App Store download stuck on Waiting or Loading? How to fix it
A grey app icon that never finishes installing usually comes down to storage, connection or a stuck download queue. These fixes take a few minutes.
The fix
Try these in order
- 1
Pause and resume the download.
Tap the grey icon on the Home Screen once to pause it, wait a few seconds, then tap it again.
- 2
Make sure you have enough storage.
Check Settings › General › iPhone Storage. An app needs room for the download plus space to install, often double its listed size.
- 3
Check your connection.
Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data. Large apps may need permission to download over cellular data under Settings › App Store › App Downloads.
- 4
Restart your iPhone.
Turn it off and on again. The download usually continues on its own after the restart.
- 5
Remove the app and download it again.
Press and hold the icon, choose Remove App or Cancel Download, and install it fresh from the App Store.
- 6
Sign out of the App Store and back in.
Open the App Store, tap your profile picture, scroll down and tap Sign Out. Sign in again and retry the download.
Other things that block downloads
Screen Time restrictions
If installing apps is blocked under Settings › Screen Time › Content & Privacy Restrictions, downloads will not start.
Outdated iOS
Some apps need a newer version of iOS. Check Settings › General › Software Update.
Apple service outage
Rarely, the App Store itself is down. Check Apple's System Status page.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my app say “Waiting”?
The download is queued behind other downloads or updates, or iOS is waiting for a connection, storage space or a sign-in. The fixes below clear each of these.
Can I delete a stuck app?
Yes. Press and hold the grey icon and choose Remove App or Cancel Download, then install it again from the App Store.
What to try next
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