If your iPhone or iPad won't update

You may 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 is taking a long time to download
• Your device isn't able to reach the update server
• Your device won't finish updating

If you can't see the option to update to new software, such as iOS 16 or iPadOS 16, when it becomes available, your device may not support the latest release.

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. 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 following the steps below.

If there isn't enough space to download and install an update, the software on your device will try to make space. It will remove only app data that it can download again and doesn't remove or relocate any of your data. If your device still doesn't have enough space, you can use your computer to update your device.

If you can't connect your device to your computer, you can make room for the update by removing the content and apps on your device that you don't use. Go to Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.

Find out more about the space your apps and content use.

You'll need an internet connection to update your device. The length of time it takes to download the update will vary according to the size of the update and your internet speed. You can use your device normally while downloading the update, and your device will notify you when you can install it. To improve the speed of the download, avoid downloading other content and use a Wi-Fi network.

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

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:

• Update your device using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later
• Update your device using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or a Windows PC

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

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, 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 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:

• Update your device using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later
• Update your device using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or a Windows PC

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.