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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Open Settings > General > Software Update to see the iPadOS version installed on your iPad and check whether an update is available. To view the version directly, go to Settings > General > About. Before installing an update, back up your iPad, connect it to Wi-Fi and power, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Check which iPadOS version is installed
For a quick check that also looks for updates, open Settings > General > Software Update. The screen shows the installed iPadOS version and tells you whether an update is available for your iPad.
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To find the version without opening the update screen, go to Settings > General > About and look for the software version. Apple documents this route in its instructions for finding an iPhone or iPad software version.
Prepare your iPad before updating
- Back up your iPad. Apple recommends a backup before updating. You can back up using iCloud or a computer; see Apple’s iPadOS download and update guidance.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and power. Apple recommends Wi-Fi and a power connection for a wireless update. Keep the iPad connected to power while the update installs.
Apple’s iPad User Guide says, “When you update to the latest version of iPadOS, your data and settings remain unchanged.” That describes the expected update behavior, but it does not replace the value of having a backup.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Update iPadOS from Settings
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is offered, tap Download and Install.
- Follow the onscreen instructions and leave the iPad connected to power while installation finishes.
The update shown is the one available for your device. Not every iPad supports every iPadOS release; Apple says the Software Update screen shows compatible updates. Its iPadOS 26 compatibility guide lists models for that release and directs users to Software Update for the latest version compatible with their iPad. Model support can differ for other releases.
Turn on automatic updates
To review the automatic-update options, open Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Apple documents two controls:
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
- Automatically Download lets the iPad download an update when it is connected to Wi-Fi, charging and locked, so it can be installed later.
- Automatically Install allows an update to install overnight while the iPad is charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
Labels and available options can vary by software version, so use the controls displayed on your iPad. Apple’s iPad User Guide instructions for updating iPadOS describe these settings.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUpdate using a Mac or PC
A computer is an alternative if the update does not appear in Settings or wireless updating continues to fail. You will need to connect the iPad to the computer; the appropriate cable depends on the ports on both devices.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
- Connect the iPad to the computer.
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder and select the iPad in the sidebar. On an older Mac or a Windows PC, use iTunes and open the device’s Summary view.
- Choose Check for Update. If an update is available, choose Update and follow the instructions.
Apple describes both computer routes in its iPadOS update guide. Its general iPhone and iPad update instructions also identify a computer as an option when the update is not available on the device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot an iPadOS update that will not install
Apple groups common update problems around compatibility, storage, downloading, server access and installation. Start with the issue that matches what you see:
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
The update is not offered
Check the iPad’s compatibility with the release, then look again at Settings > General > Software Update. The update screen shows the latest version available for that iPad; a model may not support a newer release.
There is not enough storage
Free up space on the iPad and try the update again. Apple lists insufficient available storage as a reason an update may not complete.
Best Value
- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
- A10 Fusion chip.
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
- Stereo speakers.
The download is slow or cannot reach the update server
Make sure the iPad is connected to Wi-Fi, pause other large downloads and try again. If the server connection still fails, try another network or use a computer to update.
The installation does not complete
Keep the iPad connected to power and follow Apple’s troubleshooting steps. If the update file appears to be the problem, Apple also describes deleting the downloaded update and downloading it again. See Apple’s guide to fixing iPhone or iPad update problems for the applicable steps.
Quick Recap
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