Slow app store downloads? Try this

When you download apps from the Apple store or Play store, you want them right away. Sometimes you’re forced to stare at a progress bar as you anticipate the download to complete. Eeeewww loading bars.

This is very annoying when your apps downloading so slow, and especially if you are used to tapping a button and in no time, your device is done with both the download and the install of the app.

So, what is going on, and how do you fix slow App Store download problems? You’re in the right place, this is our exhaustive troubleshooting guide on how to make your apps download faster. If nothing worked and you’re thinking where can I

sell my phone

then try us.

Here we go.

Reasons for apps downloading so slow

You are reading: Why Are My Apps Downloading so Slow? Here’s 5 Reasons

Router issues

In the event your router decided to stop broadcasting a signal while a download is in progress, undeniably that will hinder your download. This might be one reason why it’s taking so long to download an app.

Flaky DNS server 

In case the DNS server you are using is not the greatest, it is likely to interfere with the download speeds and lead to slow app downloads.

Software glitches

A software error may deceive you that all is well once you hit the download button, but actually, there are no downloads in progress. 

This is also common with older version of Android. Really old versions may actually show an app ready for download, you click on the download and all seems fine like something is happening but its actually not going to download at all. It may be compatibility issues with the app and your version of Android.

Network problems 

If the network you are using is wrongly configured, that can cause problems that can hinder connectivity with the App Store. If that happens, your download certainly will be hurt. This is true for both cellular as well as Wifi connections.

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Apple server downtime

Sever downtime are common. For example, when Apple is upgrading or performing maintenance, you will likely not be able to download any app. You may see the option to click download but nothing happens when you click it.

How to fix slow App Store downloads

There are some things you can do to fix slow app downloads. Below are some of the possible fixes we recommend you give a shot:

Reboot your device

Sometimes rebooting your device can get things up and running again. Rebooting has been suggested often so consider giving it a shot when your apps are downloading too slowly.

Make sure Apple’s services are all online

Sometimes an iTunes slow download is not the fault of your device nor the internet connection.

For example, when Apple is upgrading its infrastructure, you may experience some challenges when downloading apps. You can always visit the

System Status web page

to check if Apple is the one having the problem.

Sometimes you just need to try again in a few hours.

Reboot your wireless router

If you’re connected to wifi, then there are moments when a router needs a reboot to work properly. Just power it off for about 60 seconds and then power it back on and try downloading again.

You don’t have to reset the router as doing so will mean you going through the setup steps.

Try downloading a different app

The app you are downloading could be the one having an issue. Trying to download another can help detect this. Consider when a developer pulls an app, and the App Store doesn’t notice and act immediately. In such a case, you are likely to get an infinitely-spinning download icon that never completes the download or some unavailability errors.

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Sign out and back in of iTunes

This is should fix iTunes account issues. Log out of your Apple ID and log back in again.

Now try the download again and see if the speed has improved. Remember to restart your app download after signing back into App Store.

Signing out of iTunes and the App Store on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > iTunes and App Store.
2. Hit your Apple ID, then select Sign Out.

Signing out of iTunes and App Store on your Mac:

1. Open iTunes on your device.
2. From the menu bar, go to Account and then sign Out.
3. Open the App Store on your Mac.
4. From the menu bar, go to Store then sign Out.

Test your download speeds

Maybe your app is taking long to download because you have slow internet. You can check if your internet speed is fast on

speedtest.net.

If your speed is not sufficient (less than 10 Mb/s), then that could be the reason why it is taking long for downloads to complete.

Disable VPN, firewall, and security software

Though very rare, firewalls, security software, and VPN can hinder internet performance and usage. Incoming and outgoing connections to the App Store might be cited as possible threats, thus resulting in blocked or restricted connections to associated servers. When this happens, it causes connectivity issues. Try disabling and enabling each software package to see if it affects incoming and outgoing connection to the App Store. 

Use your cellular network

Consider using your cellular network and see if you can download your apps. If successful, then it means there is something wrong with the Wi-Fi network you are connected to. Try troubleshooting the Wi-Fi if you can. Alternatively, consult a network pro.

Try another Wi-Fi network

If you don’t have cellular data access, try another Wi-Fi network and see if the download speed improves. If you manage to download, then that is an indicator your Wi-Fi has an issue. If in a position to fix without calling for support, go ahead and fix. Otherwise, call your ISP or a network expert.

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Change the DNS settings of your Wi-Fi network on your device

In case the Wi-Fi network you are connected to is configured to use a poor DNS server, then all your internet requests will go through that server, and its poor performance will be passed on to you. This, of course, will affect App Store downloads.

Luckily, you can reconfigure the DNS setting through your Apple device. Do the following to change the DNS settings. 

On your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Click the i button next to your current network.
3. Under DNS click the Configure DNS button.
4. Select to manually choose your DNS servers and enter either of the following options:

• Open DNS: 208.67.220.220 and 208.67.222.222
• Google Public DNS: 8.8.4.4 and 8.8.8.8
• Or your specific ISP’s DNS settings.

Hit Save after changing

On a Mac:

1. From the menu bar, go to Apple > System Preferences… > Network.
2. In the sidebar, click on your current network connection.
3. Click Advanced… in the bottom right of the window.
4. Go to the DNS tab.

Use the + and – buttons under DNS Servers to change your settings to one of the following options:

• OpenDNS: 208.67.220.220 and 208.67.222.222
• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Or your specific ISP’s DNS settings.

1. Click OK then click Apply.

From your wireless router 

While configuring DNS settings on your device is recommended, sometimes this is not the best approach, especially if the problem is affecting more than one device on the network. In this case, it is better to

reconfigure the DNS settings

from the wireless router itself. This way, you don’t have to configure each device at a time.

Check for Software Updates

We often hear of iOS glitches when a new major update rolls out. The same goes for new iPhone releases. The nature of new software is that sometimes it doesn’t work as planned and glitches show up after thousands or millions have used the new software or device in every way it can be used.

Apple will quickly release patches via a version update. Download any updates and install them, then restart your device. Now try downloading the app again.

Contact Apple

If after trying the above solutions none seems to work, it makes sense to contact Apple. A support representative will guide you in solving the issue.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many reasons why your apps could be downloading too slowly. Luckily, you can solve most of these snags without contacting Apple. Have you ever experienced slow App Store downloads? What caused the problem? Help others with your solution in the comment section below!