8 Fixes for Slow App Store Downloads and Updates on iPhone and iPad
Slow App Store download speeds can dampen your experience, especialy when you want to install a new app or update an existing one. Sometimes the App Store downloads crawl at a snail’s pace or get stuck altogether, making you wonder whether you need to fix the mobile data or Wi-Fi network. We have compiled some useful tips to fix slowApp Store downloads on your iPhone or iPad.
Table of Contents
1. Restart Your iPhone or iPad
Restarting your iPhoneor iPad is an effective way to fix various issues, including slow app downloads. Doing so will terminate all running apps and system processes, giving your device a fresh start.
On your iPhone, press and hold the side and volume button until the power slider appears. Drag the slider to right and wait for your iPhone or iPad turn off completely. Then, press and hold the side button to turn it back on.
Similarly, you canrestart your iPad. After that, download or update apps from the App Store to check if the speeds are still slow.
2. Run an Internet Speed Test
This may seem obvious, but it’s a good idea to check your internet speed before trying other advanced tips. If your device’s Wi-Fi or cellular signal strength on your device is poor or inconsistent, it may affect the download speeds.
Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad andrun a quick internet speed test. If there’s a problem, switch to a faster, more reliable internet connection and see if that helps.
3. Free Up Storage Space
Insufficient storage space on your iPhone or iPad can lead to sluggish performance and affect App Store download speeds. It’s best to keep at least a few gigabytes of free storage available on your device to avoid any slowdown or lag.
To check the storage status, open theSettingsapp and head toGeneral > iPhone Storage(iPad Storage).
Ifthe storage is full, consider deleting a few apps or large files. Following that, the App Store will download and update apps faster on your iPhone or iPad.
4. Prioritize App Download
When multiple app downloads or updates are in progress, you can prioritize the one you need most urgently. This can reduce the wait time, enabling you to access your desired app or game instantly.
On your home screen, locate the app or game you need urgently. Long press on its icon and selectPrioritize Downloadfrom the resulting menu.
5. Sign Out and Sign In
Another way to fix slow app downloads is to sign out of the App Store and sign back in. This will address any minor account-related issues that might be causing the problem.
Open theApp Store, and tap yourprofile iconat the top right corner. Scroll down to tapSign Out.
Sign back into the App Store and download or update apps again.
6. Switch to a Third-Party DNS Server
By default, your iPhone uses the DNS server provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, if that server isn’t working properly, apps may take longer than usual to download. you’re able to tryswitching to a more reliable DNS serverto make apps download faster on your iPhone or iPad.
1.Open theSettingsapp on your iPhone and navigate toWi-Fi.
2.Tap theinfo iconnext to your Wi-Fi network and tapConfigure DNS.
3.SelectManualand tapAdd Server.
4.Type in the DNS server IP address you wish to use. To use Google’s DNS server, type8.8.8.8in the text field under DNS servers section. Then, tap onAdd Serveragain and type8.8.4.4.
5.Tap thered minus iconon the left of the old DNS server and selectDelete.
6.TapSaveat the top right corner.
Restart the App Store and check if the download speeds have improved.
7. Temporarily Disable VPN
When you use a VPN connection, the service routes traffic through various servers. This can potentially slow down your overall internet speed and impact the App Store download speeds. you’re able to disable your VPN connection temporarily and see if that makes any difference to download speeds.
8. Check the App Store Server Status
There might be more people who experience slow App Store downloads on an iPhone or iPad. So App Store servers may be facing an outage.
You canvisit Apple’s System Status pageand check if there’s a widespread issue with App Store servers. If there is, you need to wait for Apple to fix the issue.
No More Waiting
Pankil Shah
Pankil is a Civil Engineer by profession who started his journey as a writer back in 2016. He joined TechWiser in March 2021 as a freelance writer to cover buying guides, explainers, and tips & tricks for Android, iOS, Windows, and Web.
