The App Store is a trustworthy source for downloading apps on iPhones and iPads. App’s App Store refreshes on a daily basis, thus providing users with access to thousands of apps and games. However, in some cases, the App Store may not work as expected and display the “Cannot Connect to App Store” error message. This prevents you from downloading and updating apps.
If you are one of those users who cannot connect to the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, we have gathered all the possible fixes in the section below. Before trying to do anything, try restarting your device to see if it’s fixed. If it does not, read on.
Method 1: Check Your Wi-Fi or Cellular Data
One of the first things you need to do is to check your Wi-Fi or cellular data on your iPhone or iPad. In rare cases, your device fails to connect to your Wi-Fi network or cellular data even if you see the Wi-Fi icon at the top of the screen.
To check if your device is connected to a network, try playing a video in the YouTube app or visiting a webpage using Safari. If the internet is not working on your device, try the following solutions:
- Restart your router. Restarting your router should get the internet working properly. To do it, power off your router and turn it back on.
- Try a different network. If restarting your router won’t help, switch to a different network, as you may be on a restricted Wi-Fi network.
- Change your iPhone or iPad’s DNS settings. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Tap on the blue “i” icon > Configure DNS > Manual > Save.
- Enable cellular data for App Store. Open Settings > Cellular > Make sure the App Store toggle is enabled.
Method 2: Force Quit the App Store app
If the problem persists, the next solution is to force quit the App Store app as the problem may be with the app itself. To do it, open the App Store app, and tap one of the options from the navigation bar at the bottom. Keep doing it at least 10 times until you see the content shows up.
Method 3: Quit and Relaunch the App Store app
If none of the above solutions works, the problem may be with your device’s memory or software glitches. If this is the case, try force-quitting the app. To do it, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to trigger the App Switcher, then swipe up on the App Store app to close it. Now, relaunch the app to see if it works again.
Method 4: Disable VPN
VPN is a great tool for hiding your IP address when you are online. However, it may prevent you from accessing the App Store. If you now have a VPN enabled, try turning it off. In fact, you should see the VPN icon at the top of your iPhone’s screen when a VPN is active. Open your VPN app and disable the connection.
Method 5: Ensure Your Date and Time Are Correct
The App Store may not work if your date and time are wrong. To check the date and time, head to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure the Set Automatically toggle is enabled.
Method 6: Reset Network Settings
This is one of the last resorts for getting your App Store working again. To do it, open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Doing so will erase all current network settings while your data is safe. However, we recommend you have a backup of your iPhone or iPad before proceeding.
Nothing Works. Now What?
If nothing works, your device might have a hardware issue. In this case, contact Apple and ask for help. If you are under warranty, Apple will take care of your device.
