How to Activate Auto Apps Updates on AppStore on iPhone?
Are you tired of manually updating your apps every time a new version is released? Activating automatic updates on your iPhone’s App Store is a simple process that ensures your apps are always up-to-date with the latest features and security patches, without any effort on your part. This comprehensive guide will walk you through enabling this convenient feature and troubleshooting common issues that might prevent it from working smoothly.
Why You Should Enable Automatic App Updates
Before we dive into the steps, let’s explore why automatic updates are so beneficial. When enabled, your iPhone silently updates all your installed apps in the background. This means you never have to manually approve each update or even open the App Store. You get:
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Enhanced Security: Many app updates include critical security patches that protect your personal data from new threats.
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Latest Features: Experience new functionalities and improvements as soon as developers release them.
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Bug Fixes: Automatic updates resolve known app issues, leading to a smoother and more stable experience.
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Time Savings: Eliminate the routine task of manually checking and installing updates for dozens of apps.
Step-by-Step: How to Turn On Automatic App Updates?
Enabling automatic updates is a straightforward process that takes just a few taps. The location of this setting has moved slightly in recent versions of iOS. Here’s how to find it :
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Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
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Scroll down and tap Apps (in iOS 16 and later). In earlier iOS versions, you might find “App Store” directly in the main Settings list.
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Tap App Store.
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Scroll down to the “Automatic Downloads” section.
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Turn on the toggle next to App Updates .
Once this toggle is green, your iPhone will automatically download and install app updates whenever they are available.
See it in Action:
You can watch our YouTube video to visually learn how you can activate auto updates of apps.
Adjusting Download Preferences
For the best experience, you should also configure how these updates are delivered:
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Wi-Fi vs. Cellular Data: By default, automatic updates require a Wi-Fi connection to avoid using your cellular data . You can enable updates over cellular by turning on “Automatic Downloads,” but this is generally not recommended due to potential data charges and slower download speeds .
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App Downloads Setting: If you want the option for larger apps to update over cellular, ensure your “App Downloads” setting is set to “Always Allow” instead of being limited to smaller file sizes .
Also checkout: Revive Your iPhone: Resetting Network Settings Explained
Troubleshooting: What to Do If Automatic Updates Don’t Work
It’s a common frustration: you’ve turned on automatic updates, but you still find a long list of pending updates in the App Store. If this happens, don’t worry. Here are the most effective solutions, curated from Apple Support communities and official documentation.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Low Power Mode | Turn off Low Power Mode (Settings > Battery), which disables background updates like automatic app updates . |
| Problematic “Stuck” App | A single app failing to update can halt the entire queue. Manually update all apps; if one fails, delete and reinstall it . |
| Screen Time Restrictions | Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases. Ensure “Installing Apps” is set to “Allow” . |
| Outdated iOS Version | Update your iPhone’s software (Settings > General > Software Update). An outdated OS can cause various glitches, including issues with the App Store . |
| Phased Rollout by Developers | Apple staggers app releases over 7+ days. An available update may not be pushed to your device automatically yet . |
| Offload Unused Apps Feature | This setting can remove unused apps, disrupting the update process. Check Settings > App Store to turn “Offload Unused Apps” off . |
Additional Quick Fixes to Try
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Restart Your iPhone: A simple restart can resolve many temporary software glitches.
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Check Your Apple ID: Sign out of your Apple ID and then sign back in (Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out). This can refresh your connection to the App Store .
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Check Date & Time: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and ensure “Set Automatically” is turned on. An incorrect time setting can interfere with App Store functionality .
How to Manually Update Apps?
While automatic updates are convenient, sometimes you might want to trigger updates yourself—for instance, if you hear about a critical bug fix. Here’s how to do a manual update :
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Open the App Store on your iPhone.
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Tap your profile picture or icon at the top right of the screen.
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Scroll down to see the “Available Updates” section.
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To update a single app, tap Update next to it. To update everything at once, tap Update All.
Enjoy a Seamlessly Updated iPhone
Setting up automatic app updates is one of the easiest ways to maintain your iPhone’s health and performance. By following the steps above, you can ensure your device stays current with minimal effort. If you encounter persistent issues, the troubleshooting tips provided should help you get back on track. Now, sit back, relax, and let your iPhone take care of the rest.
