If your iPhone apps are acting buggy, missing features, or you just want the latest security fixes, updating them is usually the first thing to try. It is also one of the fastest ways to keep your phone running smoothly without extensive troubleshooting.
The good news is that updating iPhone apps is simple once you know where to look. In this guide, you will learn how to update apps manually, how to turn on automatic app updates, and what to do if an app will not update. Whether you are refreshing one app or updating everything at once, the process takes only a few taps.
Quick Summary
- Open the App Store and tap your profile icon.
- Scroll to see pending app updates.
- Tap Update next to a specific app, or Update All to install every available update.
- To make updates automatic, go to Settings > App Store and turn on App Updates.
Tutorial – How to Update iPhone Apps Manually
This section shows the standard way to check for and install app updates on an iPhone. Use it when you want to update one app, update everything at once, or confirm that no updates are waiting.
Step 1: Open the App Store
Unlock your iPhone and tap the App Store icon on your Home Screen.
After it opens, you should see the App Store main page with featured apps, games, and other content. If the App Store does not load correctly, wait a moment and try again, since slow connections can delay the page.
Step 2: Tap your profile icon
In the top-right corner of the App Store, tap your profile icon or photo.
You should now see your account page, which includes your Apple ID details and a list of apps with available updates. This is the place where iPhone keeps pending downloads and updates.
Step 3: Scroll to the Available Updates section
Look down the page for the section that lists apps waiting to be updated.
If updates are available, you will see app names with Update buttons next to them. If you do not see any apps listed, your apps may already be up to date.
Step 4: Tap Update next to a specific app, or tap Update All
To update one app, tap Update beside that app. To update every app at once, tap Update All if that option appears.
After you tap, the app will begin downloading the newest version. You may see a circular progress indicator or the app icon may briefly dim while the update installs.
Step 5: Wait for the update to finish
Let the app finish installing before opening it again.
When the process is done, the Update button should disappear. If you tapped Update All, the full list of pending apps should clear out once everything is installed successfully.
Step 6: Open the app and verify it works
Tap the app on your Home Screen or in the App Library to make sure it launches normally.
Most updates install quietly in the background. If the app opens without errors, the update is complete. If something looks different, that may simply be the new version at work.
Alternative Methods and Edge Cases
Not every iPhone setup is the same. Here are a few variations that can help if the main method does not fit your situation.
Turn on automatic updates
- Go to Settings > App Store.
- Under Automatic Downloads, turn on App Updates.
- This lets your iPhone update apps automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and power, depending on your settings.
Update apps using Search in the App Store
- If you are already on an app’s page, tap Open or Update there if the option appears.
- This is useful when you are checking a specific app and do not want to browse the full list of updates.
If the App Store shows no updates, but you think one exists
- Pull down slightly on the updates page to refresh it.
- Sometimes the list needs a manual refresh before new updates appear.
If you use an older iPhone or older iOS version
- The App Store layout may look a little different.
- Look for your profile icon or an Updates tab if your device uses an older interface.
If an app was removed from the App Store
- You may not be able to update it if the developer no longer supports it.
- In that case, the app may still work, but it could stop receiving fixes or new features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my iPhone apps not updating?
Common causes include a weak internet connection, low storage, Apple ID sign-in issues, or App Store glitches. Try restarting your iPhone, checking Wi-Fi, and making sure you have enough free storage.
Can I update apps without Wi-Fi?
Yes, if your iPhone allows app downloads over cellular data. Check Settings > App Store and review your mobile data settings. Keep in mind that large updates may use a lot of data.
Will app updates delete my data?
Usually, no. Standard app updates keep your settings, files, and account data intact. Still, it is smart to back up important information if an app stores critical content.
How do I know if an app is already updated?
If there is no Update button next to the app in the App Store, it is likely up to date. You can also open the app and see whether its features or interface have changed.
Why do some apps require me to sign in again after updating?
Some updates refresh login sessions for security reasons. If that happens, just enter your username and password again.
Can I stop automatic app updates later?
Yes. Go to Settings > App Store and turn off App Updates under automatic downloads.
Tips
- Keep Automatic App Updates turned on for fewer manual checks and better security.
- Update apps regularly, especially banking, messaging, and social apps, since those often get security fixes.
- Make sure your iPhone has enough free storage before updating, because failed updates often happen when storage is full.
- If you use a slow connection, plug in your iPhone and connect to Wi-Fi before updating large apps.
- After a major iOS update, check your apps again. Some apps need a fresh update to work properly with the new system.
- If an app crashes after an update, close it completely and reopen it before assuming the update failed.
Troubleshooting
App updates are stuck or frozen
- Try pausing the update by tapping the app, then resume it if possible. If that does not work, restart your iPhone and try again.
The Update button is missing
- The app may already be up to date, or the App Store list may need refreshing. Pull down on the screen to refresh, then check again.
Updates fail to download
- Check your internet connection, free up storage, and make sure you are signed in to the correct Apple ID.
The App Store keeps asking for a password
- Enter your Apple ID password, or use Face ID or Touch ID if your iPhone prompts you to do so. If the prompt keeps looping, sign out and back into your Apple ID in Settings.
An app still crashes after updating
- Delete and reinstall the app if your data is safely backed up or synced. If the problem continues, contact the app developer, since the issue may be in the app itself.
Automatic updates are not working
- Confirm that Settings > App Store > App Updates is enabled, and check that Low Power Mode or weak connectivity is not interfering.
Conclusion
Updating iPhone apps is quick once you know the path, and the App Store makes it easy to handle everything in just a few taps. Whether you update apps manually or let your iPhone do it for you, staying up to date helps with performance, bug fixes, and security.
If you remember one thing, make it this: open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and check for updates. That simple habit can save you a lot of frustration later.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.