Several users have stated that they were unable to update certain Apple apps in the Mac App Store. From the users’ reports, it seems that attempting to update Keynote, Pages, iMovie, GarageBand, and Numbers may cause this problem. Users get this message:
Unable to update “Pages” To update this app, you need to accept it on the Account page in the App Store.
This problem can be very annoying as it may prevent you from updating and using some of your apps. If you are having this problem, here is how you can resolve it:
See also:
macOS app update problem?
Please follow the steps below:
- Open the Mac Store app from the Dock or Finder on your Mac.
- Now click your name (or Sign In and then sign in to the App Store) at the bottom-left corner. This is your Mac Store account page.
- This page will show the affected apps. You may see an ‘Accept’ button next to the apps that need to be accepted in order to updated with the Mac. Click Accept. This means that you are accepting the terms and conditions of the App Store. Now try again updating your app(s). If you are still unable to do so or if you do not see the Accept button, keep following the steps below. And it seems that a low of users do not see this button.
- Now open Launchpad Mac by clicking the Launchpad icon on your Dock.
- Find the affected apps. We will remove these apps.
- Click and hold on the app’s icon until it jiggles.
- You will see the X icon in the upper-left corner of the apps. Click the X.
- Click Delete.
- Now quit Launchpad.
- Wait a few minutes to make sure that the deleted app removed completely.
- Now open the App Store again.
- Go to the Account page again (step #1-2).
- Find the affected app(s).
- Click Update (or the cloud download icon).
- The app(s) should now install without any problems.
This problem occurs because Apple made some of its apps free to macOS users. And it is possible that you may have paid some of these apps to buy in the past. You may also experience this problem if you are using multiple Apple IDs. (see: How to delete Apple ID)
See also: An Error Occurred During Purchase
I am updating a Macbook Air that is used by several people.
So Apple is saying each time one of them wants to update the same free app that they have to delete it first and then reinstall it?!?
That is going to cause a lot of unnecessary time wasting and wear and tear. This process sounds more like the Windoze standard.
It really worked for me thank you!
Brilliant advice. Thank you. I had the same message with Garageband it and I was going crazy.
Your advice was awesome so thank you again Sir.
Thank you so much for helping me
I’m really pissed off. I’m using MacBook Air and have exactly the same problem. Pages don’t even launch. The update is available but the identity button you suggest is not even interactive. I also get a message that I cannot connect to Apple store but my connection is fine.
Arrrgh!
Failing to download Windows applications from store app
By deleting the pages app in launchpad and then reinstalling, will I loose my previously saved work in pages?
Thanks! Deleting the App from Launch Pad was the key for meekest
Hey man and thanks! But what happends to filed within the programs that I delete. I mainly think about projects in Imovie. Seems like project-files and the program itself are prety interlinked. I woulnät dare delete it.
Ans also, whan did these apps ever cost money. Imovie, pages etc, typically free apps, isn’t it?
Grateful for asnwer!
Jon
Thanks so much. Worked a champ.
OK so I followed your instructions up to point 13. Now iMovie is gone from my system, there is no Update button, and I’ll have to re-install it. BUT the only version available requires a later OS than I have on my computer (10.14.4) and I DON’T want to update it because I’ll lose compatibility with certain 3rd party apps. Even the download of the latest version of iMovie fails anyway. So now I have lost iMovie altogether! I should never have hit the damned Update button in the first place!
Hey There Diannet,
I just had the same issue. I did a search for iMovie on my computer and another folder for an old version (9.0.4) popped up under the applications folder. I was able to open that version of iMovie. Still can’t get the updated version to work on my iMac, but this is better than nothing. Don’t know if you figured out a solution, but if not, maybe that will help.
Gino
I’ve spent six hours trying to set up this MacBook. Very disappointing. I still cannot update pages or any of the other apps.
I spent 8 hours. Then had to do it all over again! Still have had problems. Not a happy camper here.
Thank you so much. I never would have figured out on my own!
Has anyone determined what value Launchpad HAS?
Followed the instructions (of course had to go through 4. – 15.) and it worked exactly as described. Thank you very much for the guidance. Now, let’s be real. That we have to go through this crap is another sign that Apple’s original, maniacal approach to user friendliness (UI/UX) has pretty badly eroded over the last 10 years. The outside design of computers. cell phones, etc. is still outstanding, but the inside hard- and software is not so cool any longer.
There is something called effort in life. If you put a little extra effort into things, you get much better results. Apple requires that. A little commitment from your end too.
thank you for understanding
I totally agree… I think I bought my last Apple product last summer…the brand-new MacBook Air I am now having problems with updates! Who has time for all this “uninstall” and then “install” again stuff before I can even get to work? Not good.
Thanks a million! This literally worked wonders.
what bullcrap I’m so disappointed with this MacBook Pro
yep the Mac book is difficult to navigate, not intuitive and apple want to second guess everything. It needs to be made much easier.