How to Update iOS on iPhone and iPad
Update iPhone or iPad from Settings, enable automatic updates, or use a Mac or PC when a wireless update fails.
To update an iPhone or iPad wirelessly, back it up, connect it to power and Wi-Fi, then open Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is offered, tap Download and Install and follow the onscreen steps. The version available depends on your device; use the version shown on its Software Update screen.
These steps apply to iPhone and iPad. Apple says data and settings remain unchanged when updating an iPhone, but recommends making a backup first so you have a recovery copy if the device is lost, damaged, or replaced. Apple’s iPhone update instructions and backup guidance cover the process.
1. Prepare your iPhone or iPad
- Back up the device. You can use iCloud or a computer. To start an iCloud backup manually, open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Keep the device connected to Wi-Fi until the backup finishes. See Apple’s iCloud backup instructions.
- Connect to power and Wi-Fi. Keep the device powered during the update. If Wi-Fi is unavailable or wireless updating fails, use the computer method below.
- Check that the device is eligible. The Software Update screen reports updates available for that device. Compatibility depends on the model and the software version; consult Apple’s current compatibility information if no update appears.
2. Update wirelessly in Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Software Update.
- Wait for the screen to check for updates. It shows your installed version and whether an update is available.
- If one is offered, tap Download and Install. Enter your passcode if asked, agree to the onscreen terms, and allow the device to restart and finish installing.
- After it restarts, return to Settings > General > Software Update to confirm the installed version.
Do not assume a particular release is available to every device. Apple may offer different versions based on model and current eligibility, so follow what your device reports.
3. Turn on automatic updates
Open Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Depending on the software version, you may see separate controls for downloading and installing.
- Automatically Install: Apple says an available update can download and install overnight when the device is charging and connected to Wi-Fi. Apple says you are notified before installation.
- Automatically Download: Downloads an available update in the background so you can install it later. Apple says this option appears when Automatically Install is off.
Labels and availability can vary by software version. Review the options on your device’s Automatic Updates screen. Automatic installation still depends on the device being able to download and install the update.
4. Update with a Mac or PC
A computer is the official fallback if an update does not appear on the device or the wireless installation fails. You need a computer with an internet connection and a compatible cable. Apple directs users to Finder on macOS Catalina or later, and to iTunes on earlier macOS or Windows.
- Update macOS or iTunes if an update is available. Apple recommends using the latest iTunes version.
- Connect the iPhone or iPad to the computer with a cable. Unlock the device and approve Trust This Computer if prompted.
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later: Open Finder and select the device in the sidebar.
- On earlier macOS or Windows: Open iTunes and select the device.
- Choose Check for Update. If an update is offered, choose Update and follow the prompts. Keep the device connected while it restarts and completes installation.
See Apple’s computer update instructions for the current steps.
5. Fix common update problems
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| No update appears | The device may not support the offered version, or the update check may not be reaching Apple’s servers. | Check the model’s compatibility, reconnect to a working network, and check again in Settings > General > Software Update. If it still does not appear, connect to a computer and choose Check for Update. |
| Not enough storage | The update needs more free space than is currently available. | Follow the storage prompt to temporarily remove apps, or cancel and remove content yourself before retrying. Apple says apps removed temporarily for the update are reinstalled after installation. You can review storage under Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage. |
| Download is slow or stalls | The network may be slow or unstable, or the update server may not be reachable. | Use a reliable Wi-Fi connection, keep the device on power, and retry later if the download cannot proceed. If a VPN or proxy is active, Apple says it may prevent contact with update servers; try again without it if appropriate for your network. |
| Update verification or installation fails | The download may be incomplete, the connection may have dropped, or the device may lack required storage or power. | Check power, network access, and available storage. Delete the downloaded update from device storage and download it again. If it still fails, install through Finder or iTunes. |
| Computer does not show the device | The cable connection, trust prompt, software version, or device selection may be the issue. | Unlock the device, accept the trust prompt, reconnect the cable, and make sure macOS or iTunes is current. Then select the device in Finder or iTunes and check again. |
| iCloud backup cannot finish | iCloud storage may be full, or the device may not have a usable Wi-Fi connection. | Check iCloud storage and network access. For automatic iCloud backups, the feature must be enabled and the device connected to power and Wi-Fi with its screen locked. Try Back Up Now again once there is enough space. |
Apple’s detailed steps for missing or failed updates are in If your iPhone or iPad won’t update. Avoid interrupting an installation while the device is restarting. If it remains stuck or displays an error, note the exact message and use Apple’s guidance or support for that error.
6. Choose wireless or computer updating
| Method | Useful when | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless in Settings | You want the straightforward update path without a computer. | The device, Wi-Fi, and power. |
| Finder or iTunes | The update does not appear on the device or wireless updating fails. | A Mac or Windows PC, an internet connection, and a cable. |
Neither method is right for every situation. Start with Settings when it works; use a computer as a supported fallback when needed. If you do not have Wi-Fi available on the device, the computer route may help, but it still requires the computer to access the update.
7. Performance, reliability, and cost
Apple does not specify a universal update duration or storage amount in the instructions cited here. Download time depends on the network, and installation depends on the device and update. Keep the device powered and connected until it finishes, and make sure there is enough free storage. A backup is the practical recovery step if something goes wrong; do not treat an update as a substitute for a backup.
The built-in Settings and computer update methods do not require a paid screenshot or update service. The computer route requires access to a Mac or PC and a cable, but no particular computer model is recommended here.
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FAQ
Will updating erase my photos or settings?
Apple says data and settings remain unchanged when updating an iPhone to the latest iOS. Back up first as a recovery precaution.
Can I install an update without Wi-Fi?
You can try the computer method, but the computer still needs internet access to obtain the update. Apple does not promise this will work in every network environment.
Why does my iPad show a different update than my iPhone?
Available updates depend on the device. Use each device’s Software Update screen to see what is offered for that model.
What happens if I let iOS remove apps to make room?
Apple says apps removed temporarily to make space for an update are reinstalled after the update completes.
