Can't Download Apps on iPhone? 9 Quick Ways to Fix It

Allow apps to download again on an iPhone

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Fact Checked

Are your iPhone apps not downloading? To download third-party apps from the App Store, you must have a valid payment method and no outstanding charges. Here's what to do if you can't download apps on your iPhone.

Why Is My iPhone Not Downloading Apps?

If you can't download apps on your iPhone, you may have a billing issue. You must have a valid card added to your Apple ID and no negative balances in order to download from the App Store. If you have valid payment methods, check your Screen Time settings to make sure this feature is enabled.

1

Check your Screen Time settings.

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Screen Time can prevent you from downloading apps. If your device is managed by someone else, you'll need to ask them to change the Screen Time settings or turn it off entirely.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- Tap Installing Apps.
- Tap Allow.

2

Add a payment method.

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Make sure you have a valid payment method. Free apps on the App Store still require a payment method on file.^{[1]
X
Research source} To add a payment method:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap your Apple ID.
- Tap Payment & Shipping.
- Log in if needed.
- Tap Add Payment Method.
- Enter your payment details.
- Tap Done.

3

Check for payment issues.

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Unresolved payment issues can interfere with your downloads. If you see any messages like "verification required" or "billing problem with previous purchase", you'll need to resolve those issues first.
- If you have a negative balance, add a new payment method or add a gift card balance.
- If you need to verify your card, check your bank or your Apple ID to re-enter any numbers.

4

Check your connection.

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Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable. By default, you'll only be able to download apps over Wi-Fi. If you have downloads enabled over cellular, make sure you have a strong signal.
- If needed, troubleshoot your internet.

5

Pause other downloads.

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Temporarily pause or cancel other updates. If you have multiple apps in need of updates, you can choose to pause the ones that are less urgent to save resources for others. Do the following:
- Find the app on the home screen.
- Tap and hold the app.
- Tap Pause Download.

6

Prioritize the download.

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Add the download to the front of the queue. If you have multiple apps in need of updates, they may be competing to update first. If you have a certain app you want to download right away, prioritize it by doing the following:
- Find the app on the home screen.
- Tap and hold the app.
- Tap Prioritize Download.

7

Check your Date & Time settings.

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If this is set incorrectly, it can affect other features on your device. Do the following:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Date & Time.
- Toggle on Set Automatically.

8

Restart your iPhone.

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This soft reset should fix any minor software issues.

9

Contact Apple Support.

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Contact Apple support for help. This may be a hardware issue, and you may still be covered by Apple's warranty.^{[2]
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- You can contact Apple on their website at https://getsupport.apple.com/.