Cannot update the App

Why can't I update an app?

We are not involved in the technical aspects of iOS devices, iTunes, Apple IDs, iCloud, and downloading. If you are having issues updating an app, we can offer you some tips. However, if your problem continues, you will have to contact iTunes Support, Apple Technical Support, or visit a local Apple Retail Store as they are best equipped to handle such issues.

IF YOU ARE HAVING ISSUES UPDATING AN APP, PLEASE TRY THE FOLLOWING:

Make sure you are logged into the same iTunes account that you used to purchase the app 

Although iTunes or your device may show an update is available, you need to be logged into the original iTunes account that you used to purchase the app to be able to download any updates. Be sure you are using the same itunes account. If the app was downloaded to iTunes on your computer, you can verify the iTunes account by opening the iTunes application, clicking Apps in iTunes" left sidebar, right-clicking on the app, selecting Get info, clicking the Summary tab, and then viewing the email address to the right of Account Name. This is the Apple ID that was used to purchase the app.

On a device go to the Settings App, select "iTunes & App Store", confirm that you are currently logged in and that the correct account is the one shown.

Alternately, you can check your iTunes purchase history to see if the account you are using was used to purchase an app. To view your purchase history, open the iTunes application on your computer, make sure you are signed in to your iTunes account, and then from the top menu, select Store > View My Account (your email)..., enter your username and password, and click the View Account button. Scroll down to Purchase History, and then click on See All. You can view your purchases by date. To see all the purchases on a certain date, click the small triangle to the left of the date.

Make sure you have restrictions turned off

iOS (the operating system that is on all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models) has restrictions that allow you to block access to various features, one of which is installing apps. If this is toggled OFF, you will not be able to download or sync apps. To enable installing apps, go to the Settings app on your device's home screen, tap General, scroll down, tap Restrictions, tap Disable Restrictions, and then enter your four-digit passcode. Then, make sure Installing Apps is set to ON.

If you are having problems syncing an app update, make sure the app is selected to sync to your device

To ensure an app is selected to sync to your device, follow these steps:

With your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch connected to your computer, click your device in iTunes' left sidebar, and then click Apps (which appears to the right of Summary) in the main iTunes window. Next, make sure Sync Applications is checked, along with the name of the app you are trying to update in your list of applications. Finally, in the bottom right hand of the iTunes window, click the Sync button to install the app update on your device. 

If you are updating an app directly on your device, make sure you are connected to WiFi

To make sure you are connected to WiFi, go to the Settings app on your device's home screen, tap Wi-Fi and make sure Wi-Fi is toggled ON and you are connected to a wireless network.

Try updating on a different internet connection

If you receive an iTunes error that you cannot download an app update at this time, you may consider bringing your device or computer to a location that has WiFi and try updating there. In addition, know that due to their size, many apps cannot be downloaded over a 3G cellular connection and must be downloaded directly to a device over WiFi or synced from a computer.

Make sure your device has enough free space to install an app update

As our apps take up about 100MB of space, it is best to keep about 200MB to 500MB of free space available on your device to install an app update. If you do not have this amount of free space, you will have to delete content from your device to make room available.

To view your device's free space from iTunes on your computer, connect your device to your computer, open iTunes, click your device's name in iTunes' left sidebar, and then check the Capacity bar at the bottom of the screen. 

To view your device's free space on the device itself, go to the Settings app on your device's home screen, tap General, tap About, and then view the amount to the right of Available.

Try restarting your device

To restart your device, hold its Home and Power buttons together until the Apple logo appears. Then try updating your app.

Although troubleshooting update problems can be difficult due to the wide range of factors at play, the above steps should be a good starting point in helping to resolve issues with updating an app. If you have any questions, feel free to email [e-mail], though Apple is ultimately the best resource for addressing update issues.