Adding new apps to your iPad Pro is typically done by simply tapping some App Store options. But then again, there are some factors that can make such a simple process a bit more complicated. Network connectivity issues, server downtimes, invalid settings and other even some malwares may halt your App Store downloads.
To give you some inputs on how to deal with this issue, I’ve mapped out some of the most applicable procedures and possible solutions for you to try on. Keep reading to learn what to do if your iPad Pro is suddenly unable to download new apps from the App Store.
For those who are looking for a solution to a different problem, drop by our troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common issues with this phone. Browse through the page to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work for you or if you still need our help, contact us anytime through our iPad issues questionnaire.
How to troubleshoot iPad Pro 2018 that can’t download new apps
Before troubleshooting, check your Internet connection. App Store downloads do require a fast and stable Internet connection, preferably through Wi-Fi. Another thing to check is the storage or memory status of your device. You won’t be able to download new apps and contents if your iPad storage is already running low or insufficient. If Wi-Fi and storage space aren’t a problem, then you can try these subsequent methods to rule out other software-related factors from the underlying cause.
First solution: Quit App Store then restart.
If it suddenly occurs on your iPad Pro to fail downloading new apps, then this may be just a random application glitch that can be remedied by clearing the app. Thus, you should consider it as the first potential solution to try. Here’s how it’s done:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the Home screen and then pause slightly in the middle of the screen.
- Then swipe right or left to navigate through the app previews.
- Swipe up on the App Store card/preview to close it.
If you see any other apps that are left suspended in the background, follow the same steps to clear them all. Clearing all background apps will prevent any other apps from interfering with your App Store downloads.
If restarting the App Store and clearing background apps failed to fix the problem, then try doing a soft reset on your iPad Pro. This will help clear accumulated cache from the App Store and phone memory including corrupted data.
To determine if the problem is isolated to an app, try download other apps. If you can download other apps, then it’s an isolated issue with the previous app you are trying to download and not with your iPad Pro.
ALSO READ: How to fix delayed touchscreen response on your Apple iPad Pro 2018 [Troubleshooting Guide]
Second solution: Refresh your Internet connection.
There are many ways to refresh your Internet connection. You can start from the main source, which is the wireless router or modem. You can also use the Wi-Fi and Airplane Mode toggle on your iPad Pro.
If you can access your wireless router/modem right now, then turn it off for a few seconds and then back on again. You can directly unplug its AC adapter from the power source to turn the router/modem off completely. Then plug it back in and turn on again.
After restarting the router/modem, restart or soft reset your iPad Pro to clear and refresh its memory. Doing so will likewise clear out random system errors including those affecting network services.
To refresh Wi-Fi connection on your iPad Pro, navigate to Settings-> Wi-Fi menu, then tap the switch to turn Wi-Fi OFF. After a few seconds, toggle the switch to turn Wi-Fi ON again.
Alternatively, you can use the Airplane Mode toggle. Here’s how it works:
- Navigate to Settings-> Airplane Mode menu.
- Toggle the switch to enable Airplane Mode. Doing so disables wireless radios of your iPad Pro including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
- While Airplane Mode is enabled, restart your iPad Pro or perform a soft reset.
- The head back to Settings-> Airplane Mode menu, then toggle the switch to turn Airplane Mode off again.
Reconnect your iPad to Wi-Fi and once the Internet resumes, launch the App Store and try downloading apps again.
Third solution: Disable restrictions on your iPad Pro.
App Store downloads and in-app purchases won’t be available if your device is restricted to do so. To make sure that this isn’t what’s impeding App Store from downloading apps, follow these steps to manage your iPad Pro restrictions and App Store settings:
- Tap Settings from the Home screen.
- Tap on Screen Time then tap Continue.
- If prompted to choose from either “This is My [Device]” or “This is My Child’s [Device].”
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- If restrictions are enabled for the App Store, then try to disable it. You may have to enter your passcode to confirm. Just follow the onscreen prompts to proceed.
If you don’t want to completely disable restrictions on your iPad, then you can remove restrictions for iTunes & App Store purchases instead.
To see if your iPad is set to prevent iTunes & App Store purchases, go to Settings-> Screen Time-> Content & Privacy Restrictions menu, then navigate to iTunes & App Store Purchases. Check and ensure that the options for Installing Apps and In-app Purchases are set to Allow. Otherwise, tap to allow these options.
After making all these changes, restart your iPad and then retry downloading new app from the App Store.
Fourth solution: Update your iPad to the latest iOS version available.
Updating your iPad Pro to the latest iOS version may also solve the problem if system bugs are to blame. Updates usually contain fix patches to address bug-inflicted issues affecting iOS devices. If your iPad Pro has stable access to Wi-Fi internet, then you can check for new iOS version available for your iPad Pro.
- To do so, head over to Settings-> General-> Software Update menu.
If an update is available, you will see a notification containing the update details and relevant information. Read and review the message then follow the onscreen prompts to download and install update on your iPad Pro.
After updating, restart your iPad to refresh its memory and to implement the recent system changes. Then head back to the App Store and try downloading and installing the desired application.
Fifth solution: Reset all settings on your iPad Pro.
Customized settings can also affect the device’s overall functions. If you were able to download apps until you altered some of your iPad settings, chances are that incorrect settings are preventing your device or the App Store from downloading apps. To clear this out, wiping the previous customized options and restoring the default values and settings on the iPad Pro is recommended. Here’s how it’s done:
- From your Home screen, tap on Settings.
- Select General.
- Scroll down to and then tap on Reset.
- Select the option to Reset all settings.
- If prompted, enter your passcode then follow the onscreen instructions to confirm network settings reset.
After the reset, original values and default options are restored. This denotes the need for you to re-enable individual features and device options. Features that are disabled by default must also be enabled manually so you can use them again on your iPad Pro.
Other options
If none of these methods is able to solve the problem and you still cannot download new apps to your iPad Pro from the App Store, then you can try using iTunes instead. If you have a computer that has the latest version of iTunes app, then you can use it to manually download apps to your iPad Pro. To get this done, the computer must be connected to the Internet. Once you’re all set, connect your iPad to the computer using the Apple-supplied syncing cable or Lightning cable, open iTunes on the computer, then follow the onscreen commands to download and install new apps. You can also try using iTunes alternatives to serve the same purpose. There are a lot of iOS data management tools you can download and install on your computer. You may resort to using these tools if all else failed to solve the problem.
For more advanced solutions and workarounds, contact your carrier or Apple Support.
I hope that we’ve been able to help you fix the problem with your device. We would appreciate it if you helped us spread the word so please share this post if you found it helpful. Thank you so much for reading!
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