The most common reason for Apps not updating on iPhone is due to iPhone not being able to download the available updates and users failing to keep an eye on whether or not Apps are being updated on their iPhone.
Apart from this, the problem of Apps not updating on iPhone could be due to a variety of other reasons, ranging from Lack of storage space, Software related issues to installation of Updates being blocked.
Apps Not Updating on iPhone
If Apps are not updating on your iPhone, you should be able to fix the problem using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Enable Automatic Updates For Apps
iPhone provides the option to enable automatic updates for all App Store Apps on your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > scroll down and tap on App Store.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to App Updates is set to ON position.
Note: On the same screen, you can enable the option use of Cellular Data for App Updates. However, most users prefer to keep this option disabled, in order to save cellular data.
2. Disable Restrictions on Installing Apps
iPhone won’t be able to Update Apps, if there is restriction placed on Installation of Apps on your device.
1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
2. From the next screen, go to iTunes & App Store Purchases > tap on Installing Apps.
3. On Installing Apps screen, select the Allow option to enable Installing of Apps on your device.
After this, you should be able to Update Apps on your device.
3. Restart iPhone
Sometimes, the problem of Apps not updating on iPhone is due to unexplained technical glitches. This can be often fixed by restarting your device.
1. Go to Settings > General > scroll down to bottom of the screen and tap on Shut Down.
2. On the next screen, use the Slider to Power OFF iPhone.
3. After iPhone is completely powered off, Restart your device and try to Update Apps.
4. Check Date and Time Settings
Incorrect Date and Time settings can have an impact on the process of App Updates. Hence, make sure that your iPhone is set to Automatically Update its Date and Time.
1. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to Set Automatically to ON position.
3. After enabling Set Automatically option, make sure your iPhone is showing the right City next to the Time Zone entry.
5. Check Your App Store Account
A common reason for Apps not updating on iPhone is due to Apps being linked to another Apple ID, which may or may not belong to you.
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone > tap on the Account icon located at top-right corner.
2. On the Account screen, tap on Purchased tab.
3. On the Purchased screen, make sure that the Apps that are not updating are listed.
If those Apps are not listed on “Purchased” screen, they are associated with another Apple ID and you need to login to the App Store using your “Other Apple ID” to Update those Apps.
6. Sign Out of App Store and Sign Back In
Sometimes, the problem is due to App Store being unable to recognizing your Apple ID.
1. Open App Store and tap on the Account icon located at top-right corner.
2. On the Account screen, scroll down to bottom and tap on Sign Out.
3. After you are signed out, wait for 30 seconds > Restart iPhone and Sign in to the App Store.
6. Check Storage Space on iPhone
Your iPhone needs to have enough storage space to handle App updates. Hence, make sure that enough storage space is available on your device.
1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. On the next screen, you will be able to see the amount of storage space used and remaining on your device.
If you have less than 2 GB available, lack of storage space is likely to be the reason for Apps not updating on your iPhone.
The solution in this case is to create storage space on your iPhone by using steps as provided in this guide: How to Free Up Storage Space on iPhone.
7. Delete and Reinstall Apps
If above methods did not help, delete the App from your iPhone and reinstall its latest version from the App Store.
1. Tap and hold on the App that you want to delete and select the Delete App or Remove App option that becomes available.
2. After the App is deleted, open the App Store on your iPhone.
3. On the App Store, search for the deleted App and Reinstall the App back on your device.
8. Reset All Settings
Sometimes, the problem is due to corrupted settings on your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > select the Reset option.
2. On the pop-up, select Reset All Settings option.
3. When prompted, enter your Passcode > On the confirmation pop-up, select Reset All Settings option to confirm.
After the Reset process is completed, connect iPhone to your Wi-Fi Network and try to Update the Apps.