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Why can't you find Apple Arcade? How to access Apple Arcade

Get online with Apple Arcade using this guide

Why can't you find Apple Arcade? How to access Apple Arcade
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Apple Arcade has finally launched, but if you've jumped on your iOS device today and you can't find it, you're not alone. In fact, there's a long list of reasons why you might not be able to access Apple Arcade right now.

Here you'll find the definitive troubleshooting list - if this guide doesn't get you on to Apple Arcade, nothing will.

Read on for the definitive instructions to get online and playing Apple Arcade.

Where is Apple Arcade?

Assuming your device is up to date and you're on a supported device, then you should easily be able to find Apple Arcade.

Just tap through to the App Store, and you'll find the Apple Arcade right at the bottom on a brand new tab of its own.

This will be Apple Arcade's dedicated menu, only ever a single tap away wherever you are on the App Store.

What version are you on?

Apple Arcade is only available on iOS and iPadOS 13. If you don't have that version of the software installed, you'll need it.

If you're on a compatible iPhone, you should be able to download the update through the Settings menu, General, and Software Update.

If you're on iPad, it can be a bit harder.

Does your device support Apple Arcade?

If you still haven't found Apple Arcade, then let's check if your device is compatible. Here's the list of compatible devices…

iPhones:
  • iPhone 6S and 6S Plus
  • iPhone SE
  • iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
  • iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone XS, XS Max and XR
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
  • iPod Touch seventh generation
iPads:
  • iPad Pro 12.9in first and second generation
  • iPad Pro 10.5in
  • iPad Pro 9.7in
  • iPad Pro 11in
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad Air 3
  • iPad fifth generation
  • iPad sixth generation
  • iPad seventh generation
  • iPad Mini 4
iPad, or iPhone?

Still having issues, even though your device is on the list above? Well then I'm assuming it's an iPad, and you need the iPadOS 13 Beta in order to access Apple Arcade.

Luckily, there's a public beta right now, which makes it pretty easy to access…

iPadOS 13 Public Beta

If you need access the Apple Arcade on your iPad, then we have the guide for you, and it's not this one.

You'll find everything you need to know about Apple Arcade and upgrading your iPad to iPadOS 13 Beta in this guide here, and it'll help you through everything you need to know to get on iPadOS 13.
Dave Aubrey
Dave Aubrey
Dave is the Guides Editor at Pocket Gamer. Specialises in Nintendo, complains about them for a living.