Losing access to the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device can be incredibly frustrating. The App Store allows you to download essential apps and games, so not having it can severely limit the functionality of your device.
The easiest way to get the App Store back on an iPhone, iPad, or Android device is to check for any software updates and install them if available. Also try restarting your device to refresh the operating system. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reset app permissions or do a factory reset to wipe your device completely.
Thankfully, there are several methods you can try to get the App Store back up and running. Continue reading next to learn how to get the app store back.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store is necessary for downloading apps on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Losing access to it can severely limit your device’s functionality.
- Simple issues like network connectivity problems or outdated software are usually the cause of App Store problems. Checking Wi-Fi, restarting your device, and installing updates can often resolve them.
- Restrictions and content filters set by parents, schools, or organizations could be blocking the App Store. You’ll need to disable those restrictions or contact the administrator.
- As a last resort, contact Apple or Google support for additional troubleshooting help if you can’t regain access on your own.
How to Get the App Store Back
The App Store is a great way to download new apps and games for your iPhone or iPad. However, sometimes problems can occur with the App Store, such as the app icon disappearing or apps not downloading properly. If you’re having problems with the App Store, there are a few things you can try to fix them.
First, check your Home Screen and App Library to see if the App Store icon is simply missing. If it is, you can add it back to your Home Screen from your App Library. If you’re using Screen Time, make sure that the App Store is not blocked. You can also try restarting your device or resetting your Home Screen layout.
Follow the methods given below.
Check Your Internet Connection
Before trying anything else, you’ll want to make sure your device actually has an internet connection. The App Store requires an internet connection to work properly.
To check your connection on an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and connected to a network. You can also try toggling Airplane Mode on and off to refresh the connection.
On an Android device, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and connected. You can also try turning Airplane Mode on and off.
If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, you can try using cellular data instead. Make sure cellular data is enabled by going to Settings > Cellular on iPhone or Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network on Android.
Update Your Device’s Software
An outdated version of your device’s operating system could potentially cause issues with the App Store.
To update an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your device will check for the latest software and prompt you to install any available updates.
For Android devices, go to Settings > System > System Update to check for and install over-the-air software updates.
You can also connect your device to a computer and update it through iTunes (iPhone/iPad) or your preferred desktop software like Samsung Smart Switch (Android).
Check App Store Restrictions
If you use parental controls or restrictions on the App Store, this could explain why you can’t access it.
On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted. Make sure App Store is set to Allow.
On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access > Install unknown apps and make sure the App Store is allowed.
For school or organizationally-managed devices, you likely won’t be able to override these restrictions without admin access. Reach out to your school’s IT department or organization’s admin for assistance regaining access to the App Store.
Turn Off Content Filters
Some content filters, like those used in schools and libraries, can block access to parts of the App Store.
On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure Content Restrictions is not enabled.
Check for any device management or content filtering apps installed on your Android device that could be blocking the App Store. You may need to contact the device administrator to whitelist the App Store.
Restart Your Device
Before trying more involved troubleshooting methods, do a simple restart of your device. This refreshes the operating system and clears out any minor software glitches that could be preventing App Store access.
To restart an iPhone 8 or later, press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
For earlier iPhones, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until you see the slider to power off. Drag the slider, then hold the Sleep/Wake button again to restart.
To restart any Android phone or tablet, press and hold the Power button until you see the power off prompt. Tap Restart.
Check for App Store Updates
It’s possible for the App Store app itself to become corrupted or out of date, preventing access. Check for and install any available updates to the App Store app.
On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right corner, and go to App Store > Available Updates. Install any updates listed for the App Store.
On Android, open the Play Store app, tap the hamburger menu icon in the top left corner, go to My Apps & Games > Updates, and install any updates available for the Play Store app.
Sign Out and Re-Sign Into the App Store
Signing out of your App Store/Play Store account and then signing back in can help resolve sign-in and authentication issues that may be blocking access.
On iPhone/iPad, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and tap Sign Out. Then enter your Apple ID and password to sign in again.
On Android, open the Play Store, tap the hamburger menu, go to Settings > Account, and tap Remove account. Then re-add your Google account.
How to Get the App Store Back: Factory Reset Your Device
If all else fails, doing a factory reset will wipe your device back to a clean state and often fixes persistent software issues like App Store problems.
On an iPhone or iPad, a factory reset is done by going to Settings > General > Reset and choosing Erase All Content and Settings. This will erase all data and settings from your device.
To factory reset an Android device, go to Settings > System > Reset options and select Erase all data (factory reset). You’ll lose all data and customizations when you factory reset.
So be sure to exhaust all other options before factory resetting as a last resort. Back up important data beforehand and make sure you know your Apple ID/Google account info to set the device back up later.
Contact Apple or Google Support
If you still can’t regain access to the App Store after trying these troubleshooting tips, you may need to contact Apple or Google support for further assistance.
For iPhones and iPads, you can contact Apple support through the Apple Support app, at an Apple Retail store, or by calling 1-800-APL-CARE.
Android users can find support options by going to Settings > Tips & Support on their device or contacting Google Support online or by phone at 1-855-836-3987.
The App Store and Play Store are vital gateways to essential apps on iOS and Android. But problems can arise that block access on your device. With the right troubleshooting techniques, you can hopefully get the App Store quickly back up and running so you can return to downloading apps and games. Just be sure to rule out simple issues like network connectivity first before trying more drastic measures.
| Issue | iPhone/iPad | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Check internet connection | Settings > Wi-Fi | Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi |
| Update device software | Settings > General > Software Update | Settings > System > System Update |
| Check App Store restrictions | Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions | Settings > Apps & Notifications > Special App Access |
| Turn off content filters | Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions | Check for device management apps |
| Restart device | Press and release volume buttons, then press side button | Press and hold power button, tap restart |
| Check for App Store updates | App Store > Profile > Available Updates | Play Store > Menu > My Apps & Games > Updates |
| Sign out and re-sign in | App Store > Profile > Sign Out | Play Store > Menu > Settings > Remove account |
| Factory reset device | Settings > General > Reset | Settings > System > Reset options |
| Contact support | Apple Support app, Apple Store, 1-800-APL-CARE | Settings > Tips & Support, Google Support |
FAQs
Why did the App Store disappear from my iPhone/iPad home screen?
This is likely due to a software glitch. Try updating your iPhone/iPad software, restarting your device, or reinstalling any App Store updates.
I can open the App Store but can’t download or update apps. How can I fix this?
Connection issues, software bugs, or App Store authentication problems could be the cause. Check your network connection, update software, sign out and back into the App Store, or contact Apple support.
I keep getting an error message when trying to open the App Store. What should I do?
Error messages typically indicate an underlying software issue. A factory reset clears out system glitches and often resolves persistent App Store errors.
Why does the App Store keep crashing when I try to use it?
A crashing App Store is usually caused by a corrupted installation. Update the App Store app itself through the Updates tab, or reinstall it by offloading and re-downloading the app.
My child disabled the App Store on their iPad. How can I regain access to it?
Check the Content & Privacy Restrictions settings in Screen Time and make sure App Store restrictions are not enabled. Also turn off any active content filters.
Conclusion
Losing access to the App Store can be a major inconvenience, and you let you search for how to get the app store back. But thankfully there are a number of troubleshooting tips you can try to get it back. Start with simpler solutions like checking your internet connection, updating your device software, restarting your device, and reinstalling App Store updates.
For trickier issues, you may need to factory reset your device or contact Apple or Google support. With some focused troubleshooting, you should be able to get the App Store back and working again on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
