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How to Update iPhone to Latest iOS

Keep your iPhone secure and running smoothly by staying up to date. Here's how to update iOS wirelessly or via computer.

⏱️ 15-60 min 💪 Easy 📲 All iPhones

Before You Update

Pre-update checklist:

  • 📶 Connect to WiFi (updates are large, 1-5GB)
  • 🔋 Charge to at least 50% (or plug in)
  • 💾 Back up your iPhone first
  • 📦 Free up storage if needed (check: Settings → General → iPhone Storage)

Method 1: Over-the-Air Update (Easiest)

Steps

  1. Connect iPhone to WiFi
  2. Go to Settings → General → Software Update
  3. Wait for iPhone to check for updates
  4. If update available, tap Download and Install
  5. Enter your passcode if prompted
  6. Tap Install Now (or schedule for later)
  7. iPhone will restart and show Apple logo with progress bar
  8. Wait for update to complete (15-60 minutes)
⚠️ Don't interrupt: Never force restart or disconnect power during an update. Wait for it to complete.

Method 2: Update via Computer

Use this if over-the-air update fails or you don't have enough storage.

On Mac (macOS Catalina or later)

  1. Connect iPhone to Mac with cable
  2. Open Finder
  3. Select your iPhone in the sidebar
  4. Click Check for Update
  5. Click Download and Update
  6. Enter iPhone passcode if prompted on the phone
  7. Wait for update to complete

On Windows (or older Mac)

  1. Download and install iTunes from Apple
  2. Connect iPhone to computer with cable
  3. Open iTunes and click the iPhone icon
  4. Click Check for Update
  5. Click Download and Update
  6. Enter iPhone passcode if prompted
  7. Wait for update to complete

Automatic Updates

Set your iPhone to update automatically overnight:

  1. Go to Settings → General → Software Update
  2. Tap Automatic Updates
  3. Enable Download iOS Updates
  4. Enable Install iOS Updates

Updates will install overnight when iPhone is charging and on WiFi.

Troubleshooting Update Problems

"Unable to Check for Update"

  • Check WiFi connection is working
  • Restart iPhone and try again
  • Try again later (Apple servers may be busy)

"Not Enough Storage"

  • Free up at least 5GB of space (see storage guide)
  • Or update via computer (doesn't need as much free space)

Update Stuck or Failed

  • Force restart: Volume Up → Volume Down → Hold Side Button
  • Try updating via computer instead
  • If stuck on Apple logo, try Recovery Mode

"Unable to Verify Update"

  • Delete the downloaded update: Settings → General → iPhone Storage → find iOS update → Delete
  • Re-download and try again

After Updating

  • Battery may drain faster for 24-48 hours (reindexing)
  • Check for app updates in App Store
  • Review new features in Settings → Tips
  • Check privacy settings as updates sometimes reset them

Is My iPhone Too Old?

Apple drops support for older iPhones with each major iOS release:

  • iOS 17: iPhone XS and later
  • iOS 16: iPhone 8 and later
  • iOS 15: iPhone 6s and later

If your iPhone doesn't see the latest iOS, it may be too old. You'll still get security updates for 1-2 years.

Update Problems?

If your iPhone is stuck during update or won't update properly, we can help diagnose and fix the issue.

Get Pro Help →