Apps won't install or update on wifi

Question

Level 1

9 points

Apps won't install or update on wifi

Hi everyone,

I'm having an issue at the moment where apps just will not update or install when connected to a WiFi network but are fine on mobile data.

I open the App Store and go to update one of the apps based on the notifications but all I get is the spinner. Same with installing new apps. I get the circle with the stop button but no progress whatsoever.

However if I switch to mobile data then the downloads start immediately. It's as if the WiFi connection can't connect to Apple servers. Along the same vein, I cannot check for iOS updates. I simply get the error message

Unable to check for update. An error occurred while checking for a software update.

This has happened across multiple WiFi networks, in different locations, and I've asked a number of people who all have the same issue.

I've tried resetting network settings, modifying DNS and using static IPs but to no avail.

I'm on a UK iPhone 6s, iOS 9.2.1.

Device bought directly through Apple.

Any help would be appreciated.

iPhone 6s, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Mar 14, 2016 10:24 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Purewill

Level 1

21 points

Jul 16, 2016 3:31 PM in response to Chandler3224

I had the same issue when I'm using Wi-Fi. No problem with cellular data. I got it resolved by changing the DNS to 8.8.8.8 which is a Google DNS. Just go to Settings>Wifi>NameOfWifi>DNS.

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Answer 2

Chandler3224 Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 14, 2016 10:39 AM in response to ManSinha

Hi ManSinha,

Yes, everything is good for WiFi. Seemingly the only things that are affected are the Software updates and App Store downloads.

All apps have fine connectivity as do other stock apps.

I've tried signing out of the App Store then back in but it doesn't seem to change anything.

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Answer 3

Jan 25, 2017 2:22 PM in response to ManSinha

Thanks or your reply. This post is almost a year old but I was having the same issue of not being able to access and/or update apps over wifi in the App Store.

Did a backup and restore and everything is working fine now.

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Answer 4

ManSinha

Level 6

12,171 points

Mar 14, 2016 10:33 AM in response to Chandler3224

Other than the downloading of apps - does WiFi work for other stuff like email, surfing and streaming?

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Answer 5

ManSinha

Level 6

12,171 points

Mar 14, 2016 10:43 AM in response to Chandler3224

Settings - Cellular - Use Cellular data for

Turn it off for the App store

Then see if the updates can be forced through WiFi

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Answer 6

Chandler3224 Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 14, 2016 10:58 AM in response to ManSinha

This is an interesting one.

Done. As expected all App Store downloads stopped for mobile data. However they remained the same on wifi too. No activity, though only when I'm actively in the App Store. The moment I press the home button and go back to the home screen the download/install happens immediately.

Just to reiterate. I start the download in the App Store and watch it prepare but it doesn't move. At all. I press the home button and go to the home screen and the install is immediate.

Edit: actually it seems like it depends on the App now? Some install now but others don't.

On 128Gb iPhone, plenty of space left.

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Answer 7

Mar 14, 2016 11:04 AM in response to Chandler3224

Hi

Go to itunes main page bottom of page apple ID sign out then sign back in .

That may help .

Cheers

Brian

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Answer 8

ManSinha

Level 6

12,171 points

Mar 14, 2016 11:08 AM in response to Chandler3224

Sorry - are you saying the download worked on WiFi when you navigated away from the App store?

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Answer 9

Chandler3224 Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 14, 2016 11:09 AM in response to Briansyddall

Just tried it, same problem.

I've only just noticed but an update for TeamViewer is now showing as "open" yet it is a pending update. I tap into updates and it flashes from Update to Open. The App Store notification still appears on the icon.

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Answer 10

Chandler3224 Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 14, 2016 11:12 AM in response to ManSinha

It did briefly work, yes. Navigated away from the App Store and the download started. However the problem has now returned.

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Answer 11

ManSinha

Level 6

12,171 points

Mar 14, 2016 11:18 AM in response to Chandler3224

I wonder if something on your phone is interfering with the App store functioning

Nuclear option:

Back up to iTunes

Restore as new

See if the problem resolves

If it does - restore backup

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Answer 12

Chandler3224 Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 14, 2016 11:20 AM in response to ManSinha

Good call. I'll give that a go tonight and report back. Thanks.

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Answer 13

Chandler3224 Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 26, 2016 4:42 PM in response to Chandler3224

Hi all. Doing a full reset and restore via iTunes seemed to have solved the issue. Thanks for all of your help.

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Answer 14

ManSinha

Level 6

12,171 points

Mar 26, 2016 4:54 PM in response to Chandler3224

You are most welcome

Please let us know of any issues or questions

(1238)

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Answer 15

Hypercid

Level 1

4 points

Jul 16, 2016 10:28 AM in response to Chandler3224

I Have the same issue, I tried factory resetting my iPhone, it didnt work. Also tried making a new Apple ID didnt work. Even when you try to restore the back up after the favtory reset, the apps wont install.

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