There are few pleasures in the modern world that compare to a freshly updated iPhone application. An app update holds all of the promise of innovative new features and improved performance but sometimes the pleasure is delayed. Every iPhone user can identify with the disappointment that comes when an app update stalls or fails. If your application is updating for more than 15 minutes then you know that something must be done. There are various reasons why this might happen and, fortunately, just as many ways to fix this problem. The following tips and tricks are meant to help you find your way through a frustrating application update crisis. It is likely that one of these fixes will have you enjoying your favorite app in no time.
The normal waiting time for an iPhone application update is a few minutes. If your application is in the 'waiting' stage for more than 15 minutes something must be done.
An obvious mistake, that we have all been guilty of, is leaving your iPhone on airplane mode. Airplane mode disconnects the iPhone from every wireless connection. Without an internet connection your phone can not download an application update. The quick fix to this problem is to enter iPhone 'settings' then 'airplane mode'. If airplane mode is on then shut it off and check if you can establish a strong internet connection.
An application that is slow to download can be the result of a weak or lost connection. The connection must be strong and stable to download an application update. Move to another area, or try another network to gain a better connection. This quick fix may allow your device to download the update quickly.
Sometimes the application itself has trouble in the download process. Deleting the application and reinstalling it may fix the problem. To do this just press your finger down on an app until every application wiggles. Click the small 'x' in the top right corner of the stuck application and this will delete it. Then search for the application in the iPhone app store and reinstall.
Applications can also be deleted by using iTunes. To do this you should open iTunes on your computer and click on the 'apps' page. Right click on the app and click 'delete'. After this is complete you can download the application again from your iPhone.
Sometimes an application update will not download because there is not enough space remaining in the iPhone's storage. You can check how much storage you have left by clicking on 'settings' followed by 'storage'. This will show you how much memory your phone has available for storage. It will also show you how much storage is left in your iCloud. This will also show you how much space is occupied by applications and photos/videos as well as how much memory each application uses. There are a few ways to clear out space on your iPhone in order to download new application updates.
Deleting applications that you do not use is the first step to take. Applications occupy a lot of space on an iPhone. Your iPhone's space is to valuable to waste on things that you don't use.
Managing photos and videos is another way to clear up space. Most people have a plethora of photos and videos on their iPhone. the first step is to go through the photos and videos and delete any ones that you don't mind losing. if you require more space you can move photos and videos to the cloud. Data that you send to the cloud is stored on a separate server and therefore frees space on your phone. The photos and videos are readily available in the cloud, so you won't lose them, and while in the cloud they take up no space on you device.
Many people do not realize that text messages take up space on iPhones. Long text conversations can occupy a large amount of space on your phone. Deleting the long chains can free up a large amount of space on your phone. That space can be used to download more applications and updates.
Large files such as books, audiobooks, podcasts, and music also rob your iPhone of valuable space. The good thing is that you can free the memory without losing the media. These files can also be stored on the iCloud and downloaded again whenever they are desired.
Software is the code that tells a computer, or iPhone, what to do. When there is a problem within that code many things can go wrong, including application update failure. There are a few potential fixes for software problems.
This simple solution is often the answer to application updates that will not download. Sometimes a reset fixes the software problem by correcting the code of instructions. To restart your phone hold the power button until a sliding button appears on the screen. Slide the button over and when the phone has shut down turn it on by pressing the power button again.
Sometimes a simple restart does not fix the problem. When this is the case you should try a hard reset. A hard reset can be performed on early model (before iPhone 7) by holding the 'power' button and the 'home' button down at the same time. A hard reset on an iPhone 7 can be performed by holding the 'volume' button and the 'power' button down at the same time and then release them. An Apple logo will appear and your phone will restart.
If none of these methods are effective your next move should be to reset your iPhone settings. To do this click on 'settings' then 'general' followed by 'reset'. Then choose 'reset all settings'. This maneuver will return your iPhone to the settings it had when you bought it, or when you downloaded the latest software update. This method is not preferable but it is sometimes necessary.
If all else fails you will have to back up and restore your iPhone. This can be done using a few different methods. One way is to do a Default Firmware Update (DFU). This update can be performed by the layperson but may best be left to the an Apple genius. Confirm that any important data is saved, including photos, videos, etc. and restore the phone completely, essentially wiping it clean.
It is worth noting that, though unlikely, the failure of the update to download may be caused by the app itself, or possibly the iTunes store. A good way to check if there is something wrong with the application. The App store allows you to contact the app developer for support and to inquire if the application is indeed at fault. To utilize this feature go to the App store and click on the 'Updates' tab. Click on the tab of the application that is waiting to update. Tap on the reviews tab and scroll down to 'App Support'. They will be able to rule out the possibility of a failing App.
Apple also provides a website that you can check to see the status of the App store. Though it is unlikely that either of these are the case, both are possible and should be checked if you are finding it difficult to fix the application that is waiting to update.
In an increasingly technological world people often become frustrated when their devices do not work as they should. Many people have felt the aggravation associated with an application update that will not download. Even an ingenious device such as an iPhone may malfunction once in a while. When they do it is important to know how to fix them. One of these methods, listed from basic to complicated, is sure to fix the issue on your iPhone.
