How do I fix apps that will not update on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac?
Answer
When apps will not update on Apple devices, sign in to the correct Apple Account in the App Store, check for storage space and a working internet connection, then retry the update. If the button does nothing, restart the device and check whether Screen Time or a network restriction is blocking downloads.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Deleting an app removes its local data unless that data is stored in iCloud or the app’s own cloud service.
Follow these steps
Confirm the App Store Apple Account
On iPhone or iPad, open the App Store, tap your profile photo, and confirm you are signed in with the Apple Account that owns the apps. On Mac, open the App Store and check Account. If the wrong account is signed in, sign out and sign back in with the correct one, then retry Updates.
You should see: The App Store shows the correct account and the Updates list can load.
Check storage and network
Open Settings (iPhone/iPad) or System Settings (Mac) and confirm there is enough free storage for the update. Switch to a stable Wi‑Fi network if cellular downloads are restricted, then return to Updates and try again.
You should see: There is free space and a working connection; the update starts or shows a clear error.
Clear a stalled update
If an update spins forever, tap the app icon or pause/resume the download if available. Then restart the device and open App Store > Updates again. On Mac, quit the App Store fully and reopen it before retrying.
You should see: The stalled update resumes, completes, or fails with a readable message.
Check Screen Time and content restrictions
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and confirm Installing Apps / In-app Purchases are allowed if restrictions are on. On Mac, check Screen Time settings for similar App Store limits, then retry the update.
You should see: Restrictions are not blocking App Store updates, or you can temporarily allow them to finish the update.
Decide next path if updates still fail
If one app fails but others update, delete and reinstall only that app after confirming purchases are tied to your account. If no apps update, sign out of the App Store, restart, sign back in, and try again. Contact Apple Support if an account or payment error remains.
You should see: Either apps update again, or you have a specific account/payment error to take to Apple Support.
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Extra tips
What to look for: App Store Update buttons that do nothing, spinning progress that never finishes, sign-in prompts, Not Enough Storage messages, or Screen Time purchase restrictions.
Before you change anything: Confirm which Apple Account purchased or manages the apps. Note how much free storage is available before deleting large files. Use only the official App Store or System Settings paths. Never share your Apple Account password or verification codes with unexpected callers.