iPad Unable to Download Apps? Try These 11 Fixes

Whether you're looking for games or utilities, the iPad App Store has it all: Facebook, Rope Rescue, Pokémon Masters, Uber, WhatsApp Messenger, TikTok, Instagram, Netflix, and many more.

However, the experience becomes frustrating when you are unable to download any apps (paid or free) from the App Store and see the message “unable to download the app”.

When you are unable to download apps on iPad, it gets unpleasant. Fortunately, you may resolve the “iPad unable to download app” issue by following the steps outlined in this guide.

Why is the App Store Saying “Unable to Download” on iPad?

Before jumping into the fixes, it’s essential to understand why your iPad might be unable to download apps. Here are some common causes why iPad can’t download apps:
⛔ Insufficient storage space.
⛔ Network connectivity issues.
⛔ Software glitches.
⛔ Apple ID, Payment, or App Store account issues.
⛔ Restrictions or wrong settings.

Now that we’ve explored the possible reasons why your iPad may be unable to download apps, let’s move on to the solutions.

How to Fix iPad Unable to Download App

The followings are some workable and effective solutions to fix iPad unable to download apps. Try them one after another, until your issue gets fixed.

1# Check Apple System Status

The first step is to check Apple System Status to ensure that the App Store is working properly. If you see a green light beside the App Store, proceed to the next solution to troubleshoot. Otherwise, you can use the link next to it to view the solutions supplied by Apple.

2# Check Network Connection

An unstable connection could be the primary cause of iPad not installing apps. To counteract this, you should monitor your internet connectivity, as instability can impair the downloading process. Furthermore, if you use cellular data for the installation, ensure that your network provider is functioning properly across your iPad. Any inconvenience can be a direct cause of the described problem.

3# Check iPad Storage Space

If there is nothing wrong with Apple server or network connection, the next step you can try to solve the issue may check the available storage space on your iPad. If your storage is nearly full, you’ll need to free up space by deleting unused apps, offloading app data, or removing unnecessary files such as photos, videos, or documents.

To check your iPad storage space, go to the iPad Settings app > General > Choose iPad Storage to check and manage your iPad storage space if needed.

4# Check App Downloads Restriction

If you fail to download app over 200MB on iPad, chances may be that your download settings restriction when using cellular data. You can follow the steps below to have a check.

Open Settings app on your iPad > Scroll down to locate and tap App Store > Tap App Downloads.

You are given three options, which are Always Allow, Ask If Over 200 MB, and Always Ask. To ensure a smooth download, you can choose Always Allow temporarily.

5# Pause & Restart App Download

You can try pausing and restarting the download to force the process using unconventional ways. To carry this out, follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Tap on the icon for a few seconds, and choose Pause Download from the window.

Step 2. Then, hold the icon again to open the options. Click on Resume Download to resume the process.

6# Check Apple ID Payment Methods

If you are unable to download apps on iPad because App Store keeps asking for verification, you may need to check or update Apple ID payment. Here are the steps you can follow.

Step 1. Open Settings on your iPad > Tap on [Your Name] > Choose Payment & Shipping.

Step 2. To update the billing information of an existing card, simply tap on the payment method, and click on Edit.

Step 3. Type in new billing information and tap on Done at the upper right corner to update the payment method.

7# Sign Out & In Apple ID

It's possible that your Apple ID is causing problems while installing an app on your iPad. To solve this, sign out and sign in with your Apple ID on the iPad. Before beginning this process, make sure you remember your password and have an iPad backup.

Go to the Settings app on iPad > Tap [your name] > Scroll down to tap Sign Out.

When asked, you need to enter your passcode to confirm the operation. Wait for seconds and minutes, and sign in your Apple ID.

8# Check Your Date and Time

One of the most important reasons your iPad won't download and install apps is that the date and time are incorrect. This can cause the App Store to malfunction and stop working properly.

To resolve this, enable the option to automatically set the date and time on the iPad by following steps:

Go to the iPad Settings app > Choose General > Locate and choose Date & Time > Choose Set Automatically from the options.

9# Reset iPad Settings

If you mistakenly changed your iPad settings, you will be unable to download apps from the App Store. So, try resetting all settings from iPad. This may fix the app download issue.

Open iPad Settings > Go to General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Choose Reset All Settings.

Enter your iPad passcode, and tap Reset All Settings again to confirm your operation.

10# Update to the Latest iPadOS

Ensuring that your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS can fix compatibility issues that might be preventing app downloads. To update your iPadOS:

Open Settings > Tap General > Select Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

Make sure your iPad is connected to a charger and a Wi-Fi network during the update process.

11# Fix All iPad System Errors via FoneTool [High Success Rate]

If you've tried everything and still can't download apps, it might be time to rely on a professional iOS system repairing tool to fix more complex issues with your iPad. Here we'd like to recommend FoneTool, a comprehensive system repairing tool for iOS devices. You can download FoneTool to your computer, and fix all iPad system errors that lead to iPad unable to download apps by following steps below.

Step 1. Connect your iPad to computer > Launch FoneTool, and click Toolbox > Go to iOS System Repair function.

Step 2. From the pop-up window, click iOS System Repair again >  Choose Standard Mode (no data loss) or Deep Mode (erase all data) as per your situation. (Remember to fully backup your iPhone if you choose Deep Mode.)

Step 3. Download a new version of the firmware file your iPad using > Finally, tap Start Repair to begin the troubleshooting process.

Summary

Experiencing issues with iPad unable to download apps can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the problem on your own. Hope these methods could help you get back to enjoying your apps in no time.

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your iPad continues to function smoothly and meets all your app needs.