Deeply concerned about the unexpected sluggishness of your iPhone or the rapid battery concern, you decided to update all apps installed on your iPhone. But when you tried updating apps, they either refused to get started or got stuck while updating and never finished. When the updating loop frustrates you to no end, you land on this detailed guide to help you overcome the hurdle. Take a breath, mate! Follow along to try the most effective ways to fix app updates in iOS 18 on iPhone and iPad.
Fix App Updates on iPhone and iPad
Before going any further, let’s figure out some of the biggest hurdles that tend to prevent apps from being updated on iOS!
So, what’s stopping the apps from updating as usual?
Having been on this frustrating path a few times, I can tell it’s the sluggish cellular or Wi-Fi connection that hinders apps from updating smoothly. Especially when you are trying to update heavy apps or update all apps in one go. Apart from this major culprit, you should keep in mind restrictions, server issues, and ill-fated configuration. In this in-depth troubleshooting, we will look into every possible reason and offer tips to resolve the app update problem on iOS and iPadOS.
1. Try Updating One App At a Time
If you are trying to update all apps at once, the devil could very well be hidden in this very approach. If your internet collection is below par, updating several apps simultaneously will become a never-ending affair.
2. Ensure That You Are Not Using Different Apple ID in the App Store
One important thing that you must ensure beforehand is that you are not using a different Apple ID in the App Store. If the App Store has been logged in with a different Apple ID, it could be creating the problem.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the App Store -> your profile icon at the top right -> Now, take a look at the Apple ID you have used.
3. Make Sure the App Store Can Use Cellular Data on Your Device
To stop greedy apps from gobbling a ton of precious cellular data unnecessarily, iOS lets you control apps’ access to cellular data on your device.
- To allow the App Store to use your cellular data without any restriction, dive into the Settings app -> Cellular.
- Scroll down to find the App Store and make sure that the toggle next to the App Store is turned on.
4. Make Sure You Have Not Restricted the App Store
With Screen Time, you can prevent anyone from installing/deleting apps and making in-app purchases without your person. If you have set up restrictions for iTunes & App Store purchases, the app updates issue could be the aftereffect of this parental control feature.
- To remove Screen Time restrictions, open the Settings app -> Screen Time -> Content & Privacy Restrictions -> iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- Then, head into the respective sections like Installing Apps, Deleting Apps, and In-app Purchases, and then choose Allow.
5. Be Sure the Problematic Apps Support the iOS Version Installed on your iPhone/iPad
Double-check that the problematic apps are compatible with the latest version of iOS/iPadOS. As iOS 18 is still new, not all apps will be optimized to work with it yet.
6. Make Sure Your iPhone/iPad Has Enough Storage
If your iPhone is running low on storage, updating apps will be an issue. Therefore, take a look at the storage and get rid of the clutter – without fail.
- To find out how much space is left on your device, launch the Settings app -> General -> Storage -> check out the storage status at the top.
- If there is very little space for the iPhone to breathe, it’s time to wipe out all the useless items and apps.
7. Turn ON/OFF Airplane Mode
If you are unable to update apps on your iPhone due to a sluggish Internet connection, turning on/off airplane can help you fix the issue.
- To begin with, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen to bring up the familiar control center and hit the airplane icon to turn it on.
- Then, turn it off after a few seconds.
- After that, try updating the apps to check if you have gotten the better of the problem.
8. Enable Wi-Fi Assist
Wi-Fi Assist makes sure your iPhone is able to seamlessly switch to cellular when Wi-Fi is below par. It’s done to ward off unwanted interruptions while streaming videos or playing songs.
- To bring the Wi-Fi Assist on track, open the Settings app -> Cellular -> turn on the toggle next to Wi-Fi Assist.
9. Disable Low Power Mode
In a massive effort to save as much battery as possible, “Low Power Mode” pauses or entirely disables background activities. If this power-saving mode is active, it might very well be the wrecker-in-chief of the app updates problem on your iOS device.
- To turn it off, open the Settings app -> Battery -> make sure that the toggle next to Low Power Mode is disabled.
10. Disable Low Data Mode
What Low Power Mode does to the battery, the Low Data Mode does to cellular data in order to conserve as much data as possible on iPhone. However, in trying to achieve its coveted goal, it often hurts the user experience.
- On your iPhone, open the Settings app -> Cellular -> Cellular Data Options -> Data Mode -> Choose Standard.
11. Allow More Data on 5G
For times when you are dealing with things like software updates, high-octane online gaming, or high-quality media streaming that gobble up a lot of data, the “Allow More Data on 5G” comes into play.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone -> Cellular -> Cellular Data Options -> Data Mode -> Allow More Data on 5G.
12. Reboot Your iPhone or iPad
Should a minor software glitch have gripped your iPhone, rebooting can resolve the issue.
- Just press and hold the side button and the volume up/down button at once. On iPhone/iPad with the Home button, you will need to press the side button.
- After that, drag the power off slider to turn off your device and then press the side button to reboot the device.
13. Check Apple’s System Status
If the App Store is currently down or embroiled in some technical issues, it might be causing the app update issues.
- Launch a browser on your iPadOS/iOS device -> navigate to the Apple System Status web page and ensure that App Store is fit and firing as usual.
14. Reset Network Settings
For a hassle-free app update experience, ensure that you have a strong and stable internet connection. Should the internet connection appear to be poor, try resetting the network settings as it has the knack for fixing below-par internet connection.
- To get it done, open the Settings app -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings and confirm.
15. Try Updating Apps Automatically
If you can’t update apps manually on your iPhone, go for the auto-update.
- Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> App Store -> Turn on the toggle next to Auto-Update.
- After that, plug your device into a power source and ensure that the device is connected to a stable internet connection.
16. Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign Back In
On a few occasions, I have gotten the better of the app update issues by just signing out of Apple ID and signing back in.
- Fire up the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Apple ID banner -> Hit Sign Out -> For extra protection, be sure to keep a copy of all the important data before confirming to signing out of Apple ID.
- Next, restart your device and sign in using your Apple ID and password.
17. Factory Reset Your iPhone
Factory reset comes into the reckoning when you encounter a complex issue or one that doesn’t get sorted out easily through basic tips. Before you proceed, you should know that it will erase all the custom settings of your device but leave your media and data safe.
- To factory reset, dive into the Settings app -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad -> Reset -> Reset All Settings.
- For authentication, be sure to input your device passcode and Screen Time passcode (if asked).
Fixed “Can’t Update Apps” on iPhone and iPad..!
There you have it! I hope you have managed to get rid of the app updates issue on your iOS or iPadOS device. But before moving ahead, make sure to share your invaluable feedback and the tips that have helped you update apps without any hiccups.
