What to Know

• Settings>App Store. UnderAutomatic Downloads, turn onApps/App DownloadsandApp Updates.
• Set up Face/Touch ID to download:Settings>Face ID & Passcode(orTouch ID), enter passcode,andtoggle on.
• If your iPhone or an iPad connects to a data network, there's also an option to use cellular data to download automatic updates.

This article explains how to enable automatic updates for your iPhone and iPad, so your devices can patch apps automatically, install the latest version of apps and games, and sync new purchases across all your devices from a single download. These instructions apply to iPads running iPadOS 13 and up and iPhones using iOS 9 and later.

How to Turn On the Automatic App UpdatesFeature

The automatic app update feature eliminates the need to download dozens of updates on each of your devices. After you turn it on, your iOS devices download updates to any apps as they become available.

1. Open theSettingsapp.

   

2. TapApp Storein the Settingssidebar in iPadOS 13 and iOS 13 and later, or selectiTunes & App Storein the sidebar in iOS 12 through iOS 9.

   

3. In theAutomatic Downloadssection, turn on the toggle switch next toApp Updatesin iPadOS 13 or iOS 13 and later or next toUpdates in iOS 12 through iOS 9.

   

With App Updates turned on, the updates occur as they become available. You no longer need to update each app on each device manually.

If your iPhone or an iPad connects to a data network, there's an option to use cellular data to download automatic updates. Some apps, especially games, could use a good chunk of your monthly data allotment. Even with an unlimited plan, cellular downloads may slow down your device for other services. Use with caution.

How to Turn On Automatic Downloads

The Automatic Downloads section also includes an On/Off slider forApps(this option may also be calledApp Downloads). It works differently from the App Updates feature.

When you turn onApps/App Downloads, installing a new app to any of your devices automatically downloads it to your other devices that use the same Apple ID and have the feature turned on. It does not check for updates to those apps.

In iOS 12 through iOS 9, the Automatic Downloads section also includes On/Off sliders forMusic and Books & Audiobooks. Turning them on syncs your new music or book downloads across your devices. In iPad 13 and iOS 13 and later, those two settings moved to the Music and Books settings, respectively.

Automatic syncing of music and books across your devices may not be the best choice if you are a couple or family sharing the same Apple ID, especially if you have different tastes in books and music. Synchronizing music to all devices can also quickly fill the storage space.

However, if you are the only one using that Apple ID or if you have the storage space to spare, these settings can save time downloading each new purchase to each device.

How to Turn On Face ID or Touch ID for Downloads

Another time-saving feature is the ability to use Face ID or Touch ID to download apps from the App Store.

To turn on this setting, open theSettings app, chooseFace ID & Passcode(orTouch ID & Passcode), enter your passcode when prompted, and then tap theiTunes & App Storetoggle switch to the On position.