How to update your iPhone or iPad

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It’s always a good idea to update your iPhone (or iPad) to the latest software. Apple regularly releases updates throughout the year, often to improve functions, fixing bugs, and apply the latest security.

You can make your iPhone update itself automatically. iPhone made auto-update available from iOS 5 version and higher – or you can manually update it yourself with a computer. The advantage of updating it yourself is that you don’t need as much free space because the update will be done through iTunes.

Update automatically

The best and most secure way to update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS is to enable auto-updates – your device will automatically download and install update files, most times, overnight when your phone is charging and locked.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. Tap Customize Automatic Updates.
5. To make your iPhone update itself automatically, be sure both the “Download iOS Updates” and “Install iOS Updates” buttons are turned on by swiping them to the right.

If you prefer to update your iPhone manually. Here’s how:

Update manually

1. Start the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update. Your phone will check for any available updates.
4. If there is an update, tap Download and Install. Wait for the update to downloads to your iPhone.
5. Tap Install.

Use iTunes.

There are rare instances where your phone might have a glitch while trying to install updates. If your iPhone can’t install updates, either automatically or manually – then install from a computer using iTunes.

1. Plug your iPhone into your computer with the charging cable.
2. If you’re using a Mac, open the Finder and click the name of your phone in the sidebar. If you’re using a PC, open iTunes.
3. A message will appear on your computer screen asking you to allow the computer to access your iPhone; click Continue. Then, tap Trust on your iPhone.
4. In iTunes, click Library.
5. Click the “iPhone icon” on the left side of the toolbar. In the Finder, click General.
6. Click Check for Update.
7. Click Download and Update to install the iPhone updates if it’s available.

How to update iPhone FAQs

Answer to related questions people also ask:

What do you do when your iPhone won’t update? / What happens when you can’t update your iPhone?

These are some of the reasons why you may not be able to update your iPhone (or iPad):

• Limited storage space.
• Update taking much longer time to download.
• Update fails to complete.
• Update server unreachable.

Here is a help page from Apple for solutions to any of the above issues.

If you still can’t update your iPhone, restart it and download the update again.

Can I update my iPhone 6 to iOS 13?

iOS 13 is available for download on iPhone 6s or later. Here is the list of iPhone models that can run iOS 13: Phone 6s & iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE & iPhone 7 & iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 & iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone X, iPhone XR & iPhone XS & iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11 & iPhone 11 Pro & iPhone 11 Pro Max.

How do I force iOS 14 to update?

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and let the system check for any available update. If yes, tap Download and Install, and wait for the update to download.

Why can’t I update my iPhone 6s to iOS 14?

If your iPhone can’t update to iOS 14, there’s a possibility that your phone has limited memory space or may not be compatible. Also, make sure your iPhone is connected to reliable internet, has good battery life. If your iPhone still doesn’t update, you may need to restart it and try the update again.

How can I update iOS 14 without WiFi?

The clever workaround to update iOS 14 without WiFi is to set up a personal hotspot on another phone and use it as a WiFi network. Your iPhone will allow you to update to the latest iOS version as long as you are connected to the internet.