iPad has pending updates, even with Automatic Downloads on

Question

Level 1

9 points

iPad has pending updates, even with Automatic Downloads on

The Problem

Whenever I go to use my iPad, it informs me that I have a large number of "pending updates," and it asks me if I want to download them over Cellular. My iPad is on Wi-Fi -- which is working fine, and it does not have cellular capability, so there is no reason for it to ever ask me if I want to download things that way. Ultimately, I have to update everything manually in the App Store.

The Details

My device is consistently on home Wi-Fi, and this is working fine.
My device does NOT have cellular capability.
I have Automatic Downloads ON for everything except for Music.
I have tried rebooting my device. It did not fix the problem.
My phone doesn't seem to have the same problem, but unlike the iPad, it is set to "Use Cellular Data."

The Question

How do I get Automatic Downloads to automatically download app updates like it's supposed to?

iPad (4th gen) Wi-Fi, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Jul 6, 2016 10:13 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Jul 7, 2016 4:51 AM in response to Malkyne

Some app updates only download when the iPad is connected to the charger and sleeping. Do you ever sleep the iPad while charging?

Also, updates are sometimes blocked because you haven't accepted new iTunes T&C, but that's usually a one-time thing following a system update.

Also, check Settings>General>Background app refresh.

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Answer 2

sberman

Level 10

272,802 points

Jul 6, 2016 11:17 PM in response to Malkyne

Read this article very carefully:

Turn on Automatic Downloads - Apple Support

I notice two major points that might pertain to you:

"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."
"Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store and turn Use Cellular Data on or off."

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Answer 3

Malkyne Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 15, 2016 8:27 PM in response to sberman

1.) As far as I can tell, I have Push Notifications on for everything that allows me to have them on (including the App Store).

2.) That setting doesn't exist, if your device doesn't support cellular (which mine doesn't).

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Answer 4

Malkyne Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 15, 2016 8:40 PM in response to Diana.McCall

Yes, I leave my iPad plugged in quite often (because it complains about not being able to back up, if I don't).

I'm aware of the Terms and Conditions issue (the frequent T&C updates drive me bats), but this is happening even when that's not the case.

Settings>General>Background app refresh is on.

One weird side-note: Sometimes when this happens, manual Updating doesn't seem to work very well. I ask it it update things, and it just gives up. It fails silently, with no explanation, returning to an "Update" button. There's nothing wrong with the wifi connection -- I seem to be able to use other networked applications just fine.

I'm wondering the auto-updater just gives up at any small sign of adversity.

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Answer 5

Malkyne Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 18, 2016 6:56 PM in response to Diana.McCall

Addendum: I didn't want to sound like I'm shooting down everyone's ideas. Per Diana's suggestion, I've started plugging it in every time I'm not using it, to see if I ever see the pending downloads message afterwards, when I come back to it. I'll check back in with my results.

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