A copious amount of Apple users are running into issues related to the App Store and iTunes Store, they’re unable to connect both the stores. The message accompanies “Cannot connect to App Store” or “Cannot connect to iTunes Store.“

As a result, you can’t purchase, download, update or even explore apps and media. If you’re experiencing the same issue, you’ve landed on the right page. Here’s everything you need to know about fixing the issue

I’m unable to connect to App Store or iTunes Store, what to do?

It’s not necessary that such an issue will only encounter on iDevices, there is the possibility that you might encounter it on your other Apple devices like Mac. Below are some possible fixes available, ensure to reconnect to the App Store or iTunes Store after trying out each step.

Close every app running in the background and restart your device

Restarting your device is the major thing you can do, as it will stop programs from getting frozen or malfunctioning. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the power-off option appears. Turn on the device after some time.

But before that, make sure to clear every app including background apps.

Check Internet Connection

It’s very much obvious that Apple devices will not let you connect to App Store or iTunes Store until and unless if the same device is not connected to the Internet. Restart your Wi-Fi or router, switch on cellular data, and make sure to turn on cellular data for iTunes or App store in Cellular data settings.

Contact your Internet Service Provider, if you can’t connect the device to the Internet.

Check the status of Apple’s website

It could possible that you can’t connect to the App Store or iTunes Store because of a maintained break. You can check the status by visiting Apple’s system status website.

According to the image, anything with a green dot indicates that the service is running normally.

Sign out of everything, then try sign in again

Sometimes, Apple ID might cause problems with App Store or iTunes Store. Here’s how to sign out of everything on iDevice, then restart the device and sign then in.

Step 1: Visit Settings > (Your Name) > Sign Out.

Step 2: Enter your Apple ID password, you can keep the copy of iCloud data on your device.

Step 3: Now, you will be sign out of everything on your Apple device that includes iTunes, App Store, iCloud, etc.

Step 4: Restart the device.

Step 5: Visit into Settings again and sign into Apple ID.

Some users reported that the issue has resolved by doing the same steps twice.

Disable content and privacy restrictions

Content and privacy restrictions might prevent you from accessing services. Here’s how to check your restrictions.

Step 1: Visit Settigs > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Step 2: It may ask you to enter a Screen Time passcode, enter one.

Following are some restrictions that might interfere with App Store or iTunes access:

• iTunes & App Store Purchases
• Allowed Apps
• Content Restrictions

Beta or testing profiles

It might possible that you’ve signed up for a software beta program, and this might be the reason you’re unable to connect to Apps Store or iTunes.

Here’s how to remove the profile on iOS: Visit Settings > General > Profiles, incase you don’t see any profile up there then assume that you’ve not signed in to beta and testing profile.

Here’s how to remove the profile on macOS: Visit Settings > Profiles, if there’s any profile present then assume that you’ve not signed in to beta and testing profile.

Out of region

It might possible that you’re in the region where you can’t access the Apple services, here’s the list of Apple’s availability website.

Disable the VPN service, you might have connected to the region where there’s no Apple service availability. On other hand, you can try connecting to a VPN which lets the store think that you’re in the region of Apple service availability.

Update your device

Make sure that your device is updated to the latest version. Also, a bug might be the culprit that is causing problems with Apps Store or App Store. That’s why Apple always releases patch updates every now and then.

You might be on the older version of iOS or OS X/macOS. Visit Settings or System Preferences on your device. Download and Install the updates if available.

Quick Tips

Tip 1: Change the date and time to another year.

Tip 2: Disable the automatic download.

Tip 3: Remove every device from your Apple ID account.

Tip 4: Change your DNS.

Tip 5: Reset Network Settings.

Tip 6: Reset All Settings.

What if Nothing Works?

If the solutions mentioned above, don’t work for you then perform a complete reset on your device. You can also reset the device using DFU mode. Mind you, it is important to create a backup before performing a backup.

If the issue still has not resolved, then it is highly suggested to contact Apple Support or visit Apple authorized service center nearby your area.