iPhone (iOS) · System
Update carrier network configuration separately from iOS
Carrier Settings Updates are small packages issued by a mobile carrier to improve network performance, enable new features like VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling, and fix connectivity bugs, independent of iOS software updates.
How to open Carrier Settings Update
- Ensure the iPhone has cellular signal and a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.
- Open Settings and tap General.
- Tap About and wait briefly for an update prompt to appear if one is available.
- Tap Update if prompted, and restart the device if recommended.
What you should know
- Checked automatically by inserting a SIM or connecting to the carrier's network, and can be checked manually in Settings > General > About.
- If an update is available, a prompt appears offering to install it.
- Distinct from an iOS software update, and typically much smaller in size.
- Occurs each time a new SIM from a different carrier is inserted.
Why it matters
Carriers frequently adjust their networks, and a carrier settings update ensures the iPhone's radio configuration stays aligned with those changes, which can directly affect call quality, data speeds, and access to features like Wi-Fi Calling or 5G in specific areas. Because this is managed by the carrier rather than Apple, it happens on its own schedule outside of major iOS releases, meaning a fully updated iOS version doesn't guarantee the latest carrier settings are installed. Checking for it manually is a quick, often-overlooked troubleshooting step when experiencing unexplained cellular connectivity issues.
Best practices
- Check for a carrier settings update whenever experiencing unusual signal or call quality problems.
- Always check after switching to a new SIM card or carrier, since the update is carrier-specific.
- Restart the iPhone after installing a carrier settings update if a feature still doesn't seem to work.
Common problems and fixes
- No update prompt appears despite known carrier network changes.
- Ensure the device has an active SIM, cellular signal, and is connected to Wi-Fi, then check Settings > General > About manually.
- Wi-Fi Calling or VoLTE isn't available after switching carriers.
- Confirm a carrier settings update has been installed, since these features often depend on it.
Tips and tricks
- If in doubt, simply reopening Settings > General > About triggers a fresh check for an available update.
Frequently asked questions
Is a carrier settings update the same as an iOS update?
No, it's a separate, smaller package specific to cellular network configuration, managed by the carrier rather than Apple.
Does this update cost anything?
No, carrier settings updates are free and typically small enough to download over cellular data.
Related settings
- CarrierThe Carrier entry (and the Carrier section under General → About) shows which cellular carrier your SIM or eSIM is currently registered with, along with the installed Carrier Settings update version.
- Software UpdateSoftware Update keeps iOS current with the latest security fixes, features, and app compatibility. You can update wirelessly, overnight while charging, or via a computer.
More System guides for iPhone (iOS)
- BatteryThe Battery screen shows your battery's current health and charging behavior, breaks down which apps used the most power recently, and includes Low Power Mode for stretching a low charge further.
- Automatic UpdatesAutomatic Updates, found inside Software Update settings, controls whether iOS downloads and installs new versions on its own overnight — while charging and on Wi-Fi — without you needing to tap through it manually.
- Update HistoryUpdate History, found on the General → About screen, lists every iOS and iPadOS version that has ever been installed on this specific device, along with the date each one was installed.
- Beta UpdatesBeta Updates lets you opt an iPhone into Apple's Developer or Public Beta program directly from Software Update settings, so it receives pre-release iOS versions ahead of the general public release.
- Rapid Security ResponsesRapid Security Responses deliver urgent security fixes between full iOS releases, installing quickly and, unlike major updates, without requiring a full device restart in most cases.
- App Store Automatic App UpdatesSeparate from iOS software updates, the App Store has its own setting for automatically installing new versions of installed apps as developers release them.