How to Install Apps from the App Store on an iPad

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A user-friendly guide for installing and updating apps on iPad

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 Fact Checked

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Installing New Apps

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Downloading Previously Installed Apps

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Updating Installed Apps

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Video

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Q&A

Do you want to add more games and apps to your iPad? Luckily, the App Store has a vast collection of apps available to download. After browsing for your app, you'll just need to confirm your purchase with your Face ID, Touch ID, or Apple ID password. If you don't have the App Store, your device may be locked by parental controls. This wikiHow will show you how to use the App Store to download and update apps on your iPad, iPad Air, Mini, and Pro devices.

Things You Should Know

Open the app store and search for a new app. Tap the app to go to its page, and then tap "Get".
To find apps installed on other devices, tap your Apple ID picture. Tap "Purchases" and tap the cloud icon to download.
To update an app, tap your Apple ID picture. Scroll down and tap "Update" or "Update All".

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Installing New Apps

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1
Open the App Store. This looks like a white A with a blue background. You can usually find this on your home screen or in the App Library.
- Be sure to update your iPad to the latest version.
- If you don't see the App Store on your device, you may have parental controls enabled. If you're the device owner, you can easily turn it off. Otherwise, you'll need to contact the owner.
2
Tap Search. This will be in the bottom-right corner. You can also browse the App Store's home page for apps or select the tabs on the bottom to explore.^{[1]
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- Today shows the latest and popular apps.
- Games shows general games with personalized recommendations.
- Apps shows general apps with must-haves, favorites, free apps, and more.
- Arcade is Apple's paid subscription for arcade-type games.
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You'll see the search bar at the top. As you type, you'll see a list of suggestions.
Results will load by most relevant. You should see the name of the app along with a preview.
5
Tap an app. You'll be redirected to the app's page. You can see screenshots and/or videos of the app underneath the Preview header. If you scroll down, you can also find Ratings & Reviews.
- Be sure to only download apps you trust.
6
Tap Get. This is the blue button next to the app name.
- For paid apps, tap the price, and then tap Buy.
7
Confirm your download. Depending on your device, you may need to provide your Touch ID, Face ID, or Apple ID password.
- Your app will begin downloading. The Get button will turn into a progress meter. When your download is finished, you'll see OPEN.
8
Launch your new app. Tap OPEN to quickly open the app from the App Store. You can also find and tap the app on your home screen.
- If you no longer want the app, you can always delete it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Downloading Previously Installed Apps

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1
Open the App Store. This looks like a white A with a blue background. You can usually find this on your home screen or in the App Library.
- Use this method to find and download apps you previously downloaded on other devices, such as an iPhone.
This will be in the top-right corner of the screen. A pop-up menu will open.
3
Tap Purchased. You can find this below your Apple ID, above Subscriptions.
- You'll see a list of all apps downloaded/purchased with your Apple ID. There will be a cloud symbol next to the apps available for download. If the app is already on your iPad, you'll see Open instead.
4
Tap the app you want to download. If you want to filter the apps into apps you don't have yet, tap Not on this iPad at the top.
- The cloud icon will turn into a progress meter. When your download is finished, you'll see OPEN.
Tap OPEN to quickly open the app from the App Store. You can also find and tap the app on your home screen.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Updating Installed Apps

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This looks like a white A with a blue background. You can usually find this on your home screen or in the App Library.
This will be in the top-right corner of the screen. A pop-up menu will open.
You'll see a list of apps underneath Upcoming Automatic Updates. By default, automatic updates are turned on.
4
Tap Update. This will be next to the app you need to update. You can also tap Update All if you want to update all apps at once.
- When the app is finished updating, it will disappear from the list.

Community Q&A

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Question

Why can't my iPad install an app? Is it because of my Apple ID?

Community Answer

Maybe it's because you don't have that much space. Or it could be your Apple ID. Try updating your Apple ID or maybe clean your iPad. Or maybe update your iPad. Another answer is to turn everything off, then on again, as this refreshes it.

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Question

I tried to download a free app by double clicking Get, but nothing happened. What do I do?

Community Answer

Check your home screen -- if it's not there, try going to the AppStore and pressing Open. If that doesn't work, try rebooting your iPad/iPod/iPhone/ (iPhone/iPod/iPad, hold the power switch (top right corner) until you get the "slide to power off text appear, then slide. When there is nothing on your screen, press the power switch until you get the Apple logo. Once you get the slide to unlock screen, try downloading it.

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Question

How do I uninstall an App?

Community Answer

Hold down the home button. The apps will start shaking and have little red X's on them. Click the X to uninstall.

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