If your iPhone or iPad won’t update
To update your iPhone or iPad, you need a compatible device, a power source, an internet connection and enough available storage.
If you can’t install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS on your iPhone or iPad
You may be unable to update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly, or over the air, for one of these reasons:
If your device doesn’t support new software
To check if your device supports new software:
Check whether your iPhone or iPad model is on the list of compatible devices for the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
If your device is compatible, update to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS that is available to you. If you have a compatible device but your iPhone or iPad won’t update, try following the steps below.
If there’s not enough space to update
When your device doesn’t have enough space for a software update, it will try to free up space by removing app data that can be downloaded again, without affecting your personal data. If more space is needed:
Manually remove unused content and apps in Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.
Find out what to do if more space is required to use Apple Intelligence
If the download is taking a long time
To update your device, you need an internet connection. The download time depends on the update size and your internet speed. You can still use your device during the download, and you’ll be notified when it’s ready to install. For faster downloads, use Wi-Fi and avoid downloading other content simultaneously.
If you can’t reach the update server or can’t verify the update
If you try to update your device, you may see one of these messages:
"Unable to Check for Update. An error occurred while checking for a software update."
“Unable to Download. This update is not available because you are not connected to the internet.”
Try updating your device again using the same network. If you’re still seeing one of these messages, try updating your device using another network or updating your device with your computer:
If the issue happens again after trying to update with multiple networks, remove the update.
If your device won’t finish updating
If you’re installing the update, the progress bar may appear to move slowly. The length of time an update takes will depend on the size of the update and the number of files on your device.
When you’re updating over the air, keep your device connected to a power source. If your device runs out of power, connect it to a power source and turn on the device to let the update or restore complete.
Find out what to do if your iPhone or iPad appears frozen or won’t start.
If you still can’t install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS
If you still can’t install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, try downloading the update again:
Go to Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.
Find the update in the list of apps.
Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update.
If you can’t see the update in the list of apps or if the issue happens again, you’ll need to update your device with your computer:
Find out how to use recovery mode if your computer doesn’t recognise your device or your screen is stuck on the Apple logo for several minutes without a progress bar.
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