Can’t Buy or Download Apps on iPhone? 10 Best Ways to Fix the Issue!

Nov. 16, 2021

While the AppleApp Storeis quite reliable, there are times when it tends to show some unexpected errors. And when the unexpected happens, you can come across errors like “Can’t connect to App Store” and “Can’t update apps”. Worse, at times, the App Store can even prevent you from buying apps on your iPhone, even though your payment method is updated. So, what are the best ways to fix the can’t buy or download apps on iPhone issue? Well, there are a handful of methods that work in troubleshooting Apple App Store issues. That said, let’s look for ways to fix the problems!

In this guide, we have addressed multiple App Store errors that prevent users from buying or updating apps on the iPhone. They are:

As the solutions for all App Store issues are almost the same, it’s better to take each one of these into account. So, irrespective of what sort of problems you are facing, these tips can help you fix issues that make it so that you can’t buy or download apps on your iPhone. Without further ado, check out the 10 best fixes right here:

No matter what sort of App Store issues you are facing on your iOS device, the first trick you should try is to force quit the App Store and turn on/off Airplane Mode. Yeah, more often than not, it helps fix random App Store glitches. So, it’s worth giving this effective hack a try before moving to other options.

If the first solution did not yield the desired result, it’s time to reboot your iPhone. At times, a quick restart can do magic infixing common iOS 15 problems. Here’s how to do that:

If you are trying to download multiple apps at once on your iPhone, make sure to prioritize the downloads if you want to start using an app before others. It will help you download select apps more quickly. From the home screen on your iPhone,touch and hold the app icon. Then, selectPrioritize Downloadin the context menu that appears right below the app.

If the auto app-update feature is not working on your iPhone, try to manually update apps (App Store -> your profile). For a smooth sailing update experience, I would recommend you to update one app at a time.

If the date and time are not set correctly, you may face issues with downloading and updating apps on your iPhone and iPad. To change the date and time on your iPhone, follow the steps below:

iOS allows you to use a separate Apple ID for App Store and purchases. While it does offer you the flexibility to use multiple Apple IDs on your device, it might create issues from time to time. Therefore, if you face buy and download issues on the App Store, make sure you are not using multiple Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad.

Screen Time in iOS 15 comes with a robust content restriction setting, which you can use to block offensive content on your device or only the App Store. Maybe, you had earlier enabled content restriction on your iPhone and forgot to revert the setting later. So, make sure that Screen Time is not hindering you from buying or installing apps from the App Store.

If the App Store is facing an outage in your country or region, it may show different errors and won’t let you download apps on your iPhone or iPad. So, make sure tohead to Apple’s system status pageto check if the App Store is working normally.

If your payment method is declined in the App Store or you can’t update apps and are seeing an error message saying,“Your account is disabled in the App Store”,there is possibly a problem with your payment method. To fix this issue, you will need to either update your payment information or add a new payment method.

If you are still unable to download or update apps on youriOS 15device, sign out of yourApple IDand sign back. Many a time, it has helped me fix the ill-functioning App Store on my iPhone. Therefore, I think it would be better to give this workaround a shot as well.

If none of the tips listed above has worked in resolving the App Store issue on your iOS device, there is a high chance that a software bug is behind the problem. But worry not, as the latest iOS updates often come with bug fixes and performance enhancements. So, updating the software can likely troubleshoot the problem.

Fix Can’t Buy or Download Apps Issue on iPhone and iPad

Well, there you have it! I hope one of the tips or workarounds above helped make the App Store functional on your iPhone or iPad. Since the above-mentioned tips are reliable in troubleshooting various App Store problems, there is a high chance that the smile is back on your face, and you can once again download thebest iPad gamesor updates to yourfavorite podcast app on your iPhone. By the way, which one of these tricks worked for you? Do not forget to let us know in the comments section below.

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.