App Store can’t update apps

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Level 1

4 points

App Store can’t update apps

I took over my mother’s old iPhone , I logged her out and logged in my iPhone/iCloud account information. I have no problem downloading apps to be used on this iPhone but few need an update like Instagram & YouTube. As I’m going through the steps to update these apps my mother’s cloud/email is requesting its password to continue the update. Throughout the settings , internet browsers & even the App Store only has my information, not my mother’s information. Since I don’t know her information plus I can’t ask her due to her being 89 yrs old and not having a clue, I’m at a stand still with these updates. With instagram update , I would be able to video call/chat with friends & family but not with out the update.

anybody got an idea what to do ?

iPhone SE, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 15, 2025 12:32 AM

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Answer 1

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,397 points

Sep 15, 2025 01:56 AM in response to FiVEL_PEREZ

An App Store app is tied to the Apple Account used to acquire it (paid or free). The Apple Account is encoded into the licensed copy that is downloaded. It is in the copy's DNA. That is the only Apple Account that can redownload or update the app.

The situation you describe can happen if there are apps (or media purchases) on the device that were installed (or downloaded) under a different Apple Account, and they need updating or redownloading.

Since you cannot recover your mother's Apple Account, your best option is to delete the apps and download them using your Apple Account. That means that you would have to purchase any paid apps.

M1 Mac mini, macOS 26;  Watch, Series 10 GPS-only, watchOS 26; iPhone 16, iOS 26; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 26 HomePods, audioOS 26

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