If your iPhone is coming up with “Cannot Connect to App Store” error, the problem could be due to Apple Services being temporarily down or due to Network connectivity issues on your iPhone.
Apart from this, the problem of iPhone not connecting to App Store can occur due to Apple ID not being recognized by iCloud, your IP Address being blocked, change in Network settings and other reasons.
iPhone Not Connecting to App Store
If you are unable to open the App Store on your iPhone due to “Cannot Connect to App Store” error, you should be able to fix the problem using the following steps.
1. Check Network Strength
The reason for “Can’t Connect to App Store” error on your iPhone could simply be due to poor network strength at your current location.
Hence, check the network strength at your current location by taking a look at the Network Icon, located at top-left corner of the screen.
If the reception is poor, you can move to a different location where better network strength is available or wait for the reception to improve.
2. Allow App Store to Use Cellular Data
If you are trying to open App Store using Cellular Data, you need to make sure that Cellular Data Access is enabled for the App Store on your device.
1. Open Settings > tap on Cellular.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to App Store to ON position.
After this, you should be able to connect your iPhone to the App Store without generating “Can’t Connect to App Store” error message.
3. Check Status of Apple Services
The probem might be due to Apple servers being temporarily out of service due to problems or maintenance work. To confirm, visit Apple’s System Status page and take a look at App Store entry.
If there is a problem, you will see an error message next to App Store entry and the dot next to App Store will be Red and not Green.
You can also type App Store Down on Twitter Search and see if others iPhone users are reporting problems.
4. Shut Down iPhone & Restart
The problem could be due to a stuck program or process preventing your device from accessing the App Store.
1. Go to Settings > General > scroll all the way down and tap on Shut Down.
2. Wait for 30 seconds > Restart your device by pressing the power button.
5. Disable VPN
If you are using a VPN service, disable the VPN service on your device and see if you can access the App Store.
1. Open Settings > scroll down and tap on VPN.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to Status to OFF position.
After disabling VPN, try to access the App Store using regular Wi-Fi or Cellular Network.
6. Sign Out of Apple ID & Sign Back
As mentioned above, the problem could be due to your Apple ID not being recognized by the App Store.
1. Open Settings and tap on your Apple ID Name.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and tap on Sign Out.
3. After 30 seconds, Sign back into your Apple ID and see if you can now Sign-in to the App Store.
7. Check Date & Time Settings
1. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to Set Automatically to ON position.
After enabling Set Automatically option, make sure your iPhone is showing the right City next to the Time Zone entry.
8. Check Software Updates
Sometimes, the problem is due to Software update waiting to be installed on your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. On the next screen, tap on Download to Install updates on your iPhone (if available).
9. Reset Network Settings
Note down your WiFi Network Password and follow the steps below to Reset Network Settings on your iPhone to original or Factory Default settings.
1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
2. On the pop-up, select Reset Network Settings option.
3. Enter your Lock Screen Password > On the confirmation pop-up, select the Reset option to confirm.
4. Patiently wait for the Reset process to be completed.
Once the Reset Process is completed, connect iPhone to Wi-Fi Network and see if you are able to login to App Store.
10. Restart Modem/Router
If above steps did not help, switch OFF the Power Supply to your Modem/Router – Use the ON/OFF button (if available) or unplug the power cable from wall socket.
Wait for 60 seconds and switch ON the Power Supply to Modem/Router.
After this, wait for iPhone to connect to your Wi-Fi Network and try to connect to the App Store again.