Many people face this issue: An app on their iPad won’t update, or software gets stuck during download. Here are some reasons for this problem and ways to fix it.
You can apply these solutions on an iPad running iPadOS 13 or iOS 12.
Reasons why an iPad might not update
Often, if your iPad can’t update software, it might be due to an authentication issue. This means the App Store might not recognize you.
Sometimes, your iPad might be busy downloading other updates or apps, so your update has to wait. Once in a while, your iPad might even forget about the app you’re trying to update.
When you’re trying to update the software on your iPad and it’s not working, it’s usually because the iPad is having trouble knowing who you are. This can happen if the App Store is having problems recognizing your iPad.
Sometimes, it’s because your iPad is busy downloading other updates or apps at the same time. Your update might be queued up and waiting its turn. Occasionally, your iPad might just forget about the app you’re trying to update.
How to Repair an iPad That Won’t Update
These methods have been found effective in resolving issues with software updates on iPad:
- To make an app update if it’s stuck, you can restart it. Sometimes, the download stops because it takes too long. You can get the iPad to start the download again by opening the app once more. When you tap on an app that’s waiting to download, the iPad will try to download it again. This can help get things moving and update the app.
- To resolve the issue of your iPad freezing downloads due to authentication problems with the App Store, you can try a simple fix. First, attempt to download a different free app from the App Store. This action prompts your iPad to authenticate again. Once the new app is successfully installed, check if the previously stuck app or update resumes downloading. This method essentially kickstarts the authentication process, resolving the freeze on downloads.
- Try signing out and then signing back into your Apple ID. If downloading an app to go through the authentication process doesn’t help, this might work. Go to Settings on your iPad, tap your username, then tap Sign Out. Follow the instructions to sign out. To sign in again, go to Settings, tap Sign in to your iPad, then enter your Apple ID and password.
- Try turning off your iPad and then turning it back on again. This often helps fix many problems, like updates that don’t work or take too long.
- If an app won’t update, try deleting it and then downloading it again. Don’t do this if the app saves important stuff, like notes or drawings. Some apps save data on iCloud, so deleting and re-downloading them is safe. But if you’re not sure, don’t delete the app.
Once the download finishes, you might have to log in to the application.
- If resetting the settings doesn’t fix it, you might need to reset the iPad completely. This will restore it to how it was when you first got it. Then you can put back all your stuff from the backup you made.
Warning: Consider if updating the app is worth it. Deleting the app and starting fresh might be a better choice. If you reset your iPad, make sure to back up to iCloud. This will let you restore your data and apps later.
- Try restarting your Wi-Fi router if it’s having trouble connecting to the internet. This can help fix issues with your iPad downloading updates. Routers handle many devices and have a firewall, which might cause confusion. Turn off the router, wait a minute, then turn it back on. Once all the lights are on again, connect your iPad to Wi-Fi and check if the download starts.
- To reset an iPad’s settings, it’s not the same as restoring it to factory settings. It won’t erase everything. Instead, it removes network settings, keyboard words, Home screen layout, location, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards. Resetting settings won’t delete your apps, files, music, videos, passwords, or data.
Before you reset the device settings, make sure to back up your iPad.
