If you want to update iPhone apps, open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and select Update beside an app or Update All to install available updates. You can also enable automatic app updates so your iPhone can download and install updates without requiring you to check manually. App updates may include bug fixes, security improvements, new features, and compatibility changes.
In this guide, you will learn how to update apps manually, turn on automatic updates, and fix common problems involving storage, internet connections, Apple Account prompts, and incompatible iOS versions.
Why Should You Update iPhone Apps?
App developers regularly release updates to fix problems, improve existing features, and maintain compatibility with supported devices. Using an outdated app may sometimes cause errors or prevent certain features from working correctly.
Updating your apps can help you:
- Fix known bugs and app crashes.
- Access new features and improvements.
- Address security vulnerabilities fixed by developers.
- Improve compatibility with supported iOS versions.
- Resolve problems affecting older app versions.
An update does not automatically make every app faster or improve battery life. Its benefits depend on the changes included in that particular release.
How to Update iPhone Apps Manually
Manual updates let you choose which apps to update and when to install them. This is useful if you want to control downloads or check what has changed before updating.
Follow these steps:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap your profile picture or account button in the top-right corner.
- Look for the available app updates on your account page.
- Tap Update beside the app you want to update.
- If the option appears, tap Update All to update all available apps.
Wait for the downloads and installations to finish. Depending on your internet connection, the size of the updates, and your device’s available storage, some updates may take longer than others.
If you do not see the app you want to update, search for its name in the App Store. Open its product page to check whether an update is available.
For additional guidance, read Apple’s official instructions for updating apps manually from the App Store.
How to Enable Automatic App Updates
If you do not want to check the App Store regularly, enable automatic app updates. Your iPhone can then download and install available updates automatically when conditions permit.
Turn on automatic updates
On recent iOS versions:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Select App Store.
- Find the App Updates option under Automatic Downloads.
- Turn on the switch.
On older iOS versions, the App Store settings may be available directly under Settings → App Store, without the additional Apps menu.
Once enabled, your iPhone can automatically install eligible app updates. The exact timing may vary depending on connectivity, storage, device conditions, and Apple’s services.
If you prefer to review each update yourself, leave automatic app updates turned off and use the manual method instead.
For the latest instructions, consult Apple’s iPhone user guide for updating apps.
Why Won’t My iPhone Apps Update?
If an app refuses to update, do not immediately delete it. Start with the checks below to identify the cause.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
An unstable internet connection can prevent an update from downloading or cause it to remain stuck.
Try these steps:
- Open a website to confirm that your internet connection is working.
- Switch to a reliable Wi-Fi network if your current connection is unstable.
- If you use mobile data, check that cellular access is permitted for the App Store.
- Retry the update when your connection improves.
If other apps and websites also have trouble connecting, the problem may be your internet connection rather than the App Store.
2. Check Your Available iPhone Storage
Your iPhone needs enough available space to download and install app updates. When storage is nearly full, an update may fail or remain incomplete.
To check your storage:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select iPhone Storage.
- Review the available space and identify what is using the most storage.
If you need more space, consider removing downloaded videos, unnecessary files, or apps you no longer use. Review your files before deleting them, and back up important information where appropriate.
Avoid deleting an app simply to force an update unless you have confirmed that its important data is backed up or synchronized. Removing an app may also remove locally stored data.
3. Check Apple’s System Status
Sometimes the App Store itself experiences a service disruption. If Apple’s service is unavailable, app downloads and updates may fail even when your iPhone and internet connection are working normally.
Visit the official Apple System Status page and look for the App Store.
If Apple reports a problem, wait for the service to recover before trying again. Changing your phone’s settings is unlikely to solve an outage affecting Apple’s servers.
4. Resolve Apple Account Prompts
Some app updates may require you to verify your Apple Account or resolve an account or billing issue.
If your iPhone displays a prompt:
- Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
- Confirm that you are using the appropriate Apple Account.
- Complete any requested identity verification.
- Review your billing information if Apple specifically requests it.
Read the message carefully before making changes. Signing out of your Apple Account should not be your first troubleshooting step because it may affect access to other Apple services.
5. Check Whether the App Supports Your iOS Version
Some app updates require a newer version of iOS. If your iPhone cannot run the required version, the latest app release may not be compatible with your device.
To check for a software update:
- Open Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Follow the instructions if a compatible update is available.
Back up important data before installing a major iOS update.
If your iPhone cannot install a newer version of iOS, open the app’s App Store page and check its compatibility requirements. A compatible older version may sometimes be available, but this depends on the app and your device.
6. Retry a Stuck App Update
If an app remains stuck on Waiting, Loading, or a similar status, try the following:
- Confirm that your internet connection is working.
- Make sure sufficient storage is available.
- Return to the App Store and try the update again.
- Restart your iPhone if the problem continues, then retry the update.
If only one app is affected, check its App Store page and look for information from the developer. If the app continues to malfunction after updating, you can also read our guide on how to fix TikTok videos not loading for additional app troubleshooting steps.
Before deleting and reinstalling any app, confirm that you can recover its important data. Reinstallation may not restore files or settings stored only on the device.
Should You Update iPhone Apps Using Wi-Fi or Mobile Data?
You can update apps over Wi-Fi or mobile data, depending on your settings and connection. The best option depends on the size of the update, your data allowance, and the reliability of your network.
Wi-Fi: Usually a convenient option for large updates, especially if your mobile data plan is limited.
Mobile data: Useful when Wi-Fi is unavailable, provided your cellular plan and App Store settings allow the download.
Limited data plans: Consider waiting until you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection to avoid unexpected data usage.
To review the App Store’s cellular settings, open Settings → Apps → App Store on recent iOS versions. On older versions, look under Settings → App Store. Available options may differ depending on your iOS version and device settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Update iPhone Apps
Why is an app not showing an Update button?
The app may already be up to date, or a new version may not be available for your iPhone. Search for the app in the App Store and check its product page for available updates and compatibility information.
Will updating an iPhone app delete my data?
Normally, updating an app preserves its data and settings. However, problems can occur, so back up important information when possible, particularly before deleting or reinstalling an app.
Can I update apps on an older iPhone?
Yes, provided a compatible version of the app is available for your device and installed iOS version. Some apps may no longer offer their newest releases for older iPhones.
What should I do if an app still will not update?
Check your internet connection, available storage, Apple Account prompts, iOS compatibility, and Apple’s System Status page. If the problem affects only one app, contact the app’s developer if the usual troubleshooting steps do not resolve it.
Final Thoughts: How to Update iPhone Apps
Updating iPhone apps helps you access available fixes, features, and security improvements. Use the App Store to update individual apps or select Update All when available. If you prefer a hands-off approach, enable automatic app updates in Settings.
When an update fails, check your connection, storage, Apple Account prompts, and iOS compatibility before trying more advanced solutions.