How to fix iPhone XS Max that cannot update apps after iOS 13 update

Software bugs and glitches are the main reason why you encounter problems when updating apps on your iOS device. Network connectivity errors can also cause such issues to occur. In order to deal with the issue on iPhone XS Max that cannot update apps after iOS 13 update, we cited some simple procedures that could lead to a permanent fix. 

Scroll down on the lists below and give them a try to see which one will eradicate the problem. In this article, we will consider all possibilities and rule them out one after another until we can determine what the issue is all about and hopefully be able to fix it. If you’re an owner with a problem like this, continue reading as this article may be able to help you one way or another. 

Before anything else, if you are looking for a solution to a different problem, then drop in on our iPhone XS Max Help Guides page for we have already solved some of the most common problems with this device. Try to find issues that are similar to yours and feel free to use our workarounds and solutions. 

First solution: Check if you’re using correct Apple ID. 

Correct Apple credentials is primarily needed for you to use Apple services including App updates and store downloads. Using an incorrect or mismatch Apple ID could lead to issues like cannot update apps. At most, your device will prompt you to enter Apple ID whenever you purchase apps through App store in order to confirm the transaction. However, there are cases where inconsistencies on account information will occur and causes relevant symptoms. In order to validate that this is not the reason why you’re not able to update your apps, you’ll need to ensure that correct credentials are being used on your device. Just follow these steps:

1. Access App Store from the Home screen.
2. Scroll down to and then tap Updates.
3. Tap on your profile phone on the upper-right corner. 
4. Then tap Purchased. 

If the apps are not listed, there’s a great tendency that you’ve used a different credential when downloading them. For that instance, simply uninstall the app then reinstall it using the correct Apple ID information. Another way for you to fix the problem is to sign out and then sign in again on App store. 

ALSO READ: How to fix Caller ID that is not working properly on your Apple iPhone XS Max

Second solution: Disable Restrictions on your iPhone XS Max. 

Your iPhone has a restriction feature that limits or controls access to certain apps and services on the device. Once this feature has been enabled automatically after updating to iOS 13, it might hinder app updates on your phone. To clear this out, follow these steps to check and manage restrictions on your iPhone settings:

1. Access Settings from the Home screen.
2. Tap on General. 
3. Scroll down to and tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions. 
4. If prompted, enter your device passcode to continue. 
5. Navigate to the Installing Apps menu option then see if the slider is set to OFF (white). If so, toggle the slider to the ON (green) position. This will enable apps updating feature on your iPhone XS Max. 

You could also turn off the switch next to Content & Privacy Restrictions to disable the feature and lift all app restrictions and downloads. Once changes are saved, head back to the App store then retry updating the apps. 

ALSO READ: What to do if iCloud backup is not working on your Apple iPhone XS Max

Third solution: Sign out then sign in again on the App Store. 

Invalid credentials, expired or corrupted logins to the App store may have been causing the apps that cannot update issue. In order to make sure that the recent iOS update did not alter any information on your Apple ID logins, you can sign out then sign in again. In this way, you can enter the credentials again and make sure you’re using the correct information. Here’s how it’s done:

1. From the Home screen, access Settings.
2. Scroll to and then tap iTunes & App Store. 
3. Tap the Apple ID: [your email address set for your Apple ID].
4. Select the option to Sign Out from the pop up menu.
5. Head back to Settings > iTunes & App Store menu. 
6. Tap the Apple ID: again, and then select the Sign In option with the correct Apple ID. 

Once signed in to your App Store account, restart your iPhone and then retry updating apps through the App Store to check if the issue has been rectified. 

Fourth solution: Perform reset network settings on your iPhone XS Max. 

Network settings are crucial for services that needs online access. An incorrect or invalid setting can lead to update errors and might be the reason why you’re unable to update apps on your iPhone XS Max. If the settings have been overridden by the recent software update, simply perform reset network settings to wipe out corrupted information. Doing so will revert all network settings information back to its default options and values. No need to worry about losing personal information as this process will not delete the saved files on your device. Refer to these steps if you wish to try it:

1. Access Settings from the Home screen. 
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down to and then select Reset. 
4. Tap the Reset Network Settings option.
5. Enter your device passcode once prompted.
6. Then tap to confirm network settings reset.

Your phone will restart automatically and will apply default configurations after the reset process is done. Just reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and then check if you’re able to update apps this time. 

Fifth solution: Factory reset (master reset) your iPhone XS Max. 

Tenacious bugs inflicted by the recent iOS update might have affected your phone’s system and could be the reason why previous procedures did not work in fixing the apps that cannot update. If that’s the case, your phone might need a holistic approach in order to deal with complex software issues that could have been preventing your phone to update apps successfully. Performing a master reset or factory reset basically deletes all saved data and files including persistent errors and restores all default configurations. Since you’ll lose all saved information on your iPhone XS Max, it is advised to create backups via iTunes or iCloud beforehand. Once backups are created, follow these steps to carry out a factory reset:

1. Access Settings from the Home screen. 
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down to and then select Reset. 
4. Tap the Erase all contents and settings option.
5. Enter your device passcode once prompted.
6. Then tap to confirm factory reset. 

Follow the onscreen prompts after the reset to set up your iPhone. You’ll basically start from the beginning like when you purchased your device for the first time. 

In order to fix complex system error that may have been causing the issue on your iPhone XS Max that cannot update apps after iOS 13 update, you may opt-in for advanced solutions like a recovery mode restore and DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode restore. They’re usually best in ruling out major iOS flaws and might permanently resolve the issue. 

Another thing that you can do if the solutions above are unsuccessful in resolving the problem is to report the case to Apple support. This might be a bug brought by the new iOS version. If that’s the case, we’ll just need to wait for a new patch to be rolled out to fix the problem. 

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