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When your ‘iPhone Not Downloading Apps’ Issue, it can be a pain. If an iPhone can’t use Apple’s huge collection of apps, it’s not very useful. Luckily, this problem is usually not too hard to fix. Even though Apple’s built-in iPhone apps are fine, the App Store has a lot of great apps and games.
There’s no doubt that the iPhone is an amazing and powerful pocket computer. When you pay for an iPhone, you expect nothing less than the best. When your new iPhone won’t let you download apps anymore and you don’t know what’s going on or why, it can be very annoying and frustrating. We mentioned below are the ways to Fix ‘iPhone Not Downloading Apps’ Issue.
If your iPhone doesn’t let you download apps, you might only be able to use average Apple apps. On Android, it’s easy to sideload apps. On iPhone, it’s not so easy. If you’ve tried all of these solutions and you’re still having the same problem in your iPhone, you should go to their official Apple support website for more information.
Ways To Fix ‘IPhone Not Downloading Apps’ Issue
Restart the App Store
There might be a bug in the App Store, and closing it might fix it. Close the App Store, then open it back up and try again.
- Start up the App Switcher:
- Swipe up from the bottom edge of an iPhone with FaceID and stop in the middle of the screen.
- If your iPhone has a Home button, double-click it.
- Swipe right to find the App Store, and then swipe up on it.
- To open the App Store again, go to your Home Screen or tap on it in the App Library.
Restart Your iPhone
You might want to restart your iPhone, since a simple restart can get rid of bugs and other problems. Follow the steps below to restart an iPhone with FaceID.
- Press the side or top button and either volume button for a long time until the power off slider appears.
- Slide the switch to turn your iPhone off.
- Press the side or top button for a long time until you see the Apple logo.
Follow the steps below to turn on your iPhone SE 2nd Gen, 8, X, 13, or 14.
- Press the side or top button and either volume button for a long time until the slider for turning the device off appears.
- Slide the switch to turn your iPhone off.
- Press the side or top button for a long time until you see the Apple logo.
Follow these steps to restart your iPhone SE 1st Gen, 5 or an older model.
- Press the top control for a long time until the power slider shows up.
- Move the slider to the off position and wait about 30 seconds for your iPhone to turn off.
- Press the top button for a long time until the Apple logo shows up.
Try Signing Out and In of the App Store
If you can’t download apps to your iPhone, it could be because of a problem with your Apple ID. Sign out of your Apple account and then back in to try to get back into the App Store. If your iPhone can’t connect to the App Store, signing out and back in to your account may fix the problem.
Here’s what you need to do if you have iOS 16 or later.
- Go to “Settings” and then (your name).
- Tap “Sign Out” at the bottom.
- Enter the password for your Apple ID, then press “Turn Off.“
- Wait a few seconds, then tap “Sign In” and enter the information for your Apple ID.
Check Your iTunes and App Store Settings

If you’ve set your purchase and in-app purchase Password Settings to “Always Require,” you’ll be asked for your password even when you’re signed in with your Apple ID. You can set the prompt to appear every 15 minutes instead of every time it pops up. This means that the App Store won’t ask you to enter your password again if you have done so in the last 15 minutes.
- Open the app called “Settings.”
- Tap on (your name), then choose “iTunes & App Store” or “Media and Purchase.”
- Choose “Password Settings.” If you can’t find “Password Settings,” you may have turned on Touch ID or Face ID for purchases.
- Check the “Require After 15 Minutes” box below the purchase and in-app purchases.
- Turn off the “Require Password” option under the list of free downloads.
- If asked, type in your password and click “OK.”
Try Disabling Your FaceTime and iMessage
FaceTime and iMessage are both tied to your App Store ID, and even when you’re not using them, they still need your account information. The App Store verification error could be caused by either app. Try turning off FaceTime and iMessage and then turning them back on to fix the problem. Disable and enable FaceTime.
- Go to “Settings” and scroll down until you reach “FaceTime.”
- Turn off the FaceTime button.
- Wait a couple of seconds before turning on FaceTime. Your Apple ID and password may be asked for.
Disable and enable iMessages.
- Go to “Settings” and scroll down until you find “Messages.”
- To turn it off, slide the switch next to “iMessage” to the left.
- Slide the switch again after a few seconds to turn it back on. You might be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.
Try Updating iOS
Software bugs are often fixed when the iOS is updated. There may be a bug in the OS right now that makes it hard for your iPhone to download apps. A new version of the OS might be the fastest and easiest way to fix the problem.
- Connect your iPhone to a source of power.
- Use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet.
- Tap “Software Update” after going to “Settings,” “General,” and “Settings.”
- If there are two software updates to choose from, press “Install Now” next to the one you want to install.
Try Resetting Your Network Settings
By resetting your network settings, you will delete everything on your iPhone that has to do with the internet and networks. If you do this, hopefully the problem will be solved.
- Tap “General” after you open “Settings.”
- Scroll down and tap “Reset” at the bottom.
- If you are asked, press “Reset Network Settings” and then enter your passcode.
- To be sure, tap “Reset Network Settings” again.
FAQ
Why is my iPhone not downloading apps?
Apps from the App Store don’t always get downloaded on your iPhone. Make sure your phone is using a local Wi-Fi connection instead of cellular data, pause the download, and start it again. Also, make sure your Apple ID is linked to a valid credit card.
Why is my phone not downloading apps?
If you still can’t download apps after clearing the Play Store’s cache and data, you may need to restart your device. This can fix a lot of problems with your device, including problems with downloading.
Why are my apps pending and not downloading iPhone?
Most of the time, if apps won’t download or won’t stop waiting to download on your iPhone, the problem is with your Apple ID. Each app on your iPhone is connected to a different Apple ID. If something is wrong with that Apple ID, apps might not work. Most of the time, the problem can be fixed by signing out and back into the App Store.
Why are apps downloading pending?
Check your device’s storage space first, as this is a common cause of download errors. But Google will let you know if there isn’t enough space on the device or SD card. You might need to get rid of apps you don’t use to make room. Updates or security patches for your device can sometimes make it hard to download.