User profile for user: chrisfromcincy
chrisfromcincy Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Unable to Download App Error

When I try to download a new app or an update in the app store, I often get "Unable to Download" errors on my iPhone Xs. I always click "Retry." Sometimes that works; other times I get the warning a second or third time. It looks like the download starts (the "circle" animation starts over the app icon), but then the error pops up. Eventually, the app or update will download, but sometimes only after I click "Retry" 4 or 5 times.


These errors can get very annoying when I am downloading multiple updates- I have gotten the errors 15+ times in such situations. I had the same problem with my iPhone 7. This happens regardless of whether I am downloading over cellular or WiFi. I am running iOS 12.3.


I may have missed it, but I don't see another thread on here with this exact issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

iPhone XS, iOS 12

Posted on Jul 1, 2019 4:51 AM

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User profile for user: manisha_77
manisha_77
User level: Level 1
74 points

Posted on Jul 1, 2019 4:54 AM

Try the following steps to fix the problem. After each step, check whether you are still having this problem.

  1. Simply double tap the icon of the app that you are unable to download and wait for a few seconds. Your download should resume.
  2. Tap Settings > General > Date and Time > Set Automatically > and slide to turn off “Set Automatically”. Manually set the date one year ahead. Now try to re-download the apps. If you get an error message, go back to turn on “Set Automatically” then try to download the apps again.
  3. Restart your iOS device. Simply press and hold the on/off (sleep/wake) button until you see the red slider and slide the slider to turn your device off. To turn back on, press and hold the on/off button until the Apple logo appears.
  4. Settings > iTunes & App Store > Your Apple ID > Sign Out. Restart your device, then Settings>iTunes & App Store>Sign in and then try again.
  5. Tap Settings > Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi off and then on again.
  6. Reset Network Settings by tapping Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings, and then your iOS device will restart. Note that will reset all network settings including your Wi-Fi passwords.
  7. Reset your iOS device by pressing and holding the sleep/wake button and the Home button together until you see the Apple logo.


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User profile for user: manisha_77
manisha_77
User level: Level 1
74 points

Jul 1, 2019 4:54 AM in response to chrisfromcincy

Try the following steps to fix the problem. After each step, check whether you are still having this problem.

  1. Simply double tap the icon of the app that you are unable to download and wait for a few seconds. Your download should resume.
  2. Tap Settings > General > Date and Time > Set Automatically > and slide to turn off “Set Automatically”. Manually set the date one year ahead. Now try to re-download the apps. If you get an error message, go back to turn on “Set Automatically” then try to download the apps again.
  3. Restart your iOS device. Simply press and hold the on/off (sleep/wake) button until you see the red slider and slide the slider to turn your device off. To turn back on, press and hold the on/off button until the Apple logo appears.
  4. Settings > iTunes & App Store > Your Apple ID > Sign Out. Restart your device, then Settings>iTunes & App Store>Sign in and then try again.
  5. Tap Settings > Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi off and then on again.
  6. Reset Network Settings by tapping Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings, and then your iOS device will restart. Note that will reset all network settings including your Wi-Fi passwords.
  7. Reset your iOS device by pressing and holding the sleep/wake button and the Home button together until you see the Apple logo.


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User profile for user: narrniah
narrniah
User level: Level 2
246 points

Jul 1, 2019 5:04 AM in response to chrisfromcincy

First, I suggest updating your software. The current version is 12.3.1. For all things to function as they should, it is recommended that we keep our software up-to-date. Of course, it is always a good idea to back up your data before updating your software because there is always a potential for data loss.


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203977

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204


Next, try to download the app again. If the error message remains, either restart your device and try again OR sign out in settings>restart your device>sign back in, then try to download the app.


*Are you using only cellular to download the app? If so, try connecting to wifi.

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Unable to Download App Error

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