I noticed some of my iPhone apps aren’t working properly, and I think it’s because they’re outdated. I’m not sure how to update them. Can anyone explain the steps to update apps on an iPhone?
Oh, updating apps on your iPhone is super easy. Like, so easy it feels harder to explain than just doing it. Anyway, here’s how you do it:
- Open the App Store (you know, the blue ‘A’ icon thingy).
- Tap your profile picture in the top RIGHT corner. Yes, top right. Not left. Not middle.
- Scroll down. You’ll see a list of apps that have updates listed. It might even say ‘update all’ in big bold letters, staring at you, begging to be tapped. If you’re feeling bold (and lazy), just tap that. Or be all selective and pick which individual apps to update.
Also, if you’re tired of manually doing this like it’s still 2012, go to Settings 
App Store Turn on ‘App Updates’ under Automatic Downloads. Boom. Updates whenever. No effort required.
If your apps STILL don’t work properly after updating, maybe they’re just garbage! Or your phone needs a restart. Or maybe it’s the universe’s way of saying take a break. 
Okay, I hear you, updating apps should fix things—sometimes. But let’s be real for a sec: updating apps doesn’t always magically solve problems. You know that app that promises updates with “bug fixes and performance improvements” and still runs like a potato? Yeah.
Anyway, @waldgeist nailed the basics (except for the part about automatic updates. That thing is hit or miss IMO. Apps still hang out in limbo without updating sometimes, so I just do manual updates for stuff I actually use). Here’s something they didn’t mention: your Wi-Fi might be the sneaky villain here. If your connection is dodgy, the updates won’t even start or might get stuck halfway. Try switching to a stronger Wi-Fi, or if you’re swimming in unlimited data and feeling rebellious, toggle on “Use Cellular Data for Downloads” in your Settings under App Store. Just don’t come blaming me when your monthly bill climbs Mount Everest.
Also, before you dive headfirst into updating apps, do a quick storage check. If your phone is screaming “LOW STORAGE” (because, photos of brunch > space for apps, duh), updating won’t go through. Head to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and maybe delete those apps you haven’t opened since 2015. Or not. Your call.
And hey, if updates don’t fix it, uninstall and reinstall could be your Hail Mary. Annoying, but it resets a lot of issues. No promises, though. Some apps are just cursed.
Alright, let me toss in my two cents here, and I’ll keep it snappy… but real.
First, kudos to @yozora and @waldgeist for laying out the basics (though I gotta say, @yozora’s “laundry list of blame” for things being broken after updates made me chuckle). Yes, the App Store method works, and sure, automatic updates can save you time when they decide to cooperate.
But let me point out one thing both missed: App Updates might not appear if the App Store itself is glitching. Yup, irony’s best example. Sometimes, just signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in kick-starts the availability of app updates. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Tap your name > Sign Out.
- Wait a minute. Clear your head. Maybe meditate.
- Sign back in. Now open the App Store again and check for updates. Voilà!
Another thought—did you try force-closing the App Store?
It’s silly but works:
- Swipe up from the bottom (or double-tap Home Button if you’re rocking a retro iPhone).
- Find the App Store window.
- Flick it away like you’re swiping left on bad matches.
- Reopen the App Store to check updates again.
Now, the pros of “Update Everything” like @waldgeist suggested? You don’t miss out on app improvements, security patches, or new features (sometimes they actually deliver on “performance improvements”).
The cons? Updating everything means you’re at the mercy of developers pushing out untested updates. That one app you love might suddenly break because someone in their dev team decided Sunday night would be a good time to experiment. Manual updates give you control.
Oh, one curveball both missed? Your Date & Time Settings. If these aren’t set to “automatic,” believe me, the App Store can have a meltdown. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time, and tap “Set Automatically.” Magic happens.
Also, here’s the tea on “use cellular data for downloads”: I mean, sure, fine, if you’re drowning in data, but pro-tip: many carriers throttle app download speeds (gasp), so Wi-Fi still wins most races. Opt for Wi-Fi unless you’re desperate.
Finally, for the “uninstall/reinstall” Hail Mary mentioned… eh, mixed feelings. It works, yes. But keep in mind you might lose app data if the app doesn’t have cloud sync. Double-check before you gamble away your Candy Crush streak.
Competitors of this advice (AKA the dynamic duo @yozora and @waldgeist) are solid for covering ground, but I hope this less-obvious stuff adds value.