The fastest way to add apps to iPad on iOS 9.5.3

Open the App Store app on your iPad — it has a blue icon with a white stylized "A" made of sticks. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass), type the name of the app you want, and tap the result. Then tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow next to the app name. Enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID if your iPad supports it. The app will download and install automatically.

If you do not have an Apple ID yet, you will need to create one before you can download anything. You can set this up in Settings > iTunes & App Stores, or the App Store will prompt you to create one the first time you try to download an app.

iOS 9.5.3 is an older version, so some newer apps may not be available for your device. If an app shows "Incompatible" instead of a download button, that app requires a newer iOS version than what your iPad is running.

Key Takeaways

  • The App Store app is the only official way to add apps to an iPad on iOS 9.5.3, and it comes pre-installed on all iPads.
  • You need an Apple ID to download any app, and you can create one for free during the download process if you do not already have one.
  • Tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow next to an app name to download it; the app installs in the background while you do other things.
  • Older iPad models running iOS 9.5.3 cannot download apps released after a certain date, because newer apps require newer iOS versions.
  • Downloaded apps appear on your home screen automatically, and you can organize them into folders by dragging one app onto another.

Finding apps in the App Store

The search tab is the fastest way to find a specific app if you know its name. Tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom, type the app name, and results appear as you type. Tap the app you want from the list.

If you are browsing for ideas, tap the Featured tab (the first icon at the bottom) to see apps Apple recommends, or tap Categories to browse by type — Games, Productivity, Social Networking, and so on. Each category shows popular apps and new releases.

When you find an app, read the description and reviews before downloading. Reviews from other iPad users tell you whether the app works well, whether it crashes, and what features actually work on older devices like yours.

Downloading and installing apps

Once you tap an app in the App Store, you see a cloud icon with a downward arrow. Tap this icon to start the download. The icon changes to a progress circle while the app downloads, then shows a checkmark when the download is complete.

You do not have to wait for the download to finish — you can close the App Store and use your iPad normally. The app continues downloading in the background. Once it finishes, the app appears on your home screen automatically, usually at the end of the last page of apps.

If you are downloading a large app over a slow connection, it may take several minutes. Keeping your iPad plugged in during large downloads prevents the battery from draining.

What to do if an app will not download

If you see "Incompatible" instead of a download button, the app requires a newer version of iOS than 9.5.3. Your iPad cannot run newer iOS versions if it is an older model. Check the app's description to see what iOS version it needs — if it says iOS 10 or higher, you cannot download it on your current device.

If you see an error message during download, try closing the App Store completely and opening it again. If the error continues, restart your iPad by holding the power button until the "slide to power off" screen appears, then slide to turn it off. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.

If you run out of storage space, your iPad will not download apps. Go to Settings > General > Storage to see how much space is available. If you have less than 500 MB free, delete photos, videos, or apps you no longer use to make room.

Managing apps after you download them

Downloaded apps appear on your home screen in the order they were installed. To move an app to a different spot, press and hold it until the screen enters edit mode (the icons start to jiggle), then drag it to where you want it. Tap the home button or tap outside the apps to exit edit mode.

To organize apps into folders, press and hold an app in edit mode and drag it onto another app. A folder appears with both apps inside. You can name the folder by typing in the text field that appears. Drag more apps into the folder to keep related apps together.

To delete an app, press and hold it in edit mode and tap the red minus sign that appears, then tap Delete. Deleting an app removes it from your iPad but does not delete your Apple ID account or any data stored in iCloud.

Setting up and managing your Apple ID

Your Apple ID is the account you use to download apps, buy content, and back up your iPad to iCloud. If you already have an email address and password you use with Apple services, that is your Apple ID. If not, you can create one for free.

To create an Apple ID, open the App Store, tap the search icon, and try to download any free app. When prompted, tap "Create Apple ID" and follow the steps. You will need to provide an email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Apple will send a verification email to confirm your address.

To check which Apple ID is signed in, go to Settings > iTunes & App Stores. The email address shown at the top is your current Apple ID. If you want to use a different Apple ID, tap that email address and select Sign Out, then sign in with a different account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download apps from somewhere other than the App Store?

No. On iOS 9.5.3, the App Store is the only official way to download apps. You cannot sideload apps from websites or other sources on an iPad without jailbreaking it, which voids your warranty and creates security risks.

What if I forget my Apple ID password?

Go to Settings > iTunes & App Stores, tap your Apple ID email, and select "iForgot" or "Forgot Apple ID or password". Apple will send a password reset link to your email address. Follow the link to create a new password, then sign back into the App Store.

Do I have to pay for every app?

No. Many apps are free to download, though some include in-app purchases that cost money. Paid apps show a price instead of a cloud icon. Before you download a paid app, make sure you have a payment method on file in Settings > iTunes & App Stores.

Why does the App Store say an app is not compatible with my iPad?

Developers stop supporting older iOS versions as they release new features. If an app requires iOS 10 or higher and your iPad runs iOS 9.5.3, you cannot download that app. Check the app's description to see the minimum iOS version required.

Can I re-download an app I deleted?

Yes. Open the App Store, search for the app by name, and tap the cloud icon again. If the app is compatible with iOS 9.5.3, it will download and install just like the first time. You will not be charged again for paid apps you previously bought.