Can't Download Apps on iPhone/iPad? 11 Fixes Here!

Myra updated on Dec 28, 2023 to iOS & Mac Topics

Have you ever encountered a situation in which you can't download and update Apps on your iPhone? If your answer is 'Yes,' then you are one of the readers whom this blog post is written for. Take a look at this article, and you will know what to do when you can't download Apps on your iPhone/iPad.

Whenever a new, improved version of the App on your iPhone is released, you are likely to download it because the new version has some new amazing features or has fixed the bugs in its last version. But the process doesn't always go smoothly. The common problem happening during that process is that users can't download and update the Apps as they want. Given this, the possible solutions to the "Can't Download Apps on iPhone/iPad" problem are introduced in this article. Read on to get the details.

Notice
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Fixes to Can't Download Apps on iPhone/iPad

Solution Details
Common Fixes
  • Check the Restrictions
  • Check the network connection
  • Fix App Store
  • Set Date & Time
  • Update iOS
  • Re-install the App
  • Clear App Store cache
  • Reset Network Settings
  • Force restart
  • Download Apps via iTunes
Repair System Issues Apply a professional tool to fix the software errors that cause your iPhone/iPad not to download apps.

Fix 1. Check the Restrictions

If you want to ask, "Why can't I download Apps on my iPhone?" the first solution you can try is to check the Restrictions on your iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, or iPad.

Step 1. Go to "Settings" and tap "General."

Step 2. Scroll down to choose "Restrictions."

Step 3. If the "Restrictions" option is off, it is not to blame. While if you have turned on "Restrictions," you have to make sure the "Installing Apps" option is switched on in the "ALLOW" section. (If you want to delete Apps from your iPhone, toggle on "Deleting Apps," too.)

Fix 2. Check the network connection

This is a common solution to most problems on the iOS device. It's no exception when it comes to the issue of "can't download Apps" on iPhone or iPad. If you are using a cellular network, make sure you allow using cellular data from App Store.

Step 1. Open "Settings" and choose "Cellular."

Step 2. Turn on "Cellular Data" and then scroll down to toggle on "App Store."

If you are using a Wi-Fi network, make sure it works well. You can check it by opening a browser on your iPhone/iPad to visit some websites or by connecting other devices to the network to see whether it works. If you have a Wi-Fi connection problem, fix it first.

Fix 3. Fix App Store not working on iPhone

However, if there's something wrong with the App Store and you find you can't download and update Apps in it, read the article that details the methods to fix the App Store Not Working problem.

Fix 4. Set Date & Time automatically

This tip is similar to one of the solutions to the "Cannot connect to iTunes Store" problem. By settings, your Date & Time correctly, your headache of "I can't download Apps on my iPhone" might be eliminated.

Step 1. Launch "Settings" and click "General."

Step 2. Tap on "Date & Time" and turn on "Set Automatically."

Fix 5. Update to the latest version of iOS

The compatibility of the iOS version might be the cause of the problem that you can't download Apps on your iPhone. So make sure you have installed the latest iOS on your iPhone/iPad to avoid it.

Fix 6. Re-install the App

"Why can't I download Apps" you said. Actually, instead of updating the App, you can delete it first and then try to download the latest version of it again.

Fix 7. Clear App Store cache

Many users have reported the effectiveness of this solution to fix the "can't download Apps on iPhone X/iPhone 7" issue. To clear your App Store cache, follow the steps below if your iPhone/iPad is in iOS 10 or early. If you are using an iPhone/iPad in iOS 11, perform a pull-to-refresh to clear the App Store cache.

Step 1. Open "App Store."

Step 2. Tap on any of the buttons at the bottom of the screen ten times.

Fix 8. Reset Network Settings

This tip is a common solution to fix the Wi-Fi connection problem. If you can't download Apps on your iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 7 or iPad due to the network connection. You can reset network settings on your iPhone or iPad by following the article introducing how to reset iPad.

Fix 9. Force restart of iPhone

For iPhone 6s and earlier users: Hold down both the Sleep/Wake button and Home button for at least ten seconds until you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus users: Hold down both the Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down button for at least ten seconds until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, quickly press and release the Volume Down button and then press and hold the Sleep/Wake button (side button) until you see the Apple logo.

Fix 10. Download Apps via iTunes

Choosing another way to download the Apps might solve the "Can't download Apps on iPhone" problem.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer and launch iTunes.

Step 2. Click the three dots and choose "Apps" in the drop-down menu.

Step 3. Select "Updates" and choose the App you want to download and install on your iPhone/iPad.

Step 4. Click "Update." Once you have updated the App, you can sync them to your iPhone/iPad following the way about how to sync photos from computer to iPhone.

Fix 11. Check Your iOS/iPadOS System

If the previous solution cannot fix your problem, the crux of this issue probably lies with your iPhone or iPad operating system, which causes your device function to work improperly. If it is really this case, EaseUS MobiXpert is your great helper, an expert in iOS system repair, as the name of this product tells. This software can fix problems like the white Apple logo, being stuck in the recovery/DFU mode, or your iPhone is stuck in the update process. Moreover, when you want to enter the recovery mode, it can help you achieve your goal in one click and exit the mode in one click as well.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS MobiXpert on your computer, choose "System Repair" from the Home page.

Step 2.  Then, choose "iOS/iPadOS System Repair" from the new screen.

Step 3. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer and choose "Standard Repair." If you want a thorough repair, you can choose "Deep Repair."

Step 4. Confirm your device model and click "Next" to move on. Then, EaseUS MobiXpert will download a firmware for you, which will take a while. If you have installed a firmware before using this software, you can directly click "Verify" to continue.

Step 5. Then, click "Repair Now" to start the repair process. After the repair completes, you can check your device and restart it for use. 

Conclusion

Now, you can get rid of the tricky problem of iPhone not downloading apps since you've learned eleven feasible solutions from this article, and fixes apply to iPad as well. The reason why iPhone quit downloading apps can vary from the problem within the App Store to the inherent issues with your device. Therefore, you can try the above checking to see whether these methods work on your iPhone and iPad. If some are workable, glad that you have solved the thorny; if unluckily, all these fixes fail, you probably need to go to the Apple shop to fix it.

Can't Download Apps on iPhone FAQs

Read on the following questions that may solve your problem related to your iPhone/iPad not downloading apps.

1. Why will it not let me download apps on my iPhone or iPad?

There are various reasons that can cause your iPhone or iPad to function abnormally and stop downloading apps on your device.

  • Poor internet connection
  • Low storage space.
  • A bug within the App Store application.
  • Faulty iPhone/iPad settings.
  • Restriction Settings on your iPhone that prevent you from installing apps.

2. How do I fix the Apple billing problem?

If a message informs you that there is a billing problem with the previous purchase or requires verification, you may be unable to download free apps, purchase items from the App Store, or use subscriptions. When you encounter this issue, you have to change your payment method to add a new and valid one. Or, you can purchase an Apple Gift card or App Store gift card and redeem it.