be lucky that the App Store offers an older version that matches the iOS version you are on. In that case, it will happen when trying to download.

Your iPad can't download new apps or update the ones you have. App developers will often still let you run their apps on an older iPad for 2-3 years, even if your iPad can no longer update. After this time period, though, most apps stop being compatible with older versions of iOS.

Can I force an app to update? ›

In-app updates by Google Play

As I mentioned earlier in this post, Google Play has provided its own functionality to control and force update Android app versions. For technical implementation details, you can check the official documentation here.

If a message says 'billing problem with previous purchase' or 'verification required' If these messages appear, you might be unable to make purchases, download free apps, or use subscriptions. To fix the issue, change your payment method.

Check if your device has enough storage space to install the app. If your device's storage is full, you may need to free up some space before you can install the app. Make sure that you have the latest version of the Google Play Store app installed on your device.

iPhone or iPad apps can become unresponsive if app or operating system versions are out of date, device memory is low, or the network is unreliable. An app with issues might not open or can quit unexpectedly, become sluggish, stop responding, or appear to freeze.