Jiggy1965

Q: Automatic updates, but still incomplete downloads

In Settings > AppStore I've selected Automatic Updates. Thinking I wouldn't have to manually open the AppStore and manually update every App that needs updating.

 

But occasionally I open the AppStore and under Updates apps appear that are 'Incomplete Downloads'. Those I still have to manually update. This happens both on my iPhone (ios7) and iPad (ios9).

 

Why aren't all my apps updated automatically? Don't they download while my iPhone/iPad is in 'sleep mode'? Do I perhaps have to have the AppStore app running at all times? Why isn't it working like I expect it to?

iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Jul 11, 2016 7:15 AM

Close

Q: Automatic updates, but still incomplete downloads

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Jul 11, 2016 9:41 AM in response to Jiggy1965
    Level 4 (3,738 points)
    Apple TV
    Jul 11, 2016 9:41 AM in response to Jiggy1965

    Are you on WiFi when sleeping?

  • by Jiggy1965,

    Jiggy1965 Jiggy1965 Jul 11, 2016 12:29 PM in response to Diana.McCall
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Audio
    Jul 11, 2016 12:29 PM in response to Diana.McCall

    If you mean that either my iPhone or iPad stays on WiFi while sleeping, probably not? In Settings I've set both my iPhone and iPad to go to lock/sleep mode when inactive after 1 minute. And also my iPad has a cover and when I close that cover it automatically goes into locked/sleep mode. So that probably means it also goes of WiFi and won't continue downloading updates? Is that it? And can I set it somewhere then that while in locked/sleep mode it still stays connected to WiFi?

  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Jul 11, 2016 12:36 PM in response to Jiggy1965
    Level 10 (95,464 points)
    iPad
    Jul 11, 2016 12:36 PM in response to Jiggy1965

    Your iPad will stay connected to WiFi while sleeping. Automatic iCloud backups occur when the device is plugged into power, connected to WiFi and while the device is locked (asleep).

  • by Jiggy1965,

    Jiggy1965 Jiggy1965 Jul 11, 2016 12:41 PM in response to Demo
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Audio
    Jul 11, 2016 12:41 PM in response to Demo

    Ah, so it's probably that being not connected to power thing. I thought it downloaded automatically regardless whether it was connected to power or not. So not only iCloud backups, but also Automatic App Updates only occur when the device is connected to power, wifi and locked?

  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Jul 11, 2016 12:47 PM in response to Jiggy1965
    Level 10 (95,464 points)
    iPad
    Jul 11, 2016 12:47 PM in response to Jiggy1965

    What I am saying is that the device stays connected to WiFi while it is asleep. This is what Apple says about Automatic Downloads. Copied from here.

    Turn on Automatic Downloads - Apple Support


    More about Automatic Downloads

    • If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch has an Internet connection and you turn on Push Notifications, your content automatically downloads to your device. On an associated device that doesn't support Push Notifications, your content automatically appears in your iTunes download queue. You can manually download the content in iTunes.

    Frankly, and I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit this, I have no idea what Apple means by turning on Push Notifications. Where does one turn this on for Automatic Downloads or Updates?

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Jul 11, 2016 2:05 PM in response to Demo
    Level 4 (3,738 points)
    Apple TV
    Jul 11, 2016 2:05 PM in response to Demo

    Part of the confusion is because you didn't mention whether the iPad also has cellular. If it does, then it drops WiFi when sleeping. If it doesn't, it stays on WiFi. But in general, apps for which Background update is enabled will update when sleeping. The rest will only update when sleeping and charging. Background App Refresh is in Settings>General. Personally, I enable it only for apps with dynamic data, leaving the rest to the charge cycle.