iPhone apps not downloading or updating? 7 fixes to try

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

An app stuck on "Waiting" or "Loading", or an update that never starts, is usually caused by a weak connection, a payment problem on your Apple Account, or a full iPhone.

Step by step

1. Check your internet connection

   Open a website in Safari. If it does not load, fix the Wi-Fi first or switch to mobile data.

   Done

2. Prioritise the download

   On the Home Screen, touch and hold the app that is waiting. From the menu that appears, choose Prioritise Download.

   Done

3. Restart the iPhone

   Turn the phone off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on. Then check whether the download continues.

   Done

4. Add a payment method

   You may need a valid payment method on your Apple Account even when the app is free. Open Settings, tap your name, tap Payment & Shipping and add or update a card.

   Done

5. Fix a billing problem

   A message such as "billing problem with previous purchase" or "verification required" means an earlier payment failed. Update the payment method in the same place, and downloads start working once the unpaid order is settled.

   Done

6. Check free storage

   Open Settings, General, iPhone Storage. If the phone is nearly full, delete something large and try again.

   Done

7. Update the app by hand

   Open the App Store, tap your profile picture at the top, scroll to the waiting updates and tap Update next to the app.

   Done

Good to know

In some countries and regions you have to confirm that you are an adult before you can download certain apps. Follow the prompt in the App Store.

A child's iPhone with Ask to Buy switched on waits for a parent to approve each download.

If nothing helps, contact Apple Support. The problem may be with the Apple Account and not the phone.

In American English the menu item is spelled Prioritize Download.

In short: Check Wi-Fi, touch and hold the app and choose Prioritise Download, restart, check the payment method.