Keeping your apps updated on an iPhone should be simple, but sometimes the process stalls or fails. When this happens, it’s not always about a single cause—several different factors may be at play. Below is a step-by-step, user-friendly guide to help you fix the problem from every angle.
Check Your Apple ID and Payment Details
A blocked or invalid payment method can stop new app downloads and app updates. Even free apps occasionally verify your account before updating.
- Open App Store: Scroll to your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Verify Your Account: Ensure you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID.
- Check Payment Info: Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Payment & Shipping. Confirm there are no overdue balances or expired cards.
- Settle Outstanding Charges: If any charges are pending, settle them before retrying the update.
If you’ve changed countries or have a refunded app that’s still installed, consider removing it and reinstalling under your current account region.
Confirm Adequate Storage
Low storage space can prevent updates from completing successfully.
- Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
- Check Available Space: You need at least 5 GB free to ensure smooth operations, especially for larger apps.
- Clear Unwanted Data: Delete large or unnecessary apps, remove unused photos and videos, or offload seldom-used apps.
Review Network Connectivity
A stable internet connection is crucial. Updates may hang or never start if the connection is weak or restricted.
- Test Different Networks: Switch from Wi-Fi to cellular or vice versa. If it works with one network but not the other, troubleshoot that specific network.
- Reset Network Settings: If you suspect network-configuration errors, go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. Then reconnect to your Wi-Fi and try updating again.
Disable Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode can restrict background activities, including app updates.
- Check Battery Settings: Go to Settings → Battery. If Low Power Mode is on, toggle it off.
- Plug In Your iPhone: Automatic updates often run when the phone is charging and above a certain battery threshold.
Turn Off Screen Time or App Restrictions
Sometimes, Screen Time settings or parental controls can block App Store activity.
- Check Screen Time: Go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Review iTunes & App Store Purchases: Ensure that “Installing Apps” and “In-app Purchases” are allowed.
- Disable or Adjust Restrictions: If necessary, toggle off these restrictions temporarily and try updating again.
Sign Out and Sign In to the App Store
A quick sign-out/sign-in can fix authentication issues that block updates.
- Open Settings → [Your Name] → Media & Purchases.
- Tap “Sign Out”: Wait a few seconds.
- Restart Your iPhone: This step often helps clear lingering glitches.
- Sign Back In: Return to Media & Purchases, sign back in, and launch the App Store to update apps.
Update iOS Itself
Running an outdated iOS version can sometimes interfere with app updates.
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- Tap “Download and Install”: If an update is available.
- Try Updating Apps Again: After your phone restarts, return to the App Store.
Manually Refresh the App Store
Sometimes the App Store’s cached data needs a nudge.
- Open the App Store.
- Tap Your Profile Icon: Pull down the screen to refresh it. This forces the store to check for new updates in real time.
- Tap “Update All”: If you see a long list of pending updates, this is a quick way to update them together.
Remove and Reinstall Stubborn Apps
An app with a corrupted file may cause other updates to queue behind it.
- Identify the Problem App: Often one app that’s stuck in “Waiting” or fails every time can block others.
- Delete the App: Long-press the app’s icon, tap “Remove App,” then “Delete App.”
- Restart iPhone: Give your phone a quick reboot.
- Reinstall the App: Go to the App Store, search for the app, and install it again.
Free Up Apple ID Conflicts (Refunded or Unowned Apps)
If you have an app that you refunded or never truly owned under your current Apple ID, updating it may fail repeatedly.
- Locate the App: Check if it’s one you’re not supposed to have under this Apple ID.
- Delete It: Removing it ensures it won’t stall the update process.
- Purchase or Redownload: If you legitimately need it, sign in with the Apple ID that originally acquired the app or re-purchase if necessary.
Check for iTunes Debts or Subscriptions
You might be unknowingly blocked from updates if an iTunes payment is pending.
- Open Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions.
- Verify Subscription Status: Check for overdue amounts.
- Review Email or Notifications: Apple often sends an email about billing issues. Resolve any outstanding amounts before trying to update again.
Back Up and Restore (Last Resort)
If none of the above works, a full restore can resolve deep software issues. Note: This erases data, so back up first.
- Back Up Data: Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. Alternatively, back up via your computer.
- Factory Reset: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
- Restore from Backup: After the reset, choose to restore from your iCloud or computer backup.
Wrapping It Up
An iPhone refusing to update apps can be frustrating, but fixing it is usually just a matter of pinpointing the right cause. After verifying your account status, ensuring sufficient storage, and adjusting any settings that might be hindering updates, most users see immediate success. If all else fails, a backup and restore can often solve persistent system-level problems. Follow these steps carefully, and your apps should be updating smoothly in no time.