Make sure you’re signed in to your primary Apple ID, or the Apple ID you’ll be using on this particular Mac.Find the app that you can’t update in the Applications folder.Your own mileage may vary depending on your Mac and what other Apple IDs are logged in (or have been logged in), of course. That includes apps that were downloaded by a different Apple ID or apps that you downloaded yourself that (somehow) have the “update unavailable” bug. How To Change an Apple ID you No Longer Have Access Toįor the most part, the method below will fix any errors associated with app updates being unavailable.Why Does my Apple device show an unfamiliar Apple ID while Trying to Log in.Apple ID is Disabled, Here’s What to do.Getting a message to Update Apple ID Settings on iPhone, iPad, or Mac?.Why is an app or website asking me to sign in with Apple and my Apple ID?.This weird behavior may be attributable to a bug.

There are cases of some apps, particularly iWork or iLife apps, that show this error even if a user has only ever used one Apple ID (on a computer that has never had another owner). Similarly, people with used or third-party refurbished computers may run into this problem (since their Apple ID is different than the original owner’s). This can cause issues if there are multiple users using different Apple IDs on a single computer. This applies to both free apps and apps that cost money. That app can then only be updated by the specific Apple ID that made the original purchase. Why Does This Happen?īasically, when you download an app from the Mac App Store, that particular instance of the app is tied to your Apple ID - or the one that made the purchase. Luckily, while annoying, the error message can be done away with pretty easily. The message will go on to state that the update isn’t available because the app “was bought by a different user or the item was refunded or canceled.”īut sometimes, that isn’t the case. When you attempt to, you’ll be hit with an “Update Unavailable with This Apple ID” error message. Specifically, you may find that you’re not able to update an app. App updates are an important part of keeping your Mac and your applications running smoothly.

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