Update Unavailable with This Apple ID? How to Fix!

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Mac OS system preferences

Are you trying to update your Mac or iPhone and a message pops up indicating ‘Update unavailable with the Apple ID. This update is not available for this Apple ID either because it was bought by a different user or the item was refunded or cancelled?’

This message occurs when some software on your system were installed while using a different Apple ID. It is common, especially when you are trying to update a used Mac that you’ve just purchased.

In this post I’ll show you exactly what you should do when this error occurs. These are series of steps that you should follow to find the root cause of the issue and apply a fix immediately.

Read Also: Error connecting to Apple ID server? Here is a fix

Sign out then sign back in

Signing out then signing back in using your Apple ID will solve the problem in most cases. This is usually necessary in instances where you have changed your password or any info in your Apple account.

To log out on your Mac, go to the Apple menu on the top left of your screen then navigate to System Preferences. Select iCloud and click Sign Out. All apps associated with iCloud will be removed. Once you have signed out, navigate to System Preferences > iCloud and sign in. Here is how to sign in to iCloud if you’ve lost your password.

Delete app and reinstall

If the problem occurs when you are trying to update a single app, then simply uninstall it and then reinstall. Apps normally behave in a similar fashion when you are trying to update them using a different account to that you used when purchasing them.

If it is a paid app, you would want to log in with your previous Apple ID. Otherwise, you have to buy it once again with the new Apple ID.  Follow these steps to repurchase the app:

  • Go to App Store
  • Enter the app you need to install
  • Down scroll to “Developer Apps.”
  • Enter the Developer Apps option
  • Click the App you need to buy and then click “buy.”

Authorize bundled apps

If the error occurred while you were trying to update bundled apps, find the app on AppStore under your purchases then click Accept on the button that shows up. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you will have to purchase the app once again using your present Apple ID.

Recover your forgotten Apple ID password

If you can’t update apps and you can’t log in because you’ve forgotten your Apple ID, follow the steps below to recover it:

  • Using your computer and your web browser, go to appleid.com
  • Click “Forgot Apple ID or password?”
  • Enter your Apple ID and in the next section type the characters from the image given
  • You are given the option to “look up” your ID
  • Click “Continue”
  • Verify your identity by either answering security questions or entering your email address.
  • Type a new password and confirm it by retyping it
  • Click “Reset”

In conclusion

Now that you’ve managed to solve the ‘Update unavailable with this Apple ID’ issue, you can now proceed to update software or your operating system. Please check out our other tutorials on Apple ID among others.