While the App Store is tightly integrated with Apple devices, it is not uncommon to suddenly find the App Store being inaccessible or not working on iPhone.
If you are trying to access App Store for the first time or after a long time, it is likely that the App Store is having a problem recognizing your Apple ID.
If you were able to access App Store previously on your iPhone, but unable to connect to App Store now, the problem is most likely to be due to Apple Services being down or Network connectivity issues on your device.
Apart from above, there could be various other reasons for App Store not working on iPhone or iPad.
iPhone Not Connecting to App Store
Unless your Apple ID has not been blocked by Apple, you should be able to fix the problem of App Store not working on iPhone using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
You need to be connected to either Wi-Fi or Cellular Network, in order to access the App Store. Hence, make sure that you are able to clearly access the internet on your iPhone.
If you are experiencing connectivity problems, you need to fix the problem of Wi-Fi Not Working on iPhone, after which you should be able to launch or open the App Store App on your iPhone.
2. Check Status of Apple Services
Apple servers can sometimes become temporarily unavailable and prevent you from accessing the App Store. To confirm, visit Apple’s System Status page and take a look at App Store entry.
If there is a problem, you will see an error message next to App Store entry and the dot next to App Store will be Red and not Green.
Also, make sure that you search by typing App Store Down on Twitter and see if users are reporting problems.
3. Shut Down iPhone & Restart
Sometimes, the problem is due to a stuck program or process preventing your device from functioning properly.
1. Go to Settings > General > Shut Down.
2. On the next screen, use the Slider to power off your device.
3. Wait for 30 seconds and Restart iPhone by pressing the Power Button.
4. Sign Out of Apple ID & Sign Back
As mentioned above, the problem could be due to your Apple ID not being recognized by Apple.
1. Open Settings > tap on your Apple ID.
2. Scroll down the Apple ID screen and tap on Sign Out.
3. After 30 seconds, Sign back into your Apple ID and see if you can now Sign-in to App Store.
5. Disable VPN
If you are using VPN, disable the VPN service on your iPhone and try to Sign-in to iCloud.
1. Go to Settings > General > VPN.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to Status to OFF position.
After disabling VPN, you should be able to Sign-in to your Apple ID and App Store.
6. Switch to Another Wi-Fi Network
It is possible that your Office or Work place network has a restriction on certain websites (to save bandwidth). Hence, try to reach the App Store using your own Cellular Network.
1. Go to Settings > WiFi > tap on your WiFi network.
2. On the next screen, select 5G or another available network under My Networks section.
7. Check Date & Time Settings
Incorrect Time & Date Settings can lead to various problems on an iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
2. On the next screen, enable Set Automatically option.
3. After Enabling Set Automatically option, make sure iPhone is showing the right Time and Time Zone.
8. Check Software Updates
Sometimes, the problem is due to Software update waiting to be installed on your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. On the next screen, tap on Download to Install updates on your iPhone (if available).