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How to Update iOS Using a Mac or Windows PC

Use Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes to install an available iPhone update from a computer. Follow the right steps for your operating system and avoid the Restore option.
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You can install an available iPhone software update from a Mac or Windows PC using Apple’s device-management app: Finder on macOS Catalina or later, iTunes on older Macs, and Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows. Back up your iPhone first, then choose Update—not Restore—in the app you’re using.

Choose the right app for your computer

Computer App Where to find the update control
Mac running macOS Catalina or later Finder Select your iPhone in the Finder sidebar, choose General, then Check for Update.
Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier iTunes Select the device button, open Summary, then choose Check for Update.
Windows Apple Devices Select your iPhone in the sidebar, choose General, then Update. If needed, choose Check for Update first.
Windows iTunes Select your iPhone, open Summary, choose Check for Update, then update.

Apple documents both Apple Devices and iTunes workflows for Windows; the controls differ between apps. On a Mac running Mojave or earlier, Apple advises using the latest iTunes version. See Apple’s guides for Apple Devices on Windows, updating with Finder or iTunes, and updating with iTunes.

Prepare your iPhone and connection

  • Back up first. Make a backup to iCloud or your computer before beginning.
  • Use a trusted computer. If the iPhone asks whether to trust the computer, unlock the phone and confirm the prompt.
  • Connect the iPhone. A USB or USB-C cable can provide a wired connection, but check the ports on both devices: the connector or adapter required depends on the iPhone and computer. Some Apple workflows support a Wi-Fi connection, so a cable is not mandatory in every case.
  • Check the computer’s internet connection. If the computer is using the iPhone’s Personal Hotspot, connect it to a different Wi-Fi or Ethernet network before updating.

Apple’s Finder and iTunes instructions describe cable and adapter options as well as Wi-Fi use in some workflows.

Install the update

  1. Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes according to the table above. If using iTunes, make sure it is up to date.
  2. Connect the iPhone, or use the Wi-Fi connection available for your particular Apple workflow. Unlock the iPhone and approve the trust prompt if one appears.
  3. Select the iPhone in the app. In Finder or Apple Devices, open General; in iTunes, open Summary.
  4. Choose Check for Update if that control is shown. If an update is offered, choose Update or the app’s download-and-update control, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Apple says, “If you can’t update wirelessly on your device, you can update using the Finder on a computer that you trust.” Read its instructions for updating with Finder or iTunes if the app’s screens differ from these steps.

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Choose Update, not Restore

Update installs available iPhone software. Restore is a separate operation; restoring an iPhone to factory settings deletes its information and settings. For a routine software update, use the update control described above and do not start a factory restore.

If the update does not work

The iPhone does not appear in the app

  • Unlock the iPhone and respond to any Trust This Computer prompt.
  • Reconnect it and check that the cable and ports are connected properly.
  • Make sure macOS, iTunes, or Apple Devices is current, as applicable.
  • Use Apple’s help for a device that isn’t recognized by a computer if it still does not appear.

An update error appears

Use Apple’s troubleshooting steps for iOS update and restore errors and follow the guidance for the specific message or code. Possible checks include the connection, computer software, Apple’s servers, or third-party security software; the right remedy depends on the error, so there is no single fix that applies to every case.

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The iPhone does not have enough space

Check available iPhone storage before deleting anything. If more room is needed, Apple recommends deleting content manually; keep your backup intact while deciding what to remove.

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