12 quick fixes for when your iPhone won't download apps

Troubleshooting Guide for iPhone Download Apps: Solve the "Unable to Download Apps" Problem

My iPhone was always amazed at the moment with the ability to replace the many devices we used to rely on, from calculators to flashlights to stopwatches. Every time iOS and iPhone updates are released, there will always be new features waiting for us to explore.

In addition to the native applications that come with the device, the App Store also provides about 1.54 million third-party applications. This means that we get more fun and features every time we download a new app.

But sometimes, the app cannot be downloaded correctly on the iPhone, causing users to be very upset. Fortunately, there are many ways to solve this problem – all of which I have tried firsthand.

Let's dive into the best solutions to your difficult problems.

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Reasons why iPhone cannot download apps

Even if the iPhone is simple and easy to use, it is not easy to accurately find out why the app cannot be downloaded. From Wi-Fi issues to App Store server downtime, to incorrect time settings, there may be many factors at work.

AnyTrans for iOS is an all-in-one content management tool for Mac and iPhone. You can sync your device, save backups, migrate data, and most importantly, you can get the app directly from the App Store. AnyTrans uses a proprietary algorithm to download the App Store app, bypassing the puzzle of "My app cannot be downloaded".

How to troubleshoot

Before we dive into each solution, let’s take a quick look at the solution when iPhone cannot download apps:

Reasons why the app cannot be downloaded	Actions that need to be performed
The iPhone does not have enough storage space to download apps.	Check available storage space
There are download restrictions for LTE connections.	Switch to Wi-Fi
There may be connection problems	Troubleshooting Wi-Fi router
Your ISP or country may be prohibited from downloading certain apps.	Adjust VPN and DNS settings
Probably just a one-time error.	Forced exit from the App Store
Apple server downtime.	Check the App Store server status
You may need to reconnect your account to the App Store.	Exit the App Store
The application requires a fee and you need to update your payment method.	Update your Apple ID payment method
Your iPhone may just need to be reset.	Restart your iPhone
Date and time setting errors may affect communication between the Apple server and the App Store.	Set date and time to automatic
There is an underlying error that needs to reset the settings.	Reset iPhone settings
Last resort: If none of the above methods work and you need professional help.	Contact Apple Support

1. Check available storage space

The most common reason is that your iPhone lacks storage space – it’s not surprising given that there are so many practical applications on the market!

To check the available storage space on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
3. View used space and remaining space. You can also free up more space as any suggestion, such as saving photos to iCloud.

Once you have enough space, try downloading the app again.

2. Switch to Wi-Fi

If you cannot download apps on your iPhone while you are out, it may be because of the download restrictions imposed by the LTE connection. Currently, you cannot download more than 200 MB of apps over the cellular network, and this limit prevents me from receiving a huge phone bill at the end of the month. Since many apps are now over 200 MB, try downloading them when connected to the next available Wi-Fi network.

You also need to check if your iPhone is in airplane mode, which will prevent you from connecting to Wi-Fi. To do this, swipe down from the upper right corner to open the Control Center and close the aircraft icon.

3. Troubleshooting Wi-Fi router

If you find that the app cannot be downloaded on your own Wi-Fi network, you should first restart the router to resolve any connection issues. Find the button on the back of the device and press it twice to turn it off and reopen. Wait for about 30 seconds and then check if your app still fails to download.

If available, you can also try to download the app using another Wi-Fi network. It might be helpful to politely knock on the neighbor’s door and ask.

4. Adjust VPN and DNS settings

Some countries and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) will restrict the download of certain applications. To avoid this problem, use ClearVPN and set the location to another country. Or, if you have VPN enabled, try turning it off.

If you think your ISP is the culprit, you can change your DNS (Domain Name System) server to a more neutral server, such as Cloudflare's server:

1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Click the “i” icon on your active Wi-Fi.
3. Tap Configure DNS > Switch to Manual.
4. Delete existing numbers and enter 1.1.1.1

5. Force shutdown of the App Store

Why can't my app be downloaded on my new iPhone? Moving from general issues to specific app issues, you can first reset the App Store to eliminate any one-time errors.

To force close the App Store:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone to display all active apps.
2. Scroll to find the App Store.
3. Swipe up to close it.

Your app may also be stuck during downloading. To restart it, try tapping the app on the home screen to pause the download and pressing it to start the process again.

6. Check the App Store server status

While Apple is one of the most reliable companies with service uptime, you never know when an unexpected downtime will occur. Basically, trying to fix invisible errors when Apple servers go down has no effect.

To check the Apple server:

1. Visit the Apple System Status page.
2. Make sure the circle next to the App Store is green.

7. Exit the App Store

Since all app downloads are done through your Apple ID, it can be useful to reconnect to the App Store by logging out and then logging in again. Of course, you also need to check if you are using the correct Apple ID.

To exit the App Store:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Light your avatar in the corner.
3. Scroll down to the bottom and press Logout.

4. Log in again now.

8. Update your Apple ID payment method

Why is my app still not downloadable? All app downloads (even for free) require you to have the latest payment method in your Apple ID information. If your card is blocked or expired, this may be the answer.

Simply follow the steps below on your iPhone to update your payment method:

1. Open Settings > Apple ID.
2. Tap Payment & Delivery > Add Payment Method.
3. Enter your card details and tap Done.

9. Restart your iPhone

If none of the above methods work, the problem may be on your iPhone. In this case, the easiest solution is to restart it. Press and hold the lock button and the volume increase button for a few seconds to display the shutdown screen. Slide to shut down. Wait for a few seconds, then hold the power button. If your iPhone does not start, please check this article.

Tip: Another possible solution is to update your iOS:

1. Open Settings > General.
2. Tap "Software Update"
3. If available, select Install.

In my case, I needed at least 11.94 GB of storage to install the new iOS 18, so there is still a long way to go before I can install the update. You can learn more about the different ways to update your iPhone.

10. Set date and time to automatic

One of the little-known ways to work for various server-related issues is to have your time and date set automatically. This is because the App Store relies on time to communicate correctly with the Apple server.

This can be done easily using the following steps:

1. Open Settings > General.
2. Tap Date & Time.
3. Turn on Automatic Settings.

11. Reset iPhone settings

In rare cases, iPhone cannot download apps due to errors in the underlying settings of the device itself. Fortunately, you can reset them directly on your phone:

1. Open Settings > General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
3. Select Reset All Settings.

Note: No dates are deleted, but all device settings will be reset to their default values.

12. Contact Apple Support

If you tried all of the fixes above and none worked, your last resort should be to contact Apple Support as this may require professional help.

Now you know what to do when your iPhone can’t download the app!

As we discussed, there are many ways to solve the problem of “apps cannot be downloaded on iPhone”, which means that most likely one of these methods works for you. Don't want to try all the options? Just download AnyTrans for iOS and bypass the App Store completely.

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FAQ

Why doesn't my iPhone allow me to download apps I already own?

Your iPhone may not allow you to download apps for a number of reasons, whether it is an external Apple server problem, insufficient space or an effective payment method, or simply reset by restarting your iPhone or logging in and out of the App Store.

Why are my iPhone banned from downloading apps?

Your iPhone may be prohibited from downloading apps due to insufficient storage space, App Store failure (reset can resolve) or network problems.

Why does Apple prevent me from downloading apps?

Apple may block downloads for the following reasons:

• There is a problem with your account.
• Your internet connection is broken or unstable.
• You do not set up a payment method in the App Store.
• Your iOS may be expired or there are technical issues that you cannot control.

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