How to fix an iPhone app that's stuck on 'Waiting' or 'Loading'

Usually, iOS ‘just works’. But sometimes, apps fail to install properly and get stuck on ‘waiting’ or ‘loading’. Often, deleting the app and reinstalling it will fix the problem – but not always. If that's happened to you, you’re in luck: here’s how to fix it!

It was just another day in the App Store when I noticed Google's Chrome browser was due for an update.

A stuck iPhone app can cause major frustration – especially if it's your browser!

I tapped the button to start the download, but once it was complete, I noticed to my horror that the icon was blank – and where I should have seen the name of the app, instead it just said ‘Waiting’.

I waited, and waited, and waited some more. But there was nothing for it: the app just wouldn't install. I tried deleting the app, but the ‘x’ didn’t even appear after a long press. Next, I tried downloading the app again from the App Store, but got the same result.

If this has happened to you, you’ll know how frustrating it is, especially as there’s no immediately obvious fix. But eventually, I figured it out – so if a stuck app is giving you trouble, read on for the solution!

Step 1: Clear the App Store cache

The first thing to try is simply clearing the App Store cache before attempting to download the stuck app again.

1. First of all, open the App Store from the Home screen.
2. Next, choose one of the five tabs at the bottom of the screen – Featured, Top Charts, Explore, Search or Updates – and tap it ten times. The screen should go white momentarily before the App Store reappears.
3. Finally, search for the troublesome app and redownload it as usual.

This will sometimes fix the issue and allow the app to install as normal – but if it doesn’t work, the next step definitely should!

Step 2: Sign out of the App Store

1. From the Home screen, open up the Settings app.
2. Next, navigate down the list and tap iTunes & App Store.
3. You’ll now see your Apple ID displayed at the top. Tap this, then tap Sign Out.
4. After a moment, you’ll then see the option to Sign In. Tap this, then enter your Apple ID and password.
5. Now, navigate back to the App Store from the Home screen, and redownload the offending app as usual.

And there you have it: the troublesome app is no longer stuck, and you’re free to enjoy it at your leisure. What a relief!

Hopefully that’s sorted your problem – but if it’s still giving you trouble, drop us a line in the comments below and we’ll do what we can to help!