When you want to install an app from the App Store on your iPad or iPhone, it is usually a quick process to download and install the app. However, apps occasionally get stuck waiting, never progress, and nothing happens (like the image below).  So if you find that your app says waiting and won’t delete, then follow the suggestions below to fix your problems.
This issue is usually a network connection problem. If you have a spotty or slow internet connection, you may experience this problem. Here is what you can do to fix this problem.
Fixes for app says waiting and won’t download
Make sure that you have an internet connection. If you are having connection problems, please see this article. You may want to try basic troubleshooting steps: (a) turn off and on your Wi-Fi (b) turn off and on your Wi-Fi router (c) reset network settings by tapping Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings (note reseting network settings will erase your Wi-Fi passwords etc.)
Try removing the waiting app, then reinstalling. To do that, tap and hold its icon on the home screen until it starts to jiggle and tap (x) to delete. After you delete the app, go to the App Store and download the app again.  Note that you may not be able to delete the waiting app. If you can’t delete the app this way, try going to Settings > General > Usage  and find and tap the app from the list then tap Delete App. If you still can’t remove the waiting app, read on.
Launch the App Store or iTunes on your iPhone or iPad, then tap Purchased (iPhone or iPod touch: tap More > Purchased). If you see your problematic app there, tap on it to initiate it to install.
Restarting your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch may clear up apps hanging and waiting. To do that, simply press and hold the on/off button until you see the red slider. Then slide the slider to power off your device. When your device is completely turned off, press and hold the on/off button until you see the Apple logo to turn back on. When your iPhone or iPad reboots, the waiting apps should install normally.
If restarting does not solve your problem, try connecting your iOS device to your computer with a USB cable. Then on your computer, go to iTunes > your device (under Devices) >Apps. Find the app and click the Remove button and then click the Apply button. Wait for the sync to complete. This will remove the app so that you may reinstall.Â
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the original editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
On an iPhone or an iPad without a home button, from the Home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause slightly in the middle of the screen.
On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod with a home button, double-click the Home button to show your most recently used apps
Swipe right or left to find the App Store app
Swipe up on the App Store app preview to close
After closing the app, reset your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset network settings.
Once your device restarts, connect to a wifi network and then launch the App Store. Navigate to updates and see if you can update those apps.
Hi can you help me please i have tried to delete an app from my ipad but are unable to i have gone through the steps above but it still wont delete. It seems that the icon is paler than the others when i press on the x on the icon the delete comes up so i press it and then nothing.
I am having the same problem with my kindle app. I have tried everything. It will not delete. I know the wifi is ok, I keep getting emails. Please help!!!
Oh, that’s annoying! Try deleting the app via the Settings menu rather than pressing and holding the app icon itself. First, close all open apps by double pressing home or swiping up on the Home Gesture Bar, then swipe up on each and every app preview to close the apps–do this for every open app. Next, restart your device. Then, go to Settings > iPhone Storage > Select the app from the list of installed apps (this takes time to show up, so be patient) and then select Delete App. Confirm that you want to delete the app AND its data. Once deleted, restart your device once again. See if it now is gone for good!
icon on Clash of Clans app is marked waiting but isn’t on an update. Cannot delete it or appear to affect it in anyway after resetting as outlined and trying all other fixes outlined.
Are there any other fixes to this or will it resolve itself in time? If I lose C of C on my iPad Apple will lose a customer.
iPad 2 owner now experiencing an app stuck on waiting after regular update received . The app runs the on iOS 7 or later so shouldn’t be a problem…..but?
Wow thankyou so much, I’ve been on so many different websites and this was the only one that worked after hours of trying to figure this madness out. Again, thankyou
I am having the same problem. My Wifi is fine The app will not delete It goes to waiting Then it installs 3/4 of the way. Then I get a message that says (Cancel or Retry. I’ve tried both and nothing
What is the problem this has been going on since Wednesday August 30
I need help
I called the App Store they wanted to charge me 210.00 to talk to a technician Unbelievable
I can’t it won’t work I don’t have a iPad or a computer but I’ve went on the App Store and tried to delete the process and it has been going on for days already what do I do?!
I’ve had the app Netflix for a while but a few days ago i went to watch a movie and it wouldn’t even let me click on it. I’ve tried restarting my iphone and nothing is working. Please help! Thank you
I have two in the waiting mode and one is my gmail, which I do not want to lose. Also held down the power switch and waited for the red line which never appeared. Help!
After you delete the app, go to the App Store and download the app again.  Note that you may not be able to delete the waiting app. If you can’t delete the app this way, try going to Settings > General > Usage  and find and tap the app from the list then tap Delete App. If you still can’t remove the waiting app, read on.
After you delete the app, go to the App Store and download the app again.  Note that you may not be able to delete the waiting app. If you can’t delete the app this way, try going to Settings > General > Usage  and find and tap the app from the list then tap Delete App. If you still can’t remove the waiting app, read on.
Jevon Allen says
Hi iPad me new gmail must see please
Stephen. says
Stan is not opening ? My accident up to date and it has always worked previously.
Margaret whitehurst says
My daily morning paper won’t come through on my I pad it’s the daily mirror it just keeps saying waiting
christine east says
i can’t fix black apps waiting on my apple xs10 geez as unable to read the light invisible directions here because my oaralysis is spastic
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi Christine,
First, close the app store app
On an iPhone or an iPad without a home button, from the Home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause slightly in the middle of the screen.
On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod with a home button, double-click the Home button to show your most recently used apps
Swipe right or left to find the App Store app
Swipe up on the App Store app preview to close
After closing the app, reset your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset network settings.
Once your device restarts, connect to a wifi network and then launch the App Store. Navigate to updates and see if you can update those apps.
If not, try deleting and then reinstalling any app that’s stuck in waiting.
christine white says
Hi can you help me please i have tried to delete an app from my ipad but are unable to i have gone through the steps above but it still wont delete. It seems that the icon is paler than the others when i press on the x on the icon the delete comes up so i press it and then nothing.
SK says
HI Christine,
It’s likely there is an update for that app.
Try deleting the app via Settings > General > iPad Storage. Wait for the app list to populate, select the app in question, and choose Delete.
Tracie says
My iPad apps won’t delete and I have tried everything so if someone could please help me I really need these apps out.
SK says
Tracie, Have you checked your Restrictions settings? Probably there is a restriction in place that is not letting you delete any apps.
Shelly says
I am having the same problem with my kindle app. I have tried everything. It will not delete. I know the wifi is ok, I keep getting emails. Please help!!!
SK says
Hi Shelly,
Oh, that’s annoying! Try deleting the app via the Settings menu rather than pressing and holding the app icon itself. First, close all open apps by double pressing home or swiping up on the Home Gesture Bar, then swipe up on each and every app preview to close the apps–do this for every open app. Next, restart your device. Then, go to Settings > iPhone Storage > Select the app from the list of installed apps (this takes time to show up, so be patient) and then select Delete App. Confirm that you want to delete the app AND its data. Once deleted, restart your device once again. See if it now is gone for good!
If the problem persists, let us know
SK
Tim says
icon on Clash of Clans app is marked waiting but isn’t on an update. Cannot delete it or appear to affect it in anyway after resetting as outlined and trying all other fixes outlined.
Are there any other fixes to this or will it resolve itself in time? If I lose C of C on my iPad Apple will lose a customer.
M.Sexton says
iPad 2 owner now experiencing an app stuck on waiting after regular update received . The app runs the on iOS 7 or later so shouldn’t be a problem…..but?
SK says
Hi M,
Which app is giving you problems and getting stuck in the updating mode?
SK
Tina says
Wow thankyou so much, I’ve been on so many different websites and this was the only one that worked after hours of trying to figure this madness out. Again, thankyou
SK says
Awesome Tina!
Glad it helped. And thanks for letting us know.
Cheers,
SK
Sammie says
I have the same problem how can I hook up my hp computer and my iPad together please give me the steps
mit says
THANK YOU very much
Kmiec says
I am having the same problem. My Wifi is fine The app will not delete It goes to waiting Then it installs 3/4 of the way. Then I get a message that says (Cancel or Retry. I’ve tried both and nothing
What is the problem this has been going on since Wednesday August 30
I need help
I called the App Store they wanted to charge me 210.00 to talk to a technician Unbelievable
Holly says
I can’t it won’t work I don’t have a iPad or a computer but I’ve went on the App Store and tried to delete the process and it has been going on for days already what do I do?!
Brynn says
I’ve had the app Netflix for a while but a few days ago i went to watch a movie and it wouldn’t even let me click on it. I’ve tried restarting my iphone and nothing is working. Please help! Thank you
Alice Kehoe says
I have two in the waiting mode and one is my gmail, which I do not want to lose. Also held down the power switch and waited for the red line which never appeared. Help!
Donna says
I hooked up the iPad to my desk top and the app that I am having a problem with is not there.
Donna says
I hooked the IPad to my computer and the app I want to remove is not showing
Emma says
Its not helped me aswell iv a good signal aswell , its annoying me
Emma says
Wotcdo i do go settings & do wot am aving same trouble apps not downloading
Ciarra says
i can not find the app on usage in settings, i tried rebooting and reseting, i have a stable connection. what shall i do?
Jen says
You totally helped me with my issue, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
Torre says
Same issue as belal, my internet connection is fine. The app just won’t delete or re-download properly
Belal says
I deleted it and after that I downloaded it again it didn’t work I tapped on it didn’t work my internet is good
Ikozzd says
Thank You! Settings, general, usage & delete app helped me (couldn’t delete fb messanger app and now it worked)! Thank You!