Alex Ruben
How To Resolve iPhone Apps Not Updating: A Complete Guide
If apps on the iPhone just aren’t updating, it can be pretty frustrating, especially when you’re eager to get the latest features or bug fixes. Sometimes, it’s a simple hiccup — maybe storage is full, or the network’s acting up. Other times, the issue might be tied to outdated system software or some hidden setting. Whatever the cause, there are a few tried-and-true methods to get those apps updating again without pulling out too much hair. These steps are based on real-world fixes that have actually worked for folks, even if they seem a bit roundabout at first.
How to Fix iPhone Apps Not Updating
Check if there’s enough storage available
This is the first thing to look at. If your iPhone is bursting at the seams, apps might refuse to update because there’s no space. To check this:
- Open Settings and go to General.
- Tap on iPhone Storage—you’ll see a breakdown showing how much space is free vs. used.
- If storage is super tight (like less than 1 GB free), delete a few apps or big files. Sometimes, just clearing out junk, caches, or old photos helps. Mac users sometimes use tools like Winhance, but on iPhone, it’s mostly manual.
Try updating apps manually from the App Store
Of course, tapping “Update All” sometimes doesn’t work, but trying individually might help. Also, manually refreshing the updates list can nudge things forward.
- Open the App Store.
- Tap on your profile icon at the top right.
- Scroll down to see pending updates, and tap the Update button next to apps that stuck.
This is handy when automatic updates are weirdly stuck or disabled, which sometimes happens because of settings or network glitches.
Restart your iPhone — basically a magic reset
Sometimes the simplest fix works — just restart. Not sure why, but it resets some processes that might be blocking updates. Power off, then power back on after a few seconds. On newer iPhones (like the iPhone 12 and up), hold the volume and side button; on older ones, hold the power button till the slider shows up. Different models, same result.
This can help re-establish network connections or fix minor glitches. On some setups, it worked immediately, others needed a second restart or trying again after a moment.
Update iOS — keep your system fresh
If your iOS version is outdated, app updates might hitch because they depend on newer OS features or APIs. To check:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General, then Software Update.
- If there’s an update, follow the prompts to download and install. Sometimes, updating fixes bugs that block app updates. Note: on some devices, updating requires a stable Wi-Fi connection and enough space — don’t start this download on bad connections or low battery.
Reset all settings — last resort before restoring
This is a bit more extreme. It resets your preferences (like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and app permissions) but doesn’t wipe your data. Big difference from a full reset or factory restore. To do this:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Confirm and wait for the device to restart. After that, try updating apps again. Sometimes, hidden conflicts or bad prefs cause update failures, and resetting those clears it out. On some machines, this took a restart or two before it kicked in properly.
Additional tips & troubleshooting tricks
Beyond the basics, a few other things might be worth checking:
- Make sure your internet connection is stable. Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data if needed — especially if the Wi-Fi is flaky.
- Have restrictions enabled that might block updates? Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Sometimes, restrictions prevent background downloads or updates.
- Log out and back into your Apple ID in the Settings > [your name]. This can sometimes fix weird server bugs affecting updates.
Wrap-up
Following these steps usually deals with the common reasons apps sit stubbornly not updating. More often than not, freeing up space, rebooting, and ensuring your system is current do the trick. If these don’t help, calling Apple Support can be the next move — but most of the time, it’s something simple. Just make sure to keep your iPhone’s OS updated and stay clear of restrictive settings unless necessary.
Summary
- Check storage and free up space if needed.
- Manually update apps from the App Store.
- Restart the iPhone — sometimes that’s enough.
- Update iOS to the latest version.
- Reset all settings if nothing else works.
Fingers crossed this helps
All in all, it’s often these basic tweaks that unstick stubborn app updates. If the problem keeps lingering, there might be a deeper issue, but for most people, these steps fix the common culprits. Good luck, and hope this saves some frustration — because of course, Apple’s ecosystem shouldn’t be this hard to keep up-to-date!