How to Update iOS

This wikiHow teaches you how to install the latest version of Apple's operating system for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Performing an On-Device Update (Over-the-Air)

  1. Image titled Back Up Your iPhone Step 11
    1
    Back up your iOS device.[1]
  2. Image titled Update iOS Step 1
    2
    Open
    iPhone Settings App Icon
    Settings.     It's a gray app with gears that's typically located on your home screen.
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  3. Image titled Update iOS Step 2
    3
    Scroll down and tap
    iPhone Settings General Icon
    General.
  4. Image titled Update iOS Step 3
    4
    Tap Software Update. It's at the top of the menu.
  5. Image titled Update iOS Step 4
    5
    Tap Download and Install or Install Now. If a software update is already downloaded, the Install Now button will appear below the update description.
    • You'll need to accept legal agreements before manually downloading the update.
  6. Image titled Update iOS Step 5
    6
    Enter your passcode if prompted. Enter the passcode you use to unlock your phone.
    • Your phone will restart and the update process will begin.
    • In some cases, you may have to set up your phone again, although all your apps and data should be intact.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using iTunes

  1. Image titled Switch Iphones Step 13
    1
    Connect your device to your computer. Use the USB cable that came with your device.
    • Tap Trust on your device's screen if prompted after connecting.
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    2
    Open iTunes. Do so if iTunes doesn't launch automatically when you connect your device.
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    3
    Click on your device's icon in the top bar of the window. It may take a moment to appear.
  4. Image titled Update iOS Step 9
    4
    Click on Back Up Now. Before updating, it's always advised to create a backup in case something goes wrong. This should only take a minute or two, and will allow you to restore your iOS device along with all your data if an error occurs during the update process, or if you like the old operating system better.[2]
  5. Image titled Update iOS Software on an iPad Step 17
    5
    Click on Check for Update. You'll see this on the Summary page after selecting your iOS device.
    • You may be prompted to update automatically when you first launch iTunes with your device connected. You'll see a notification if your device is already up to date.
  6. Image titled Update iOS Step 11
    6
    Click on Download and Update. This will download the update to your computer, and apply it to your iOS device. This process may take a while, and you can monitor the progress of the update on your device's screen.
  7. Image titled Update iOS Step 12
    7
    Set up your device. After the update has been installed on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, you'll need to complete it by entering your passcode or signing in with your Apple ID.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I update from iOS 7.1.2 to iOS 9?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you're using an iPhone 4, iOS 7.1.2 is the last available version of iOS. You won't be able to install a newer version of iOS. If you're using an iPhone 4S or newer, follow the instructions above to update.
  • Question
    Can I upgrade my iPhone 3GS to iOS 7?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, the latest available version of iOS for the iPhone 3GS is 6.1.6. It is not possible to update to later versions or run apps that require later versions of iOS.
  • Question
    Can I update my iPhone 4?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The iPhone 4 cannot be updated past iOS 7.1.2. If you want to use a newer version of iOS, you'll need to get a newer iPhone.
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Things You'll Need

  • Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch)

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References

  1. ↑ Chiara Corsaro. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 October 2019.
  2. ↑ Chiara Corsaro. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 October 2019.
  3. ↑ Chiara Corsaro. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 October 2019.

About This Article

Chiara Corsaro
Co-authored by:
Chiara Corsaro
Computer Specialist
This article was co-authored by Chiara Corsaro. Chiara Corsaro is the General Manager and Apple Certified Mac & iOS Technician for macVolks, Inc., an Apple Authorized Service Provider located in the San Francisco Bay Area. macVolks, Inc. was founded in 1990, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, and is part of the Apple Consultants Network (ACN). This article has been viewed 842,169 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 44
Updated: May 7, 2021
Views: 842,169
Categories: Apple iOS
Article SummaryX

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. Tap Download and install.
5. Enter your passcode.

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