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 might be unable to update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly, or over the air, for one of these reasons:

• Your device doesn't support the latest software

• There isn't enough available storage space on your device

• The update takes a long time to download

• Your device isn't able to reach the update server

• The update doesn't complete

If your device doesn't support new software

To check if your device supports new software:

1. Identify your iPhone or iPad model.

2. Check whether your iPhone or iPad model is on the list of compatible devices for the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

3. If your device is compatible, update to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS that's available to you. If you have a compatible device but your iPhone or iPad won't update, try the steps below.

If there's not enough space to update

You need enough storage space on your device to download an update. Your device removes app data that you can download again without affecting your personal data.

You can also remove unused content and apps in Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.

Learn what to do if you require more space to use Apple Intelligence.

If the download takes a long time

You need an internet connection to update your device. The download time depends on the update size and your internet speed. You can still use your device during the download, and the device will notify you when the update is ready to install.

For faster downloads:

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.

2. Avoid downloading other content while updating your device.

If you can't reach the update server or can't verify the update

If you try to update your device, you might see one of these messages:

• "Unable to Check for Update. An error occurred while checking for a software update."

• "Unable to Check for Update. Checking for a software update failed because you are not connected to the internet."

• "Unable to Download. This update is not available because you are not connected to the internet."

• "Unable to Download. This update requires a Wi-Fi network connection to download."

Try updating your device again using the same network. If you still see one of these messages, try updating your device using another network or using a Mac or using iTunes. If the issue happens again after trying to update with multiple networks, remove the update.

If the update doesn't complete

If you're installing the update, the progress bar might appear to move slowly. The time an update takes depends 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.

Learn 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:

1. Go to Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.

2. Find the update in the list of apps.

3. Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.

4. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update.

If you don't see the update in the list of apps or if the issue happens again, you need to update your device using a Mac or using iTunes.

Learn how to use recovery mode if your computer doesn't recognize your device or your screen displays the Apple logo for several minutes without a progress bar.