Have you ever started updating an app on your iPhone and suddenly realized you need to stop it? Maybe you’re running low on data, or you need to use the app right away. Whatever the reason, it’s possible to pause or cancel an in-progress app update on your iPhone. Here’s a quick overview: simply locate the app on your home screen, tap and hold until it starts to jiggle, then tap the ‘x’ that appears to cancel the update. Easy, right? But let’s dive into the details to make sure you’ve got it down pat.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Pause or Cancel an In-Progress App Update on an iPhone
Sometimes we jump the gun and start updating an app without considering the consequences. Maybe you’re about to leave a Wi-Fi area, or perhaps you need immediate access to the app. No worries! The following steps will help you pause or cancel that update with ease.
Step 1: Locate the app on your home screen
Find the app that is currently updating on your iPhone’s home screen.
Once you’ve located the app, you’ll notice a progress circle indicating the update is in progress. This is your target.
Step 2: Tap and hold the app icon
Press down on the app icon until all the icons on your screen start to jiggle.
This action is also known as entering ‘wiggle mode’, which allows you to rearrange or delete apps.
Step 3: Tap the ‘x’ that appears on the app
While the apps are jiggling, a small ‘x’ will appear on the top left corner of the app that’s updating. Tap it to cancel the update.
Tapping the ‘x’ will prompt a confirmation to cancel the update. If you’re sure you want to proceed, confirm the cancellation.
After completing these steps, the app update will be paused or cancelled, depending on your preference. If you’ve paused the update, you can resume it at any time by tapping the app again. If you’ve cancelled it, the app will remain at its current version until you choose to update it again.
Tips: How to Pause or Cancel an In-Progress App Update on an iPhone
- If your iPhone has 3D Touch, be careful not to press too hard on the app icon, or you might trigger the Quick Actions menu instead of the jiggle mode.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection if you decide to resume the update later.
- Cancelling an update will not delete the app or your data within the app.
- If you accidentally cancel an update, simply go to the App Store and start the update again.
- Remember that pausing an update will not free up the space the update was using, but cancelling it will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pause an app update without cancelling it?
Yes, you can pause an app update by simply tapping on the app icon while it’s updating. This will pause the update, and you can tap the icon again to resume it.
Pausing an update can be useful if you need to temporarily use the app or if you’re about to lose your Wi-Fi connection and want to avoid using cellular data.
Will cancelling an update delete the app from my iPhone?
No, cancelling an update will not delete the app from your iPhone. It only stops the update process and keeps the app at its current version.
You can always update the app later when it’s more convenient for you.
What happens if I’m updating multiple apps and I want to cancel all of them?
If you’re updating several apps and you want to cancel all the updates, you’ll need to repeat the steps for each app individually.
Unfortunately, there’s no ‘cancel all’ button for app updates on an iPhone.
Will I lose any data if I cancel an update?
No, you shouldn’t lose any data within the app if you cancel an update. Your current app data is safe, and cancelling an update doesn’t affect it.
However, it’s always a good idea to back up your iPhone regularly to avoid any potential data loss.
Can I update apps automatically on my iPhone?
Yes, you can choose to have your iPhone update apps automatically. Just go to Settings > iTunes & App Store and toggle on ‘Updates’ under Automatic Downloads.
With this setting on, your iPhone will update apps automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and while charging.
Summary
- Locate the app on your home screen.
- Tap and hold the app icon.
- Tap the ‘x’ that appears on the app.
Conclusion
Managing app updates on your iPhone doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you need to pause an update because you’re about to go off Wi-Fi, or cancel it entirely because you need to use the app, the process is straightforward and quick. Remember to use these steps responsibly, as frequent cancellations may lead to missing out on important app features and security updates. It’s also worth considering setting your iPhone to update apps automatically, so you never have to worry about manually updating them again. In the end, having control over your app updates means you can make sure your iPhone works for you, not the other way around. So go ahead, take charge, and update your apps on your terms!