Cannot Connect to App Store on iPhone or iPad? Fix App Store Connect Issues

If you’re using the App Store on iPhone or iPad you may occasionally run into an issue where you see an error message upon launching the App Store that says “Cannot Connect to App Store”, rather than the typical App Store options you’d expect to see. This can be frustrating as an inability to connect to the App Store can prevent app downloads, app updates, and other App Store activities on iPad and iPhone.

This guide will walk through troubleshooting methods to resolve and fix a “Cannot Connect to App Store” error message seen on iPad or iPhone.

1: Retry Connecting

Typically when you see the “Cannot Connect to App Store” error message you will also see a ‘Retry’ button.

So the first thing you should do is tap on Retry button and see if that connects the iPhone or iPad to the App Store. If so, you’re good to go.

2: Confirm Active Internet Connection

Connecting to the App Store requires an active internet connection. Therefore you’ll want to confirm that your iPhone or iPad is connected to the internet either through wi-fi, cellular, personal hotspot via Bluetooth, or ethernet.

If you’re able to access other online services like websites, social networks, messages, etc, then the device is online.

3: Quit and Relaunch the App Store

Sometimes simply force quitting and relaunching the App Store can resolve issues with connecting to it.

So, quit out of the App Store, then relaunch it.

You can learn more about quitting apps on iPhone 11, XS, XR, X and force quitting apps in iPadOS if needed.

4: Make Sure Date & Time are Correct

Sometimes an iPhone or iPad can report an incorrect date or time, which can lead to all sorts of strange errors including problems connecting to the App Store. This usually happens if the devices battery runs to zero percent and is off for a while, but it can happen with other circumstances too, or if someone manually changed the time or date.

You want to make sure the date and time are accurate and correct.

Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure the date and time are set properly and to adjust as needed.

5: Reboot the iPad or iPhone

If your device is online, the date and time are correct, the App Store is online, and you’re still having issues, try rebooting the iPad or iPhone.

How to reboot a device differs per model:

For iPhone 8, X, XR, XS, 11, 11 Pro and newer, and iPad Pro and newer with Face ID; press Volume Up, then press Volume Down, then press and hold Power button until you see an  Apple logo on the screen
For iPhone and iPad models with a pressable Home button: Hold down Power and Home button until you see an  Apple logo on the screen

You can get specific instructions for each device at the links below if you need further detailed walkthroughs for this procedure:

6: Make Sure App Store is Online

Rarely, the App Store servers go down on Apple’s end. This does not happen often, but when it does it can cause issues with connecting to the App Store.

You can check to see if Apple online services are online or are down rather easily using their online portal.

7: Update to the Latest iOS / iPadOS Version

Sometimes updating to the latest available system software version can resolve issues with App Store connectivity, particularly if you’re running a much dated version and your device supports a later iOS or iPadOS release.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update to see if a software update is available for your iPhone or IPad.

Don’t forget to backup to iCloud, iTunes, or Mac before starting any software update.

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Did these troubleshooting steps reconnect your iPhone or iPad to the App Store and fix the problem? Did you find another solution for the ‘Cannot Connect to App Store’ error on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch? Share your experiences, tips, and tricks with us!

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