13 Ways to fix ‘can’t download apps in iPhone

Last updated on: November 1st, 2024 6 Min Read

When your iPhone refuses to download new applications from the App Store, it may be very annoying. An iPhone is worthless if it can’t access Apple’s large library of software. Thankfully, most of the time, resolving this issue is not difficult.

There might be a number of causes for this, including a bad Internet connection, insufficient storage space on your iOS device, an App Store malfunction, defective iPhone settings etc. One obvious reason why you can’t download apps is that your iPhone doesn’t have enough storage space.

13 Easiest Ways to Resolve “Can‘t Download Apps on iPhone” Error

The problem of the iPhone not being able to download apps is not so difficult to cure. It has different reasons, and so there are many ways to fix it. Keep reading to find 13 ways to fix the error.

1. Restart your iPhone

Most iPhone difficulties may be resolved by restarting the device. Restart your iPhone before attempting to download the program from the App Store. In fact, restarting a device is the “first aid” for any kind of hardware-or software-related problems.

Related Software: Recover Deleted or Lost iPhone Data

2. Refresh the app store and clear the cache.

Sometimes, due to excessive cache memory, your iPhone’s app store becomes unable to download apps. You need to clear the cache memory of the “app store” application from the phone’s settings options. Generally, on Android phones, you can directly clear the cache through the Apps option, which is in the settings. But for the iPhone, you need to refresh the app store. Follow the below steps to refresh the app store.

  • Open the App Store on your iPhone.
  • Select one of the bottom icons (Featured, Games, or Updates). A “loading” circle shows on the screen 10 times or more.
  • Close the Program Store, reopen it, and try downloading your app again.

3. Log in and out of the App Store.

Attain it once by logging out and logging back in to the App Store. If you don’t have any knowledge about how to log in and log out of the App Store, then follow the below steps.

  • Navigate to iTunes & App Store > Settings.
  • Select the Apple ID option.
  • Tap “Sign Out” in the pop-up box.
  • Press the Apple ID once more to log in with your Apple ID.

4. Explore the storage capacity of your iPhone (if it is full).

Inadequate storage space on your iPhone can wreak havoc on the Apple Store app. If you don’t have adequate storage space, you won’t even be able to update your existing applications.

Check to see if you can free up some space on your iPhone. You may eliminate unnecessary applications, documents, images, movies, music, WhatsApp messages, and so on to make room for the new application.

You can see your iPhone’s current storage by going to the location given below.

Settings > General > Storage

5. Check for updates to IOS.

Apple iOS releases are known to contain bugs. Some iOS 11 users have reported that applications would not download. The statement “iPhone can’t download applications” might be caused by a bug. You may be able to resolve the issue by upgrading to iOS.

I believe there is no need to tell you how you can update IOS. You can also turn on the auto-updater for iOS.

6. Check the status of your Apple ID bill payments.

Have you had a legal payment method associated with your Apple ID? If you don’t, you simply will not be able to install any program, including free ones.

Configure your Apple ID payment through Settings on your iOS device, iTunes on your Mac or PC, or even the Apple Music app on your Android smartphone.

7. Disable the restrictions on app installation.

Have you enabled the iOS limitation that limits app downloads? If so, disable it before installing applications. If by mistake you have enabled the app restrictions, then read the below steps to disable them.

  • Navigate to Settings > General > Restrictions.
  • Toggle on Installing Apps by entering your passcode.

8. Reset the iPhone’s settings

Several of the causes of applications not downloading from the App Store might be your iOS device’s settings. Reset the settings on your iPhone. This may remedy the issue with app downloads. If you don’t know how to reset the iPhone’s settings, then keep reading the below-mentioned steps.

  • Firstly, navigate to Settings > General > Reset
  • After that, select “Reset All Settings.”

9. Reset the iPhone to its factory settings.

Whenever everything else fails, a factory reset is the last choice. However, this will remove all of your iPhone’s data, including photographs, movies, contacts, call history, music, voice memos, messages, and so on. As a result, always make a backup on iCloud or iTunes before doing a factory restore.

10. Enable App Store purchases in Content & Privacy Limitations.

You may have restricted app purchases on your iPhone under Content & Privacy Restrictions as a result of which applications will not download on your iPhone. Allow iTunes and App Store downloads and purchases to resolve the issue of not being able to download applications on the iPhone.

11. Configure the date and time.

It may appear improbable, yet it is true. Incorrect date and time settings on your iPhone might have an impact on app downloads from the App Store. Therefore, set your date and time correctly to resolve the issue of applications not downloading.

12. Test your Wi-Fi connectivity.

Consistent with rapid speed, Internet access is required for a successful download of any program from the Apple Store.

If you’re using cellular data, connect to a Wi-Fi network because Apple only allows up to 150 MB of transfer using cellular data. If changing to a Wi-Fi connection doesn’t quite assist, try switching to another Wi-Fi network.

13. Apple can assist you.

If you’ve tried all of these methods and your iPhone still won’t install apps, you’ll need to contact Apple’s support team. You can get virtual or phone support from Apple, or you can arrange a meeting at your local Apple Store’s help desk for in-person assistance.

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