app search in App Store results in "cannot connect"

Hello~ Try a forced restart…

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

Also…

If you can't connect to the App Store, iTunes Store, or other Apple services - Apple Support

Out of curiosity…what’s your iPhone battery health?

Understand your iPhone battery usage and health - Apple Support

~Katana-San~

More things to try:

If your iPhone or iPad won’t connect to a Wi-Fi network, or if you have related connectivity issues, read this support article --> If you can't connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Here's a case where using a VPN prevented sign-in --> AppStore - Apple Community

If none of the resources provide a solution, contact Apple for assistance:

For support, click here --> Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.

or:

Contact Apple for support and service --> "See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world."

Click here --> Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

rgrice1947 wrote:

I tried the forced restart and there is no change.

RE: battery - maximum capacity is 77%

says it is degraded, but other than this problem, doesn't seem to be a problem

Hello~ A degraded battery can cause a plethora of odd problems. I suggest getting that replaced before you have a major problem. Are you backing up your iPhone regularly?

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Find Locations

While perhaps not directly causing your issue …it’s certainly not helpful. Click on below…

iPhone battery and performance - Apple Support

Take care.

~Katana-San~

rgrice1947 wrote:

I tried the forced restart and there is no change.

RE: battery - maximum capacity is 77%

says it is degraded, but other than this problem, doesn't seem to be a problem

Please heed the advice Katana-San provided about your battery. It is SEVERELY depleted and while it may not be an issue at this moment, it likely will be in the near future. Depleted batteries not only cause operational issue, but they can swell and destroy your phone, requiring you purchase a new phone. When battery health dips to 80%, it should be replaced. This isn't something you want to delay.