🛠️ HowToFixNow

Apps Not Updating: What to Do on Android and iPhone

Updated on 4/25/20262 min readHowToFixNow

Apps on your phone not updating? Let's see how to fix on Android and iPhone.

Quick fix (TL;DR)

  1. Check Wi-Fi connection
  2. Free device storage (at least 1-2 GB)
  3. Clear Play Store cache (Android) or force close App Store (iPhone)
  4. Restart phone

On Android: Play Store not updating

Step 1 — Check connection and settings

Open Play Store → Profile → Settings → Network preferences → Auto-update apps:

  • Verify it's set to "Over any network" or "Over Wi-Fi only"
  • If "Don't auto-update", enable it

Step 2 — Clear Play Store cache

Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear cache. Repeat for Google Play Services (clear cache only, not data).

Step 3 — Check storage

You need at least 1-2 GB free. Free space if needed.

Step 4 — Update manually

Play Store → Profile → Manage apps and device → Updates available → Update all.

Step 5 — Check Google account

Profile → Switch account → re-login with main account.

On iPhone: App Store not updating

Step 1 — Check settings

Settings → App Store:

  • Enable App Updates
  • Verify cellular downloads allowed if not always on Wi-Fi

Step 2 — Force close App Store

Double swipe up → swipe App Store up. Reopen.

Step 3 — Verify Apple ID

Settings → [your name] → verify Apple ID is active. If you see access requests, complete them.

Step 4 — Update manually

App Store → tap your profile (top right) → scroll to Available Updates → "Update All".

Step 5 — Apple ID country change

If you moved or have regional issues, in Settings → [name] → Media & Purchases → View Account → Country/Region verify it's correct.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ❌ Don't install updated APKs from unofficial sources: security risk
  • ❌ Don't disable Play Services: blocks entire Google ecosystem
  • ❌ Don't delete Apple/Google account without backup: lose purchases and app data
  • ❌ Don't use lesser-known "alternative stores": often unsafe

When an app is really broken

Sometimes an app update introduces bugs. If new app version is unstable:

  • Android: in Play Store settings, if update is optional, you can wait for next patch
  • iPhone: contact developer via App Store

Frequently asked questions

Why does an app say 'pending' in Play Store?

Slow download queue, weak connection, or insufficient storage. Clear Play Store cache or restart.

Should I update apps?

Yes, updates often contain important security fixes plus new features.

Can I update apps on mobile data?

Yes, but consumes a lot. Set 'Wi-Fi only' in Play Store / App Store preferences.

An app is no longer available in my country: what to do?

Check regional settings. For removed apps no official alternative: search alternatives in store.

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