Apps for your iPad get frequent updates. By installing app updates, you can access more features, and enjoy improved performance. You can download app updates through the App Store, and even set iPad to download updates automatically.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Checking for App Updates
Step 1. Connect iPad to a wireless network
To check for and download app updates, your iPad must be connected to the internet. If your iPad has a 4G connection, you can use that data network to download updates, but app updates will consume data.
To connect iPad to a wireless network, open the Settings app, then tap "Wi-Fi"
Step 2. Tap the App Store icon on any of the iPad home screens
This icon may also be in the Utilities folder.
Step 3. Tap the "Updates" tab in the lower right corner of the screen
You'll see the numbers in the tab. The number that appears indicates the number of available app updates.
Step 4. Tap "Update" next to the app name to start downloading the update
The app you selected will go into the download queue. At one time, there will be several applications that are updated.
Step 5. Tap the "Update All" option at the top left corner of the screen to install all app updates
All available app updates will be queued.
Step 6. Wait for the app update process to complete
While an app update is being downloaded, the app icon will turn gray, and you'll see a download progress indicator. Once the app is finished updating, the icon will return to normal, and you can use it as usual.
Step 7. Retry installing the failed update
Often, the "Update All" function cannot update the entire application. Because of this, apps that fail to update will still show an "Update" button. You can tap the "Update All" button again, or tap the "Update" button to the right of each app.
Step 8. Troubleshoot while updating apps
You can try the following steps if the app can't be updated:
- Double-tap the Home button to open the app switcher, then swipe the App Store window up to close the app. Return to the home screen, then open the App Store. After that, try downloading the update again.
- Restart iPad. Press and hold the Power button until the power slider appears on the screen. Slide the switch with your finger, then wait for the iPad to turn off. Restart iPad, then try downloading the update.
- Perform a hard reset on the iPad. If you still can't update apps, try doing a hard reset to clear the cache. Press and hold the Power and Home buttons until the iPad turns off, then hold down both buttons until the Apple logo appears. After the iPad restarts, try downloading the update again from the App Store.
Method 2 of 3: Enabling Automatic Updates
Step 1. Open the Settings app
You can turn on automatic updates to have iPad automatically download and install available app updates.
Automatic updates will not occur if your iPad is in power saving mode
Step 2. Select the "iTunes and App Store" settings at the bottom center of the menu
Step 3. Slide the "Updates" option to the "On" position
This option will set iPad to automatically download app updates as they become available, and once iPad connects to the wireless network.
Step 4. Connect the device to the charger
When iPad is connected to a wireless network and a charger, app updates are downloaded automatically.
Method 3 of 3: Prioritizing Updates (iOS 10)
Step 1. Firmly press the app in the download queue using iPad Pencil
This gesture is known as a force press. The 3D Touch function is only available on iPads with iOS 10 and above, and can only be activated with iPad Pencil. Just firmly press iPad Pencil on the app waiting to be downloaded.
Step 2. Select "Prioritize Download" from the menu that appears
The app will move to the second top of the update queue, after the app currently being updated.
Step 3. Wait for the previous app download to complete
The process of downloading the application you selected will begin immediately after.
