If you're having trouble connecting to the App Store on your iPad, it could be for a variety of reasons. The Apple Server may be down, or maybe there are just some temporary glitches that will hopefully get fixed soon. If you can't access the App Store and can't update any of your apps, it means that something is wrong with your device. Luckily, there are a few things you can try and troubleshoot to solve this problem.
If the App Store won't open on your iPad, it probably means that something is blocking it. You may have apps that are currently not compatible with your iOS version (which is why they won't open), or you may have some viruses or malware on your device. As long as none of these things apply to you and your iPad, read on for some suggestions about how to fix "iPad Cannot Connect to App Store."
Note
- If you are not signed in successfully to your Apple account, your iPad won't be able to download apps.
How to Fix an iPad that Won't Connect to the App Store
Method 1: Change your Internet Connection
Consider changing the way you connect to the Internet. If you are connected to the Internet with Cellular service, switch to a WiFi connection.
You should also ensure that your iPad is connected to an active WiFi or cellular data network.
- If you are using WiFi: go to Settings > WiFi and make sure it is turned on.
- If you are using Cellular data: go to Settings > Cellular and make sure Cellular Data is turned on.
Method 2: Ensure Apple Servers are working
You can visit the Apple system page to check if the App Store services are down within your country or region. The green circle indicates that the service is working, while the orange triangle box indicates that there are some issues with the servers.
Method 3: Enable LTE (4G) (If your iPad supports Cellular Data)
You need a stable and fast Internet connection to connect and download apps from the App Store. Consider enabling LTE(4G) for a faster internet connection using cellular data. Navigate to Settings, tap Cellular Data, and make sure it is on. On the same screen, tap Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > select 4G.
Method 4: Set Date & Time
You can fix the problem by changing the Date & Time settings. Here is what you should do:
- Go to Settings, Tap General, and Tap on Date & Time
- Ensure the date and time are correct.
- Or, enable "Set Automatically."
Method 5: Reset Network Settings
One of the main reasons the iPad won't connect to the App Store is a poor or unstable internet connection.
- If a small WiFi sign in your notification bar isn't showing, your internet connection will be lost. Maybe you accidentally turned the WiFi off? If yes, turn it on.
- If not, go to your WiFi router. You need to check if the router has internet access. Usually, you can see that by just looking to see if there's a little light that's on. If not, you'll need to restart it. Just find its off button, click it, wait a few minutes and turn it back on. You'll need to wait for a while. If, by chance, you still don't have Internet, consider waiting a while or calling your network distributor to see what the problem is.
To reset your network settings:
Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Tap Reset Network Settings
If you have issues with your WiFi network and the solutions we just mentioned don't work, read the following article that offers additional workarounds: How To Fix an iPad That Won't Connect To WiFi.
Method 6: Restart your iPad
Press and hold the sleep/wake button or the Volume Down + Power buttons, drag the slider to power off your phone and turn it back on.
Method 7: Force quit the App Store App / Close and Reopen.
Sometimes, the apps can behave strangely and not work correctly. The App Store is no exception.
Method 8: Update your iOS
To update iOS, connect your iPad to a power source and a WiFi network, and then navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install.
Method 9: Turn off VPNs or VPN Apps
If you are using VPNs or VPN Apps on your iPad, try to turn it off for a while:
- Go to Settings > VPN
- Turn off VPN
- Try to reconnect to the App Store
If you have a third-party VPN app installed, consider disabling it.
Method 10: Sign out of Apple ID
Try to sign out of your Apple ID and sign in again. Make sure you are using the correct Apple ID.
Before you sign out of your Apple ID:
- Remember your password.
- Keep a copy of your data on your iPad if you have to.
- Sign Out, then Sign back in.
Navigate To
- Settings
- Tap on your Apple ID (Name) at the top.
- Scroll down to the bottom
- Tap Sign Out.
Method 11: Sign out from the App Store
Signing out from the App Store and signing back in can solve the problem. Follow the steps below:
- Navigate to Settings
- Next, tap on your Apple ID - Name (Usually at the very top)
- Tap Media & Purchases
- Tap Sign Out.
- Sign in again.
Method 13: Erase All Content
You can erase all content and settings on your iPad. Ensure you have a reliable backup before proceeding.
- Navigate to Settings >> General >> Transfer or Reset >> Erase All Content and Settings.
