Can’t Download Apps on iPhone? Fix Here

Are you experiencing the very frustrating issue in which your app downloads are stuck on “Waiting” or “Loading”? If yes, then don’t worry, as this is a common issue and it’s usually very easy to fix.

In this guide, we show you how you can fix the can’t download apps issue on your iPhone and get the App Store working again.

Check Internet connection

The first thing you should do is make sure the Internet is working on your iPhone.

• Launch Safari and open a website.
• If you are using Wi-Fi, then disconnect and switch to Mobile Data.
• Turn on Airplane Mode for 10 seconds and turn it back off.

Sometimes a weak Internet connection can prevent apps from downloading. Performing the steps above can solve the issues of a weak or unstable connection.

Check App Store Settings

Is App Store enabled on your device? Sometimes App Store is restricted on a device, and this can result in apps not downloading. You can check this by following these steps.

1. Open Settings and go to Screen Time.
2. Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. Now tap on the iTunes & App Store Purchases option.
4. On the next page, make sure Installing Apps is set to Allow.

Check available storage

If your iPhone’s storage is full and you are trying to download an app that is large in size, then it could prevent the download from completing. You can check this by following these steps.

1. Open Settings and go to General.
2. Here, tap on iPhone Storage.
3. Check use and available storage here.

If your iPhone is running out of storage, you can free up iPhone storage by deleting or offloading unused apps, getting rid of unwanted photos and videos, and trying again.

Check your payment method

Oftentimes, downloads fail because there is a payment method issue with your account. This can even prevent free apps from downloading.

1. Go to Settings and tap on your name at the top.
2. Tap on the Payment & Shipping option.

Here, make sure you have added a valid payment method like a debit or credit card, and your card is not expired. Also, make sure there are no unpaid balances on your account as this can also prevent you from downloading apps.

Restart your iPhone

Sometimes, the easiest fixes can solve the problem for you. Restarting the iPhone is certainly one of them. Here’s how to restart your device.

1. Press and hold the Side button and Volume Up or Down buttons simultaneously.
2. When it appears, slide your finger over the Slide to Power Off slider.
3. Wait 10 seconds and turn the device back on.

Sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in

Account-related glitches can cause App Store download issues. You can fix this by signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in. Here’s how.

1. Open Settings and tap on your name at the top.
2. Scroll down and tap on the Sign Out button.
3. Enter your password to confirm.

After signing out, log back into your account and try downloading apps again.

Check Date & Time Settings

An incorrect date and time can prevent app downloads on an iPhone. You can fix this problem by following these steps.

1. Open Settings and go to General.
2. Here, tap on Date & Time.
3. Turn on the toggle for Set Automatically.

Now, iPhone will automatically set the date and time on your device, and solve the issue of apps not downloading.

That’s it. One of these fixes should get the App Store downloading apps normally again. Let us know which solution worked for you in the comments below.