How to Fix the Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone and iPad

The App Store is a huge collection of high-quality games and apps for iOS devices, and now and then we discover apps that change the way we use our iPhones and iPads. Unfortunately, what we also find now and then are a few issues with the App Store. One we recently bumped into, was the error of ‘Can’t Connect to App Store’ on iPhone iPad.

If you are facing the problem as well, then you are in the right place. In this article, we want to show you numerous methods using which you can fix the problem on your iPhone and iPad. Before we get to that, let us understand why we see the message ‘Can’t Connect to App Store’ on iPhone and iPad.

Why Can’t I Connect to the App Store on iOS

Here are some of the possible reasons why the App Store won’t load on your iPhone and iPad.

• You are facing an issue with your internet connectivity.
• You might have a few problems with your Apple ID if the App Store is not working.
• There is a bug that is affecting the App Store application on your iPhone and iPad.
• App Store might be facing a downtime.

In the next section of the article, we’ll elaborate on the above reasons and help you fix the issue at the earliest.

iPad or iPhone Won’t Connect to App Store: How to Fix the Issue

Here are ten ways to fix the error message ‘Can’t Connect to App Store’ on iPhone and iPad. Let’s begin.

1. Restart App Store

Temporary glitches within the App Store app may prevent you from accessing and connecting to it on your iPhone and iPad. Rule that out by force-quitting and re-opening the app.

Start by opening the App Switcher. If your iPhone/iPad supports Face ID, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause for a moment to bring it up. If not, double-press the Home button instead.

Once you close the app, open the App Store app from your App Library once again.

2. Check Internet Connectivity

Using the App Store to explore the library and download the apps requires a stable internet connection. Hence, make sure you have connected your iPhone/iPad to a good Wi-Fi network.

However, if you are downloading an update using cellular data, make sure that you have an active mobile data plan.

3. Check Cellular Data Permissions for App Store

If you are not able to connect to the App Store while using 4G/5G, then you must confirm that the app has the permissions required to use cellular data. Here’s how you can do it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Tap on Cellular.

Step 3: Scroll down and ensure that the toggle is enabled for App Store.

4. Check if the App Store Is Down

The App Store app may also run into download issues if there are problems on the server side. You can check if that’s the case by heading over to Apple’s System Status page.

5. Sign Out and Sign In to Apple ID in the App Store

If there is any bug that is associated with your current login session on the App Store, signing out of your Apple ID will help. Here’s how you can do that and sign in afresh to the App Store on your iPhone and iPad.

Step 1: Open the App Store app.

Step 2: Tap on the Profile Picture icon.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Sign Out.

This will sign you out from the App Store. Once you sign out, enter your Apple ID and Password to log in again.

6. Disable VPN

A VPN is a private connection that routes incoming and outgoing internet traffic through a private server. However, the VPN that you might be using could be slow or facing an outage.

If you are trying to use the App Store on that VPN and it does not work as expected, your best bet to fix the issue is to ensure you are not connected to any VPN.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and select General.

Step 2: Tap on ‘VPN & Device Management’.

Step 3: Ensure that the status says ‘Not Connected’ meaning you are not connected to a VPN service.

7. Check Date and Time Settings

A mismatch in the date and time on your iPhone or iPad might cause network connectivity issues. Here’s how you can check the date and time on your iPhone or iPad and correct it accordingly.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and select General.

Step 2: Now, select ‘Date & Time’.

Step 3: Turn on the toggle for ‘Set Automatically’.

8. Restart iPhone and iPad

If you see the ‘Can’t Connect to App Store’ message, try restarting your iPhone/iPad. Your iPhone/iPad might be affected by a bug that is running in the current session. Once you turn off your device it closes all the elements and operations including the bug.

Once you turn your iPhone/iPad on, the chances of the bug restarting are slim. You can try downloading podcast episodes without any issues. Therefore, restarting your iPhone/iPad will help you fix the issue.

Step 1: First, shut down your device.

• On iPhone X and above Press and hold the volume down and the side button.
• On iPhone SE 2nd or 3rd gen, 7, and 8 series: Press and hold the side button.
• On iPhone SE 1st gen, 5s, 5c, or 5: Hold the power button at the top.
• On iPad: Press and hold either the volume button or the top button.
• On iPad With Home Button: Press and hold the top button.

Step 2: Now, drag the power slider to turn off the device.

Step 3: Next, turn on your device by pressing and holding the power button on your iPhone.

9. Update iPhone or iPad

This problem might be caused due to some bugs on your device too. If the bug that causes the ‘Can’t Connect to App Store’ on iPhone and iPad is widespread, Apple will certainly release an update. Here’s how you can check for an update on your iOS device.

Step 1: Open the Setting app.

Step 2: Tap on General.

Step 3: Tap on Software Update.

Step 4: If you are already on the latest update, your iPhone/iPad will show that you are. If not, you will get an option to update your device.

10. Reset Network Settings

You should consider resetting the network settings on your iPhone/iPad if you continue to experience persistent connectivity issues with the App Store app. You won’t lose any data, but you will have to set up your Wi-Fi connections from scratch.

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Tap on General.

Step 3: Tap on ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.

Step 4: Tap on Reset.

Step 5: Now, tap on ‘Reset Network Settings’. Enter the password if prompted.

If you have any further questions, you can take a look at the FAQ section below.

FAQs on Unable to Connect to App Store on iPhone and iPad

Download Your Favorite Apps and Games With Ease on iOS

Not being able to download apps and games is quite a frustrating problem. Therefore, we hope this article helps you easily fix the ‘Can’t Connect to App Store’ error on your iPhone and iPad. However, if you are not able to fix the problem at all, you can contact Apple’s customer support and they will be able to help you out.