Pausing or cancelling an in-progress app update on an iPhone is simple. Find the app icon on your Home Screen that is currently updating. Gently press onto the app until all the apps start shaking and an ‘X’ appears on the top left corner of them. Press the ‘X’ on the app you wish to stop updating, and it will pause or cancel the update. Once paused, you can resume the update by simply tapping on the app again.
After completing this action, the update will not continue, and the app will remain at its current version until you decide to update it again.
Introduction
So, you’re in the middle of updating an app on your iPhone, and suddenly you realize you need to use it right away. Or perhaps you’re worried about using up all your data allowance, or you just changed your mind about updating the app. Whatever the reason, you want to pause or cancel the app update, and you want to do it quickly. It’s a common scenario that many iPhone users encounter, but not everyone knows how to handle it.
This topic is particularly relevant to iPhone users who frequently update their apps and are looking for ways to manage their device’s updates more effectively. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or someone who just loves to stay on top of the latest app features, understanding how to control your iPhone’s app updates can save you time and frustration.
Step by Step Tutorial to Pause or Cancel an In-Progress App Update on Your iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’ll achieve by following this tutorial. You will learn how to temporarily stop an app update or completely cancel it, allowing you to either resume the update at a later time or keep the current version of the app.
Step 1: Locate the app
Find the app that is currently updating on your Home Screen.
Once you identify the app that’s updating, you’ll see a progress circle on the app icon indicating the update status. The app will also have the word ‘Loading…’ or ‘Waiting…’ beneath it, confirming that the update is in progress.
Step 2: Pause the update
Gently press onto the app until all the apps start shaking.
When the apps begin to shake, it means you’re in edit mode. This is typically used to rearrange apps or delete them, but it can also be used to pause updates.
Step 3: Cancel the update
Tap on the ‘X’ on the app you wish to stop updating.
After you press the ‘X’, a prompt will appear to confirm that you want to delete the app. Don’t worry, tapping ‘Delete’ will only cancel the update, not remove the app itself.
Step 4: Resume updating (optional)
Tap on the app again if you wish to resume updating it.
If you decide later that you want to update the app, locate it on your Home Screen and tap on it. The update will resume from where it left off.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Saves Data | If you’re on a limited data plan, pausing updates can save your data for more important tasks. |
| Immediate App Access | By pausing an update, you can quickly use the app without waiting for the update to complete. |
| Flexibility | You have the control to update apps on your terms, whenever it’s convenient for you. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Potential Security Risks | Not updating apps can leave them vulnerable to security risks if the update includes important patches. |
| Missed Features | You might miss out on new features or improvements included in the update. |
| Update Management | If you pause too many updates, it can become challenging to manage and remember to resume them all. |
Additional Information
Knowing how to pause or cancel an in-progress app update on your iPhone is a nifty trick that can come in handy in various situations. Maybe you’re about to hop on a flight and need to save battery life, or you’re quickly running out of data for the month. Whatever the case, controlling your app updates can give you peace of mind and ensure you’re not caught off guard by an untimely update.
Remember, an update will only resume once you’re connected to Wi-Fi unless you’ve enabled the option to use cellular data for updates. So, if you’re looking to conserve data usage, make sure to adjust your iPhone settings accordingly. Additionally, keep in mind that while pausing updates can be convenient, it’s generally a good practice to keep your apps up-to-date for the latest features and security enhancements. Use this power wisely!
Summary
- Locate the app that is updating on your Home Screen.
- Gently press on the app until the apps start shaking.
- Tap the ‘X’ on the app to pause or cancel the update.
- Tap on the app again if you wish to resume the update.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I accidentally delete the app instead of pausing the update?
If you tap ‘Delete’ after pressing the ‘X’, only the update will be cancelled, not the app itself. The app will remain on your Home Screen.
Can I pause an update without using Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can pause an app update regardless of whether you’re connected to Wi-Fi or using cellular data.
Will pausing an update save battery life?
Yes, pausing updates can help conserve battery life, as the update process can consume power.
How do I resume a paused app update?
To resume a paused update, simply tap on the app icon, and the update will continue from where it left off.
Can I pause updates for all apps at once?
No, updates must be paused individually for each app.
Conclusion
Mastering the ability to pause or cancel an in-progress app update on your iPhone offers you a level of control that can be quite liberating. Whether it’s to conserve data, save battery life, or simply because you’re not ready for that new update, having the know-how to manage your app updates is an invaluable skill for any iPhone user.
Remember that while pausing updates can be beneficial, it’s also important to keep your apps up-to-date for optimal performance and security. So, use this guide wisely, and enjoy the freedom it brings to your app updating experience!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.