The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/update-iphone-ipad/
How to update your iPhone or iPad
Keeping your iPhone or iPad up to date is one of the best ways to keep it safe. It takes a few taps and some waiting.
This page is for you if
- A message keeps asking you to update
- An app says your software is too old
- Someone told you to get the latest update
Why this happens
Updates fix security problems and bugs. Apple puts them out for free.
Before you start
Apple says to back up your iPhone or iPad before you update. Open Settings, tap your name, tap iCloud, then iCloud Backup, then Back Up Now. Apple's backup steps
Do these steps
-
Step 1: Plug in and use Wi-Fi
Plug your iPhone or iPad into its charger and connect to Wi-Fi.
-
Step 2: Open Software Update
Open Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update.
-
Step 3: Install it
If an update is there, tap Download and Install. If it asks for your passcode, type the code you use to unlock your device.
-
Step 4: Wait for it to finish
Leave it plugged in. The screen may go dark and show the Apple logo while it works. That's normal.
-
Step 5: Turn on automatic updates
Go back to Settings, General, Software Update, then tap Automatic Updates. Turn on Automatically Install and Automatically Download.
Good to know
- If it says there isn't enough space, Apple may offer to remove some apps for a while and put them back after the update. Tap Continue to allow it, or free up space first with our steps for a full iPhone or iPad.
- With automatic updates on, your device installs updates overnight while it's charging and on Wi-Fi.
Check it with the source
We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.
- Apple: Update your iPhone or iPad https://support.apple.com/en-us/118575
- Apple: How to back up your iPhone or iPad with iCloud https://support.apple.com/en-us/108366
Still stuck?
Tell Buster what you see, in your own words.
Or email us at buster@thetechgrandkid.com. Never send us a password or a code.