Fix: iOS 17 App Store Not Working

The App Store is akin to a best friend for Apple device users and is an integral part of the iOS ecosystem. It allows users to easily download and install their favorite apps or games on their iPhone. It is the one-stop solution where users can keep their existing apps updated and discover new ones. The App Store is available on all Apple devices, including Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

As many know, access to various apps on Apple devices would be impossible without the App Store, as it is the exclusive means to install and purchase third-party applications on iPhones. So, if you encounter issues related to the App Store, there’s no need to panic. Recently, Apple released its latest iOS 17 version to all Apple devices, offering major upgrades to users. This latest version enhances device performance and fixes several issues and bugs.

However, with the latest iOS version, certain software faults and glitches have also emerged, causing inconvenience. If you have recently installed iOS 17 on your iPhone or iPad and are experiencing issues with the App Store, this guide is here to assist you. In this article, we’ll provide effective solutions to help you troubleshoot on your own, without the need for professional intervention. By carefully following the provided solutions, you should be able to regain access to the App Store. So, let’s delve in without further delay.

Possible Reasons Why iOS 17 App Store Not Working?

The malfunctioning of the App Store post the iOS 17 update can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, minor glitches within the App Store itself often hinder its proper operation on devices. Although iOS 17 brings several enhancements, it isn’t devoid of bugs and glitches.

Secondly, an unstable internet connection can also be the culprit behind the malfunctioning of the iPhone App Store. The App Store necessitates a stable and robust internet connection for access, hence ensuring connectivity is paramount. Additionally, there could be issues with the system software that might emerge post the update to the latest iOS version.

So, if you find yourself grappling with issues related to the App Store’s functionality, there’s no need for undue stress as you can troubleshoot most problems independently. Accessing the troubleshooting methods to resolve such issues is usually straightforward. Let’s delve into the troubleshooting strategies outlined in this guide to rectify the App Store malfunctions.

How to Fix iOS 17 App Store Not Working Issue

Several users updated their iPhone or iPad to the latest iOS 17 version and each user encountered a specific problem with their device. On the other hand, users reported the problem on several platforms including Reddit.

Therefore, if you are having a similar issue on an iOS 17 device, you may face trouble in operating such applications. Try these below solutions to resolve the problem on your iOS 17 device. Make sure to follow each and every step until or unless you find the perfect method. Let’s begin with the first solution.

Fix 1: Close and Re-open App Store

If the App Store is continuously crashing or not working, then you are unable to download apps or games through the App Store. In that case, try closing and re-opening the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Simply, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause gently to launch App Switcher. If you’re using your iPhone with Touch ID, double press the Home button to launch App Switcher.

Next, swipe up the App Store to close it from your recent taskbar. This will remove the app from running in the background process. Once you have removed the app, wait for a moment before opening the app. Afterwards, launch the App Store and check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 2: Check Your Internet Connection

It’s essential that your iPhone maintains a strong and stable internet connection to operate such applications including the App Store. Therefore, ensure to check whether your device is connected with the internet connection or not. Sometimes, an unstable internet connection can cause several issues with the applications and services.

Make sure the Data cellular on your iOS 17 device is turned on or either connected to a Wi-Fi network. In case you’re using a Wi-Fi network connection then ensure it is active and functioning properly. However, you can verify your internet connectivity by playing media content on the screen or visiting a preferred site using your device browser.

Alternatively, you can check the internet connection by visiting Fast.com site. This site allows you to check the current speed of your network on your device. In case the cellular data and Wi-Fi connection isn’t stable then you should restart your router if you’re using Wi-Fi on your device. Once you restart your Wi-Fi router, it potentially fixes the problem by refreshing the network connection.

Fix 3: Force Restart Your iPhone

This is one of the most powerful solutions that fixes several issues and glitches at a time. If the App Store is still crashing or not working on your iOS 17 device, then force restart your iPhone or iPad. This procedure allows your device to resolve any issues.

To force restart your iPhone, follow the steps below:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Then, press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Next, press and hold the Power button (side button) until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears on the screen.
4. Once the Apple logo appears on the screen, release the power button.

Once your iOS 17 or iPhone boots up, then launch the App Store and check if the issue has been resolved or not. If the issue still persists, try the next solution.

Fix 4: Toggle Airplane Mode

If you have tried the above solutions and it doesn’t do any trick, then try turning on/off Airplane mode as an alternate method. By attempting this method, all the wireless connection will be disabled which includes cellular data and Wi-Fi connections. On the other hand, this will restore the network settings and fix issues related to internet connection.

Simply open the Control Center and look for the Airplane mode icon. Next, tap on the Airplane mode icon to turn it on. Wait for a moment and then tap on it again to turn it on back. Alternatively, you can access the Airplane mode directly from the settings > Airplane mode. Tap on the toggle to turn it on and then wait for a moment. Afterwards, tap the toggle again to turn it on. Again, check if the issue has been resolved or not.

Fix 5: Check Cellular Data Access for App Store

Have you disabled Cellular Data access for the App Store accidentally on your iPhone? If so, then you won’t be able to access the App Store on your iOS 17 device with the cellular data. In that case, you will have to grant permission to utilize your internet connection on the App Store. Here’s how to do it.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on the App Store.
3. Tap on the toggle next to Mobile Data/Cellular Data to enable it.

Once you have grant permission, close the settings and launch the App Store. Here, check if the issue has been resolved or not. If the issue persists, try the next solution.

Fix 6: Try Disabling VPN

If you’re using any VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your iPhone then it may cause several issues with the device including the App Store not working issue. Generally, the VPNs transfer your data securely through a server. The best way to resolve the issue is to disable the VPN. Here’s how to disable VPN on your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Scroll down and tap on VPN & Device Management settings.
4. Select VPN on the screen at the top.
5. Finally, tap on the toggle next to Status to disable it.

Once you have disabled the VPN on your iPhone, then close the settings and launch the App Store to check whether the issue has been resolved or not. Follow the next solution if the issue persists.

Fix 7: Update Your iPhone

If you have recently updated your software version (iOS 17) to the latest one and then you start encountering an issue with the App Store, you should check for another update. Apple frequently releases updates to improve the overall performance of the device. It also fixes several software issues and bugs that usually happens once you have installed the stable iOS version. Make sure to check whether there is an update available on your iPhone. Here’s how you can check for software updates:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap on Software Update > Select Automatic Updates to ON. Once you enable this, the system will install updates automatically whenever it’s available.
4. Now, your device will also check for the available software update.
5. Download and install the update if available. (Enter the passcode to start the download process).
6. Once the update is finished, restart your iPhone to apply changes.

This may take some time, so have some patience. Once your iPhone successfully boots up then launch the App Store and check if the issue has been resolved or not. If the issue persists, try the next solution.

Fix 8: Reset All Settings

If you have tried the above solutions and it doesn’t work, try resetting all settings on your iPhone. Remember that, resetting the device settings won’t erase your phone data or files from your device. This simply restores the settings to their default state. It’s worth giving it a try. Here’s how you can reset all settings on your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Next, tap on Reset.
4. Tap on the Reset All Settings option.
5. Enter the passcode of your iPhone and tap on the Reset All Settings to confirm it.

Once you’re done with the reset process on your iPhone then close the settings and open the App Store to check if the issue has been resolved or not. Follow the next solution if the issue persists.

Fix 9: Check Content & Privacy Restrictions

The next thing you have to do is check the Content & Privacy Restrictions on your iOS 17 device. Sometimes the App Store isn’t working or not able to locate on iPhone, if you have accidentally disabled the Content & Privacy Restrictions in your Screen Time settings. Here’s how you can allow it on your iPhone settings:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Screen Time.
3. Then, tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Choose iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps.
5. Finally, select Allow to unblock the App Store.

If it’s already set as an Allow option, then try the next solution to resolve the App Store not working issue on your iOS 17 device.

Fix 10: Enable Location Services

You can also try to enable location services on your iPhone device to resolve the App Store not working issue on your iOS 17. Enabling the location services can easily detect the exact location as accurately. Here’s how you can enable it.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Privacy & Security settings.
3. Tap Location Services.
4. Finally, tap on the toggle next to Location Services to enable it.

Once you have enabled the location services on your iPhone then close the settings app and launch the App Store to check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 11: Try Signing Out of App Store

There might be a chance that there’s an issue with the App Store itself on your iOS 17 device. If you are unable to access the App Store or it keeps crashing then you should try signing out of the App Store to check if it’s working for you. By doing this method, then it will refresh the connection between the App Store and the device.

Here’s how to sign out of App Store and log back in on your iPhone:

1. Open the App Store on your device.
2. Tap on your profile icon at the top right corner.
3. Next, screen down to the end of the screen and then tap the Sign Out option.

You will have to enter your Apple ID password to sign out from the App Store. Once you’ll be logged out then the next thing you need to do is close the App Store and restart it. Afterwards, sign-in to your App Store by entering the credentials and you should be good to go.

Fix 12: Log Out of Apple ID and Log Back In

If logging out and logging back into the App Store doesn’t work for you, you should try logging out of your Apple ID and then log back in on your iPhone. The App Store can reintegrate with your iPhone if you log out of your Apple ID, removing any errors. It is necessary to take a backup of your iPhone data such as media, files, contacts and other prominent documents before leaving Apple ID.

Here’s how you to logout of Apple ID and log back in on your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap the Apple ID Menu (your Apple ID profile icon).
3. Scroll down to the last and tap the Sign Out option.

After tapping the Sign Out button, you will have to input your Apple ID password to remove your Apple ID. After successfully logging out, wait for a moment and then login to your Apple ID and then use the App Store to check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 13: Check Apple System Status

Have you checked the Apple system status? If not, then ensure to check the Apple system status on your iPhone. It could be possible that the App Store is not working on your iOS 17 device due to server problems. Most of the time, outages can help you in determining whether the issue is with your iPhone or with Apple’s servers.

Simply visit the Apple System Status page to see live updates regarding your iPhone services, including the App Store. In case the system page shows that the App Store is undergoing an outage (red dot near App Store), the App Store is probably under maintenance or outage. In these instances, the only thing you have to do is wait for Apple to fix the problem or until the server issues get fixed.

Fix 14: Perform a Factory Reset

If you have tried the above workarounds and all fails to work, you’ll have to perform a factory reset on your iOS 17 device. This is one of the most powerful methods that fixes several software issues and conflicts. Keep in mind that resetting the device will completely erase all the data including file, media, contacts and installed applications.

Make sure to take a complete backup of your iPhone before proceeding to the factory reset process. Once you’re ready with back up, follow the below steps to factory reset your iPhone device:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Next, tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Here, tap on Reset > Reset All Settings.
5. Enter your iPhone passcode and your iPhone will start the process automatically by itself.

This process may take a few minutes, so have some patience. Once the iPhone boots up, set up your iPhone by following the screen prompts. Hopefully, the issue has been resolved on your iPhone.

Note: If there is no update available on the screen, you will see the “iOS is up to date” message on the screen. This means you’re already running on the latest version.

Fix 15: Contact Apple Support

If none of the above-mentioned solutions helps you to resolve the App Store not working issue on your iOS 17 device, we suggest you contact the Apple support team for help. They will probably suggest you with their best troubleshooting methods and you can easily fix the issue.

However, the resources provided by Apple Support, including phone help, online support, in-store support, and mail-in repair. In addition, Apple Support offers specialized help for Apple products and services which you can easily contact them to share your problem you’re facing with your iPhone. By following their instructions, you can easily get back to using the App Store again on your iPhone. Enjoy the game by downloading from the App Store!

That’s it, guys. We assume that this guide was helpful to you. If you have any queries or questions, let us know in the comments section.