Ways You Can Fix the “iPhone App Not Updating” Problem

Aug 30, 2023 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

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iphone apps on home screen

Is your iPhone app not working and can’t update? You’re not alone. It’s more common than you’d think. There are multiple reasons for the “iPhone app not updating” problem. Fortunately, there are various solutions to it as well.

Therefore, we’ve prepared a thorough, step-by-step guide to solving your problem of the iPhone app not updating. Firstly, we’ll go through the reasons behind this problem so that you can understand why it is happening.

Secondly, we’ll introduce ten ways to fix the problem. These fixes include various solutions, from checking your internet connection to updating apps via iTunes. With our guide, you’ll be able to solve the problem and update your iPhone app with little to no effort.

Part 1. Why Is My iPhone App Not Updating?

iphone apps not updating problem

App not updating is a more common problem for iPhone users than you’d think. One of the most common reasons is your iPhone’s need for more storage space. However, it can be something completely different.

For example, your internet might be disconnected, or you might have turned Airplane mode on. Moreover, the low data option might be on, or there’s a problem with your system. Various reasons can cause the “iPhone app not updating,” but you can try fixing it in several ways.

Part 2. 10 Fixes You Can Try If Your iPhone Apps Aren’t Updating

If your iPhone apps aren’t updating, our guide will help you fix that. Since you’ve established your apps aren’t updating, it’s time to diagnose the reason behind it. There might not be a visible reason; your phone might only need a reset. Therefore, we’ve prepared a list of ten fixes for the “iPhone app not updating” problem.

If you need help finding the root of the problem, try the multiple solutions we offer. If one doesn’t work, that isn’t the problem, so you should move on to the next one. In the worst-case scenario, you try up to ten ways to fix the problem. With some luck, you’ll settle the issue in a few minutes.

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 1: Check Cellular Data and Wi-Fi Connections

The first problem behind your iPhone apps not updating could be the internet connection. Check whether your cellular data or Wi-Fi is on and connected. If not, that’s probably why your apps refuse to update. The steps for checking cellular data and Wi-Fi connections on your iPhone are as follows:

  • Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone.

open settings on iphone

  • Step 2: Select Wi-Fi.

open wi-fi on iphone

  • Step 3: If the switch next to Wi-Fiis white or gray, toggle it to turn it green.

turn on wi-fi on iphone

  • Step 4: Find a secure network and connect to it.
  • Step 5: If there isn’t an available Wi-Fi network, go back to settings and select Mobile Data/Cellular.

open mobile data on iphone

  • Step 6: Toggle the switch next to Mobile/Cellular Datato turn it green. It will turn your cellular data on and allow the apps to update.

turn on mobile data on iphone

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 2: Disable Airplane Mode

Another possible reason for your apps not updating could be Airplane Mode. You could’ve accidentally turned it on or just forgot to turn it off. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix. There are two ways to check and disable Airplane Mode.

  • Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone.

open settings on iphone

  • Step 2: The first option under your iCloud account is Airplane Mode.
  • Step 3: If the switch is green, toggle it to disable Airplane Mode.

The easier way to access and disable Airplane Mode is as follows:

  • Step 1: Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the Homeor Lock screen to access the Control Center.
  • Step 2: You’ll see the Airplane Modeicon in the upper-left corner of the Control Center.

airplane mode in iphone control center

  • Step 3: If it’s orange, tap it to disable Airplane Mode.

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 3. Reinstall the App Before Updating

The problem might be in the app itself. It could be an app software problem or a bug preventing the app update. You can try reinstalling the app. Reinstalling can solve the possible problem and allow you to update the iPhone app. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Find the app you want to reinstall on the Home
  • Step 2: Tap and hold its icon until several options pop up for this app. Tap the Remove Appoption in red.

remove app from iphone

  • Step 3: Then, go to the App Storeand find the app you just deleted.
  • Step 4: Tap Installto download the latest app version that includes the update.

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 4: Check If You Have Enough Storage Space

The most common reason behind iPhone apps not updating is the need for more storage space. If your storage space is at its capacity, you won’t be able to update your apps. Check the storage space if your apps need an update by following these steps:

  • Step 1: Open Settingson your iPhone.
  • Step 2: Go to General.

open general in iphone settings

  • Step 3: Then, select iPhone Storage.

open iphone storage in iphone settings

  • Step 4: You’ll see how much storage space you have left and what files take up most space.

storage capacity on iphone

  • Step 5: If your storage space is at capacity, delete some files you don’t need, then update the app.

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 5: Repair Your System With Wondershare Dr.Fone

wondershare drfone logo

If none of the solutions work, there could be a problem with your iOS system. If that’s the case, try Wondershare Dr.Fone. It’s a reliable tool that helps you repair the iOS system on your Apple devices without data loss. This tool effectively solves system problems in just a few minutes and is easy to use.

The steps for repairing your system with Wondershare Dr.Fone are as follows:

  • Step 1: Download Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer.
  • Step 2: Launch the program, go to the Toolboxsection, and click System Repair.

system repair in wondershare drfone

  • Step 3: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable.
  • Step 4: On the screen, you’ll see two options for your device type. Click iPhone.

choose iphone option for system repair

  • Step 5: Then, select iOS Repair.

ios repair in wondershare drfone

  • Step 6: Next, you’ll see two options for system repair. Select Standard Repairto retain all the data on your iPhone.

standard repair in wondershare drfone

  • Step 7: You’ll have to put your phone into recovery mode. Follow the instructions on the screen.

enter recovery mode on iphone

  • Step 8: Once your iPhone enters recovery mode, Wondershare Dr.Fone will automatically detect the iOS firmware available for installation. Choose the firmware and click Download next to it.

download ios software for iphone

  • Step 9: Wait for the downloading process to complete.
  • Step 10: Once it finishes, click Repair Nowto fix your iPhone.

repair iphone with wondershare drfone

  • Step 11: Wait for the process to complete, then click Done.

system repair with wondershare drfone complete

Wondershare Dr.Fone will restore your iPhone and reinstall the system without data loss. Now, you won’t face any system problems that will prevent you from updating iPhone apps.

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 6: Clear App Store Cache

Another possible reason behind iPhone apps not updating could be the App Store cache. Sometimes, the App Store cache meddles with app updates. Thus, you can clear the cache to enable the iPhone app update. Removing the App Store cache is simple:

  • Step 1: Open the App Storeon your iPhone.
  • Step 2: Tap any of the buttons at the bottom of the screen ten times.

app store interface

  • Step 3: Then, restart your iPhone.

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 7: Reset Settings to Default

Your iPhone apps might not update because of some manual settings you’ve set. It’s not a big problem, and it’s an easy fix. You only need to reset settings to default to fix the “iPhone app not updating” issue. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Go to Settings> General.

go to general in settings

  • Step 2: Tap Reset.

click reset in iphone settings

  • Step 3: Then, select Reset All Settings.

reset iphone settings to default

  • Step 4: Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 8: Turn off The Low Data Option

Low Data mode reduces the network data your iPhone and apps use. It restricts background network usage to save mobile data and Wi-Fi. You can turn your Low Data mode on for your mobile data, Wi-Fi, or both. The steps for turning it off are straightforward:

  • Step 1: Go to Settings.
  • Step 2: Select Mobile Data.
  • Step 3: Then, go to Mobile Data Options.

open mobile data options in settings

  • Step 4: If the switch next to Low Data Modeis green, tap it to turn it off.

turn low data switch off

  • Step 5: Then, go back to Settingsand select Wi-Fi.
  • Step 6: Connect to a Wi-Fi network and click the ( i )icon on the right.

click on wifi options

  • Step 7: Again, if the switch next to Low Data Modeis green, tap it to turn it off.

turn low data switch off

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 9: Restart App Store

If your iPhone app isn’t updating, the App Store might be the problem. If that is the case, then it’s an easy fix. Therefore, before trying anything else, try force-restarting the App Store. This bug can happen occasionally, and it’s not a big deal. More importantly, it’s effortless to check if the App Store is the problem by restarting it.

  • Step 1: Swipe up from your Home screen to open your recent apps.

restart app store on iphone

  • Step 2: Then, find the App Storeand swipe up across it.
  • Step 3: You’ve closed the App Store altogether, and you can open it again to try updating your apps.

iPhone App Not Updating Fix 10: Use iTunes to Update Apps

If your iPhone apps aren’t updating, you can do it using iTunes on your computer. iTunes is a media player, library, and iPhone user management tool. With iTunes, you can perform many mobile device functions, such as updating apps on your iPhone. The steps for this action are as follows:

  • Step 1: Open iTuneson your PC or Mac.
  • Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer via a lightning cable.
  • Step 3: Click Appsin the Library

open apps in itunes

  • Step 4: You’ll see the Updates Availablelink if there are available app updates. Click it.
  • Step 5: Then, click Download All Free Updates.

update iphone apps in itunes

  • Step 6: When the updates download, select your iPhone’s name and click Sync. That will transfer all the app updates to your iPhone.
safe Downloadsafe & secure

Conclusion

If your iPhone apps aren’t updating, there are many possible reasons behind it. These can be simple bugs in the App Store or the app itself, or the problem can be your iPhone’s system. Since there are numerous possible reasons for this problem, there are multiple solutions to the “iPhone app not updating” issue.

We’ve presented ten possible fixes for your app update problem. The fixes can be as simple as restarting the App Store, checking if Airplane Mode is on or if your storage space is at capacity, and a bit more complicated, like repairing your iPhone system. If your iPhone needs a system repair, try Wondershare Dr.Fone for the most effortless fix with zero data loss.

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Alice MJ

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