How to Fix Can’t Connect to App Store on iPhone

Want to know how to fix the cannot connect to App Store on iPhone error? 

The App Store on Apple devices is the only place from where users can download and update apps. Unlike Android users that have the option to also download APK files from the internet, an iPhone user can only utilize the App Store for downloading and managing their apps, etc.

Oftentimes, a bug or glitch in the software or a poor internet connection can cause the App Store not to work. In such instances, you will come across the errors like Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone or Your Account Has Been Disabled in the App Store and iTunes. This will cause hindrance in downloading, installing, or uninstalling apps. So, what should you do if you’re in a similar condition? 

In this guide, we’ll go over a few different fixes to help you get your App Store back to running. All you have to do is read all the way to the end and try different approaches until you find one that works for you.

So, let’s get right into it!

1. Ensure You Have A Strong Internet Connection.

One of the primary reasons you’re unable to connect to the App Store on your Apple device is a poor internet connection. As the App Store needs a strong connection to work, an area with an unstable internet connection may not be able to load the app. 

Therefore, a great way to fix your issue is by ensuring you have a strong internet connection. If you can’t connect to the App Store while being on Wi-Fi, switch to mobile data and vice versa. 

Here’s what you need to do: 

  1. To start, go to the Settings app from your iPhone.
  2. Then, select Wi-Fi.
iPhone settings
  1. After that, turn off the toggle for Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi settings on iPhone
  1. Next, go back and tap on Cellular.
  2. Finally, turn the toggle on for Cellular Data.
cellular data setting in iPhone

Once done, head to the App Store to check if you’re still seeing the Can’t Connect to App Store error. If so, the problem may not be in your internet connection. If that’s the case, move to the next method to resolve it. 

2. Check If App Store Is Working In Apple Services. 

If there are no connectivity issues from your side, the problem may lie within the server, which is preventing you from accessing the App Store. In such a situation, all you can do is wait till Apple officially addresses the problem, which should happen soon.

Here’s what to do to check if there’s an outage for an Apple service:

  1. Head over to the Apple System Status page. 
Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone
  1. Now, look for the App Store, which is the first service on the list, and check if it’s available or if there’s an outage in your area. 

3. Re-Login to App Store.

If there is a bug in the App Store causing the connectivity issue, logging out of it and then logging back in may be able resolve the issue. This method is simple, and doesn’t require much effort to follow. 

Here’s all that you have to do:

  1. To begin, go to the Settings app on your device.
  2. Now, tap on your Apple ID Profile
Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone
  1. After that, select Media & Purchases.
Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone
  1. Then, tap on Sign Out. This will log you on from the App Store
sign out option for Apple ID
  1. Lastly, log back in by using your Apple ID credentials. 

4. Update to the Latest iOS.

If you cannot connect to App Store on iPhone, one reason may be an outdated iOS version. Apple sends out a software update once in a while to get rid of any glitches within the operating system. So, check and install the available update, if any. 

To install the latest iOS version, follow the steps below:

  1. Firstly, head over to the Settings app from your Apple device. 
  2. Next, tap on General.
  3. Then, select Software Update
software update on iPhone
  1. If you come across a pending update, tap on Download and Install

After your iOS is updated, go back to the App Store and check if it connects. If you’re still facing the same issue, continue to the following method. 

5. Clear App Store Cache. 

All the apps on your device store cache files to help make them perform faster on subsequent use. However, if your cache is full or corrupted, it may cause your app not to work properly. In such cases, clearing out the cache will refresh your app and fix the connectivity issue. 

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Begin by going to the App Store.
  2. Next, tap on any one tab from the bottom ten times in a row. This will clear out the cache stored in your App Store
Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone
  1. Now, open the App Launcher by pressing the home button twice. 
  2. Swipe up on the App Store to remove it from the background apps. 
  3. After that, go to the App Store again and check if it loads or not. 

6. Check Date & Time Settings. 

Another reason for not being able to connect to the App Store is an incorrect date and time. Some users have been successful in connecting to the app after fixing their date and time settings. 

Follow these steps below to do it:

  1. Start by going to the Settings app.
  2. Then, select General.
  3. After that, tap on Date & Time.
Date & time settings in iPhone
  1. Now, turn the toggle on for Set Automatically if it’s not on already. 
Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone

Switching your date and time to Set Automatically ensures that your date and time are always correct so that your device does not encounter any problems.

7. Reset Network Settings.

Another way to troubleshoot the Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone error is by resetting the network settings. This will set all your network settings to default. So, if the App Store is not connecting on your device, you may as well give this method a try. 

Here’s what you should do:

  1. From Settings, select General.
  2. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
General settings in iPhone
  1. Now, select Reset and then Reset Network Settings
Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone
  1. Then, confirm by tapping Reset Network Settings

7. Contact Apple Support.

If all of the methods mentioned above fail to resolve your problem, head over to Apple Support to inform them about your connectivity issue. Hopefully, they will assist in tackling the issue.

This brings us to the end of our guide on how to fix the Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone error. We hope by now you’ve been successful in resolving the issue by following one of the many fixes mentioned above. If you have further queries, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll try our best to provide further assistance. 

If this guide helped you, please share it. 🙂

Author

  • Aimen Choudhry

    Aimen Choudhry is an architecture student who has always been fascinated by science. She now finds her therapy researching and writing about the latest technology and the issues that come alongside. Otherwise, you’ll find her playing video games, listening to music, or watching fantasy/sci-fi movies.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *