Keeping your apps updated is crucial for ensuring they run smoothly, securely, and with the latest features. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to manually or automatically update apps on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
How to Manually Update Apps on iPhone and iPad
To manually update apps on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
- Open the App Store: Tap the App Store icon on your Home screen or App Library.
- Access Your Profile: Tap your profile picture at the top-right corner of the screen.
- Refresh the Account Screen: Pull down the Account screen to refresh it.
- Find Available Updates: Scroll down to the Available Updates or Upcoming Automatic Updates section.
- Update Apps: Tap Update next to an individual app to update it, or tap Update All to update all applications at once.
Quick Access to Updates
For a quicker way to access the updates section, touch and hold the App Store icon on your Home screen or App Library and select Updates.
How to Automatically Update Apps on iPhone and iPad
Automatic app updates are enabled by default, but you can toggle this feature on or off as needed:
- Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Navigate to App Store Settings: Scroll down and tap App Store.
- Toggle Automatic Updates: Enable or disable the switch for App Updates under the Automatic Downloads section.
How to Manually Update Apps on Apple Watch
Updating apps on your Apple Watch can be done directly from the watch:
- Open the App Store: Press the Digital Crown to see all your apps and open the App Store.
- Access Updates: Scroll down or use the Digital Crown to go to the bottom of the screen and tap Account, then tap Updates.
- Update Apps: Tap Update next to an app to update only that app, or tap Update All.
Note on Apple Watch Updates
If you have installed the watchOS version of an iPhone app, it updates automatically when you update the iOS app. However, if you encounter issues where the Apple Watch App Store shows “No Updates” despite pending updates, it may be more reliable to update Apple Watch apps using your iPhone or enabling automatic updates.
How to Automatically Update Apps on Apple Watch
Automatic app updates are also enabled by default on Apple Watch, but you can manage this setting:
-
From Your Apple Watch:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap App Store.
- Enable or disable Automatic Updates.
-
From Your iPhone:
- Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
- Tap App Store from the My Watch section.
- Toggle Automatic Updates on or off.
Additional Tips for Troubleshooting App Updates
If an App Won’t Update
If an app doesn’t update automatically, try updating it manually by following the steps above. If that doesn’t work, ensure your payment method is up to date:
- Check Payment Method: Open Settings, tap your name, then Media & Purchases, and View Account. Sign in if prompted and manage your payment methods.
Prioritizing Downloads
If multiple apps are updating at once, you can prioritize the download of a specific app:
- Prioritize Download: Tap and hold the app icon, then choose Prioritize Download.
Restart Your Device
If all else fails, restart your iPhone and try updating the app again. This often resolves any issues with app updates.
By following these steps, you can ensure your apps are always up to date, whether you prefer the convenience of automatic updates or the control of manual updates.