12 Methods to Fix the 'Cannot Connect to App Store' on iPhone or iPad

Part 1: Check System Status

Sometimes App store errors can occur due to server issues. In such a case, it will be best to check the system status.

• Step 1. For that, go to the Apple system status page. Check whether the App Store has a green circle beside it.
• Step 2. If it's green, then there are no network issues. However, if it's yellow, then there are some technical glitches with the App Store. Once the issue resolves, the App Store error will resolve too.

Part 2: Confirm Stable and Active Internet Connection

A poor or unstable internet connection is one of the most common reasons behind the “Cannot Connect to App Store” error on iPhone. If your device can't establish a strong connection, the App Store won’t load content or allow downloads.

Depending on whether you are using a cellular network or Wi-Fi, here are the steps you can follow if you can't connect to the app store on an iPad or iPhone:

2.1 Check Cellular Network Signal

• Cellular network signal strength is visible at the top of your iPhone screen. Check whether it's down. If it is, connect with your cellular data provider or switch to a different mode of internet access.

2.2 Check Wi-Fi Signal

• Look at the Wi-Fi bars appearing on your iPhone and check how many of them are showing up. If it's near 4-5, your Wi-Fi signal strength is good. But, if it's 1-2 or none, then you might be facing a weak Wi-Fi signal strength. Contact your internet service provider to troubleshoot the issues regarding the same.

Part 3: Retry Connecting

If you're seeing the “Cannot Connect to App Store” error on your iPhone or iPad, don’t overlook the Retry button. This quick tap often resolves temporary glitches caused by unstable network connections or minor system delays.

Sometimes, the “Cannot Connect to App Store” error on your iPhone is simply the result of a momentary network instability. If that’s the case, the issue may resolve itself once your connection stabilizes. To fix the 'Cannot Connect to App Store' on iPhone, tap the Retry button when prompted. If the connection is improving but not yet stable, you may need to tap it several times. Give your device a few moments between attempts to re-establish a proper link with Apple’s servers.

Part 4: Force Quit and Relaunch the App Store

Sometimes the issue might be related to temporary glitches, and the best way to resolve it is by force quitting and relaunching the app store. To do so, follow the below steps:

• Step 1. Open the app switcher on your iPhone/iPad and swipe right. Find the App Store and swipe up. This will close the App Store.
• Step 2. Relaunch the App Store by navigating to the Home Screen/App Library. Tap on the App Store.

Additionally, you can try closing other applications and see if it works. Sometimes, you may face issues if one of the running applications crashes. So, close it all and see if it works.

Part 5: Clear the App Store Cache

The App Store may not open if there is a problem with the cache. Cache problems can occur when the file gets corrupted. So, it's best to resolve it by clearing the App Store cache:

• Step 1. Open the App Store and tap on any of the five tabs ten times quickly.
• Step 2. For example, you can tap on the “Today” tab 10 times in a row.

• Step 3. This will remove the cache from the App Store.
• Step 4. Next, open the App Switcher and close the App Store.

Check if the issue gets resolved. Note that once you tap on the tab ten times, you wouldn't get any confirmation that the cache is cleared. But your work is done.

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Part 6: Check the Date and Time

Incorrect date and time settings can interfere with your device’s ability to communicate securely with Apple’s servers, which may trigger the “Cannot Connect to App Store” error on your iPhone or iPad.

You may face issues with the App Store if the date and time aren't correctly set. If it's incorrect, you can change them through the below steps:

• Step 1. Navigate to the Settings and then General.
• Step 2. Tap on Date and Time
• Step 3. Check whether the Set Automatically toggle is turned on.

If you want to change the automatically displayed date and time, then turn off the 'Set Automatically" option. Set the date and time as you want.

Part 7: Restart the iPad or iPhone

A quick iPhone/iPad reboot can fix all the bugs that might be causing the App Store error. So, if the prior solutions didn't work, try restarting your device.

7.1 Reatart iPhone X, 11, 12 or 13

• Step 1. First, press the volume and side button and hold it until the power-off slider appears on the screen.
• Step 2. Drag the slider and let the iPhone turn off.
• Step 3. Press and hold the side button of your iPhone. It is situated on the right side of the device. Once the Apple logo appears, it means your device is turned on.

7.2 Restart iPhone 2nd Generation, 3rd Generation, 8,7,6

• Press the side button on your iPhone device and wait for the power-off slider to appear on the screen.
• Drag the slide for around 30 seconds. The device will turn off.
• Now, press and hold the iPhone side button again. Your iPhone will turn on.

7.3 Restart iPhone 1st Generation, 5, or Prior Versions

• Step 1. In these iPhone versions, the power off button is located on the top. Press the top button and hold it unless the power-off slide appears on the screen.
• Step 2. Now, drag the slider so that the device turns off. Then, turn it back on by pressing the top button.

7.4 Restart iPad

With home button

• Step 1. Look for the top button on your iPad. Press and hold the iPad button unless you see the power off slider on the screen.
• Step 2. Simply drag the slider on your screen to turn off the iPhone. Turn the device back on by pressing and holding the same top button on your iPad.

Without home button

• Step 1. For an iPad without a home button, press the volume and top buttons. Hold it until the power off slider appears.
• Step 2. Drag the slider to turn off the iPad. Turn the iPhone device on again by pressing the top button. Hold it unless the Apple logo appears.

Part 8: Turn Off Your VPN

Sometimes, you may face App Store errors if the VPN is turned on. You can easily turn it off by following the below steps:

• Step 1. On your iPhone, go to Settings and then General. Alternatively, you can swipe left to open the App Library.
• Step 2. Go to VPN and turn off the toggle for VPN status to Not Connected.

Part 9: Reset All Settings

If none of the above-given solutions works, try resetting all settings. With this method, all network settings, location settings, keyboard dictionaries, privacy settings, and Apple Pay Cards are set to defaults. Note that none of your data will get erased.

• Step 1. Go to "Settings" and then "General".
• Step 2. Tap on "Transfer or Reset iPhone"/"Reset".
• Step 3. Next, tap on "Reset All Settings". Enter any passcode if asked.
• Step 4. Tap on the "Reset All Settings" option again to confirm.

Part 10: Update to the latest iOS / iPadOS Version

If there is any latest iOS or iPadOS version, try updating your device to the same. That way, any software glitches get fixed.

• Step 1. First, back up all the data through iCloud or your PC.
• Step 2. Navigate to the Settings and then General.
• Step 3. Tap on Software Update. It may show multiple software update options. Select the one that you want to install.
• Step 4. Now, tap on Install Now/Download and Install. Enter your passcode and then tap on the Install Now option.

Part 11: Use the Advanced tool to Fix the "Cannot Connect to App Store" Error (Without data loss)

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the “Cannot Connect to App Store” issue on your iPhone, consider using a professional tool like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS). This advanced iOS repair software is designed to fix a wide range of system errors—including App Store connectivity problems—without erasing your data. Dr.Fone supports all iPhone and iPad models and offers a user-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and tech-savvy users. With just a few clicks, you can fix the 'Cannot Connect to App Store' on iPhone and restore your device to full functionality

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• Step 1. Open Dr.Fone and select System Repair. Now, connect your iPhone/iPad device to the PC using a lighting cable.
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• Step 4. After verification, click on "Repair Now". By doing so, your iOS device will get repaired and start working normally. It will troubleshoot all the issues, including the App store error message iPhone or iPad can't connect to the app store.

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Part 12: Contact Apple Support

If you have followed all the above steps and none of the solutions seems to be working for you, then contact apple support. They provide access to all the relevant solutions for Apple services/products. Connect with them and see if they can help you with your problem.

Conclusion

Hopefully, from the above guide, now you know what to do if your iPhone or iPad says it cannot connect to the app store. We recommend using the Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) tool if you want to fix the error quickly. The tools ensure all your iOS system errors are resolved in a hassle-free manner. However, try all the solutions and go for the one that works best for you.

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