To update an iPad, back it up, connect it to Wi-Fi, then go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install if an update is available. If the wireless update is missing or fails, check compatibility, storage and network access, or update through a Mac or Windows computer.
Update iPadOS wirelessly
- Back up your iPad. Apple recommends making a backup before updating. Its iPadOS update guide says data and settings remain unchanged when you update to the latest iPadOS, but a backup is a sensible precaution.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Keep the iPad connected to power while the update installs, as Apple recommends.
- Open Settings > General > Software Update. The screen shows the installed iPadOS version and whether an update is available.
- If an update appears, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions. Keep the iPad connected to power while installation completes.
Turn on automatic updates
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Apple distinguishes automatic installation from automatic download:
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- Automatically Install: The iPad can download and install an update overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi. Apple says you’ll be notified before installation.
- Automatically Download: The iPad downloads an update while connected to Wi-Fi, charging and locked, so you can install it later. To see this option, turn off Automatically Install.
Apple also offers an option to install system file updates without updating iPadOS itself; that is separate from a full iPadOS update. See Apple’s automatic update instructions for the available settings.
Update with a Mac or Windows computer
If you cannot update wirelessly, Apple documents a computer-based alternative. Connect the iPad to the computer with a cable. The steps depend on the computer’s operating system:
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- Mac with macOS 10.15 or later: Open Finder, select the iPad in the sidebar, choose General, then Check for Update. Choose Update if one is offered.
- Mac with macOS 10.14 or earlier, or Windows: Open iTunes, select the iPad, choose Summary, then Check for Update. Choose Update to install an available release.
Apple’s update guide provides these computer instructions. This is a fallback route; you do not need to buy a computer to update an iPad.
Check whether your iPad supports the update
Not every iPad supports every iPadOS release. Compatibility changes by version, so check Apple’s list for the specific release offered to you rather than relying on a general model list. Apple’s iPadOS download page lists supported models for the release shown there, and notes that an iPad on an earlier software version may need to install that update first.
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To identify your model and installed software version, open Settings > General > About. Apple’s iPad compatibility guide explains how to find device details and check compatibility.
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If your iPad won’t update
Apple identifies several common causes: the iPad may not support the release, may lack free storage, may be downloading slowly, may be unable to reach the update server, or may not be able to finish installation. Work through these checks in order:
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- Confirm compatibility. Check your model against Apple’s support list for the target iPadOS release.
- Check Wi-Fi and storage. Make sure the iPad is connected to the internet and has enough available space. Apple describes a compatible device, internet connection and enough storage as requirements for an update in its troubleshooting guidance.
- Keep it powered and allow time. Download and installation times vary with update size and the storage on the device. Keep the iPad connected to power while it proceeds.
- Try another network if you see a connection alert. Apple notes that some updates are not available wirelessly and that VPN or proxy connections may prevent contact with update servers. Its update troubleshooting steps recommend trying a different network when applicable.
- Remove and download the update again if it keeps failing. Go to Settings > General > [device] Storage, find the downloaded update and delete it. Then return to Settings > General > Software Update and download it again. Follow Apple’s instructions for deleting and reinstalling an update.
- Try a computer. If the update still does not appear or install, use Finder on a supported Mac or iTunes on Windows or an older Mac, as described above.
Do not erase or restore the iPad as a first troubleshooting step. Apple’s normal update guidance prioritizes checking compatibility, network access and storage, retrying the download, and using a computer. Recovery mode is a later support option if a computer does not recognize the iPad or the device is stuck during startup.
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