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How to Update iOS on iPhone and iPad

Use Settings > General > Software Update to update an iPhone or iPad. Learn how to back up first, enable automatic updates, use a computer, and fix common failures.
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On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update, then tap Download and Install if an update is offered. Back up the device first, connect it to power and Wi-Fi, and follow the onscreen instructions. The version available depends on the device; use the version shown in its Software Update screen rather than assuming every model can install the same release.

Before you update

  • Back up your device. Apple recommends a backup before updating. It gives you a recovery copy if the device is lost, damaged, or replaced.
  • Connect to Wi-Fi and power. These are the usual prerequisites for a wireless update. Keep the device connected while it downloads and installs.
  • Check compatibility and storage. The update screen reports what is available for your device. Compatibility, free space, internet access, and power can all affect whether installation proceeds.

Apple Support says that when you update an iPhone to the latest iOS, “your data and settings remain unchanged.” A backup is still a sensible precaution, and Apple includes it in its update instructions.

Back up with iCloud

For a manual iCloud backup, open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Automatic iCloud backups require iCloud Backup to be enabled and the device to be connected to power and Wi-Fi with its screen locked. If iCloud says there is not enough storage, the backup may not complete.

Update wirelessly in Settings

  1. On the iPhone or iPad, open Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Review the installed software version and any update offered on the screen.
  3. Tap Download and Install, then follow the prompts. If no update is offered, the device is not currently showing an update through this screen.

The labels and available update can vary by software version and device. Use the instructions displayed on your own screen.

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Turn on automatic updates

Open Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Depending on the software version, you can choose how the device handles available updates:

  • Automatically Install: Apple says an available update downloads and installs overnight when the iPhone is charging and connected to Wi-Fi. Apple says you are notified before installation.
  • Automatically Download: Downloads an update in the background so you can install it later. Apple says this option appears when Automatically Install is turned off.

Option names or availability may differ by software version. Check the controls shown on the device.

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Update with a Mac or PC

Use a computer if an update does not appear on the device or a wireless update fails. This method requires a computer and a cable. Apple’s computer-update instructions use Finder on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, and iTunes on earlier macOS versions or Windows.

  1. Connect the iPhone or iPad to the computer with a cable.
  2. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder and select the device. On earlier macOS or Windows, open iTunes; Apple recommends using the latest version of iTunes.
  3. Choose Check for Update.
  4. If an update is offered, choose Update and follow the onscreen steps.

The Settings method avoids the need for a computer. The computer method is a practical fallback when wireless updating is unavailable or unsuccessful; neither method is guaranteed to resolve every network or device problem.

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Fix common update problems

No update appears

  • Confirm that the device is compatible with the update being offered. Not every iPhone or iPad supports every release.
  • Check the Software Update screen again while connected to the internet. The version offered is device-specific.
  • If you still cannot get the update to appear, connect the device to a computer and use Finder or iTunes to check for an update.

There is not enough storage

If the device offers to temporarily remove apps to make room, Apple says those apps are reinstalled after the update. If you prefer, cancel and delete content yourself to free space, then try again.

The download is slow or cannot reach the update server

A slow connection or a failure to contact Apple’s update servers can interrupt a wireless update. Check that the device has internet access and try again. Apple notes that a VPN or proxy may prevent the device from contacting update servers; if you use one, try again without it if appropriate for your network and security needs.

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The update downloaded but will not install, or installation fails repeatedly

  1. Check that the device has enough available storage, power, and a working internet connection.
  2. If the downloaded update is incomplete or repeatedly fails, delete the downloaded update from device storage and download it again.
  3. If the retry still fails, connect the device to a computer and try the Finder or iTunes update method.

The device asks to remove apps temporarily

This prompt is intended to recover space for the installation. Apple says the removed apps are reinstalled after the update. To manage space yourself instead, cancel the prompt and delete content manually before retrying.

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Or skip the browser setup

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curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webp

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update an iPad using these steps?

Yes. The wireless route is Settings > General > Software Update on both iPhone and iPad; available updates depend on the device.

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Can I update iOS without Wi-Fi?

The computer method is Apple’s alternative to updating wirelessly. It requires a computer and cable, but availability can still depend on internet access and other conditions.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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