Ever tried updating an app on your iPhone or iPad, only to be met with a wrong Apple ID that doesn’t belong to you? You have no idea what the Apple ID password is and it won’t let you download or update if you enter the correct password.
This error can be enough to send shivers down any tech-savvy user's spine. But fear not, fellow Apple aficionados! This guide will equip you with the knowledge, showing you how to fix the wrong Apple ID when updating apps issue and get your apps back on track.
Part 1. Why Does the Wrong Apple ID Come Up When I Update Apps?
App updates are often linked to the Apple ID used to download or purchase the app. If the wrong Apple ID is used, you may face difficulties in updating your apps and even encounter authorization issues. So having the correct Apple ID for app updates is vital for your device. However, why is iPhone asking for wrong Apple ID when updating apps?
Well, if you're using a second-hand iPhone or someone else's Apple ID to sign in to the App Store, you'll encounter this error when trying to update apps purchased with the original owner's Apple ID. There is another possibility that the App Store might get confused about which Apple ID is linked to a specific app while you are using Family Sharing, resulting in the wrong Apple ID popping up situation.
Last, there is a small chance that sometimes, the App Store can hold onto outdated information about your Apple ID. This cached data might lead it to believe you're trying to update an app with the wrong ID.
Read More: How to Unlink Two iPhones?
Part 2. Things to Check Before Trying to Fix the "Wrong Apple ID Pops Up" Issue
If you suspect that the wrong Apple ID is associated with your app updates, you can quickly check and identify the correct Apple ID with a few simple steps.
1Check App Store Login
First, you should see the information about the Apple ID currently signed in for app updates is yours or not. If the displayed Apple ID is not the one you used to purchase the app, then that's likely the reason for the update error. Here is how to check it:
Go to your iPhone's Settings.
Scroll down and tap on iTunes & App Store.
Check the Apple ID displayed at the top of the page. This is the ID you're currently signed in with.
2Review Purchase History
The purchase history might show the Apple ID used to buy the app you're having trouble updating. This can clarify whether the app is linked to a different ID than the one you're currently signed in with.
If it's your ID but there's a glitch, you can try troubleshooting steps specific to your account. If it belongs to someone else, you'll need to consider alternative solutions.
Go to Settings.
Tap on your name at the top.
Tap on Media & Purchases.
Tap on View Account, and you will be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.
Tap on Purchase History.
Part 3. How to Fix "Wrong Apple ID When Updating Apps?”
1Delete and Reinstall Apps
If Family Sharing is causing issues where the App Store isn't recognizing the correct purchase ID, deleting and reinstalling can refresh the association and allow you to download the app with your Apple ID. The following are the steps to delete and reinstall the app:
Find the app on your home screen.
Tap and hold the app icon until it jiggles.
Tap Remove App from the shown list.
Tap Delete App and then confirm the deletion by tapping Delete.
Go to the App Store and search for the app again.
Download and install the app using your Apple ID.
Note
If the app is linked to a completely different Apple ID (not in your Family Sharing group), deleting and reinstalling won't magically change that. You won't be able to update the app with your ID.
If the app was originally paid for with a different ID, you'll need to repurchase it with your own ID to download and use it again.
2Sign Out and Sign Back In
Signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in can sometimes resolve the "wrong Apple ID when updating apps" error, which refreshes your App Store connection. This can clear up temporary glitches or issues with the App Store recognizing your account details. Here's how to do it:
Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on iTunes & App Store.
Tap on the Apple ID displayed at the top of the page.
A popup menu will appear. Tap on Sign Out.
Enter your Apple ID password or verification code when prompted.
Now, tap on Sign In and enter your Apple ID and password again.
After signing back in, try updating the app again. If the issue was due to a temporary glitch or incorrect login, this should resolve the "wrong Apple ID when updating apps" error.
Note
Signing out won't erase any app data or purchases linked to your Apple ID.
This method might not fix the error if the app is linked to a different Apple ID or if there are deeper account issues.
3Remove the Wrong Apple ID [iOS 17 Supported]
Whether you forgot the password to the Apple ID associated with the app or the Apple ID belongs to the previous owner, if you're looking to dissociate the wrong Apple ID when updating apps on your iPhone, consider using WooTechy iDelock Apple ID remover. This tool excels in securely removing Apple ID from iPhone/iPad without passwords.
Beyond just Apple ID removal, iDelock can also unlock all kinds of screen locks on disabled iPhone, bypass MDM restrictions, and remove Screen Time restrictions. With its user-friendly interface and guaranteed safety, iDelock ensures a seamless process to remove the Apple ID from iPhone in just a few clicks.
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How to Remove the Wrong Apple ID on Your iPhone/iPad?
Step 1: Download and install WooTechy iDelock on your computer. Upon installation, launch the program and opt for "Unlock Apple ID" from the main interface.
Step 2: Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer via a USB cable. If "Find My iPhone" is deactivated on the device, click "Start" to initiate the Apple ID removal process.
Step 3: If Two-Factor Authentication is enabled, click "Next" when prompted to verify the device status. Ensure that you have set up a screen lock passcode on the device.
Step 4: You might encounter a pop-up window requesting confirmation by entering "000000". Click "Unlock" if you're certain about proceeding. iDelock will then endeavor to remove the Apple ID.
Step 5: The process may require a few minutes to complete. Upon successful removal, you'll receive a confirmation message on the screen indicating the Apple ID is removed.
4Update iOS Software
An outdated iOS version might have bugs that interfere with the App Store or in-app purchases. Updating to the latest version could include bug fixes that address the wrong Apple ID issue. Here is how to update iOS:
Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Tap on General.
Tap on Software Update.
If an update is available, you'll see it listed here. Download and install the update following the on-screen instructions.
Try updating the app again. If the issue was due to a bug in the previous iOS version, updating might resolve it.
5Erase All Content and Settings
If none of the previous methods have resolved the issue, you can try resetting all content and settings on your device, which will make your device return to its factory settings. Before proceeding, ensure you have backed up any important data, such as photos, contacts, and documents, to prevent permanent loss. Once you've backed up your data, you can follow these steps to reset your device:
Navigate to the Settings app on your device.
Tap on "General" in the settings menu.
Scroll down and tap on "Transfer or Reset iPhone."
Choose "Erase All Content and Settings" and confirm your selection. Your device will be reset to its factory settings.
Once the reset is complete, your device will restart and display the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device as new or restore from a backup.
Conclusion
By understanding the causes of the "wrong Apple ID when updating apps" error and employing the solutions provided, you can keep your apps updated and your Apple ID functioning smoothly. If unfortunately your iPhone still has the previous owner's ID or you can’t remember the Apple ID passwords, then consider using iDelock to remove the trouble for you and help you regain full access to your device, ensuring a seamless app updating experience on your iPhone or iPad.
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