If your iPhone or iPad won't update

To update your iPhone or iPad, you need a compatible device, an internet connection, and enough available storage. It also helps to keep your device connected to a power source.

If you can’t install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS on your iPhone or iPad

Here's why your iPhone or iPad might not update wirelessly, or over the air:

• Your device doesn't support the latest software.

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

• The update is taking longer than expected 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.

If your device is compatible, try to update it. If you have a compatible device that won't update, try one of the following solutions.

If there's not enough space to update

You need enough storage space on your device to download an update. Your device can temporarily remove app data to make space, without deleting your personal information.

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap General.

3. Tap [device] Storage.

4. Tap Enable next to Offload Unused Apps.

You can also delete apps manually on your iPhone or iPad.

Learn how to free up storage 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 alerts:

• "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."

Update your device again using the same network. If you still see an alert, try updating using another network, a Mac, or iTunes.

If the issue happens again after trying to update with multiple networks, you can remove the update.

If the update doesn't complete

If you're installing the update, check your update's progress if it appears to move slowly. The time it takes to update depends on the update's size and your device's storage.

When you're updating wirelessly, 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 device is frozen.

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, you can download the update again.

To delete the update:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap General.

3. Tap [device] Storage.

4. Find the update in the list of apps.

5. Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.

To download the update again:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap General.

3. Tap 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.

If your computer doesn't recognize your device or your screen shows the Apple logo for several minutes without a progress bar, learn how to use recovery mode.