iPhone (iOS) · System
Update Your iPhone or iPad
Software Update keeps iOS current with the latest security fixes, features, and app compatibility. You can update wirelessly, overnight while charging, or via a computer.
How to open Software Update
- Open Settings → General → Software Update.
- Wait for iOS to check for updates, or tap 'Check for Updates'.
- Tap 'Download and Install'.
- Enter your passcode and let your device restart when prompted.
What you should know
- iOS can download and install updates automatically overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
- You can check for and install updates manually at any time.
- Security Responses can install important fixes faster, without waiting for a full iOS version update.
- Updates typically require enough free storage and battery (or being plugged in) to install.
Very old devices may stop receiving new iOS versions — check whether your specific model is still supported if updates no longer appear.
Why it matters
Every iOS update bundles the security patches that close vulnerabilities discovered since the last release, so delaying updates leaves known exploits open on your device. Updates also fix bugs affecting battery life, app crashes, and connectivity, and they're required for many new App Store apps to keep working correctly. Skipping updates for too long can eventually mean losing compatibility with newer app versions and accessories.
Best practices
- Turn on Automatic Updates so security fixes install overnight without you having to remember.
- Plug your iPhone in and connect to Wi-Fi before bed so overnight updates actually have a chance to run.
- Check manually before a big trip or event, since Apple sometimes ships urgent Security Responses outside the normal update cycle.
- Keep at least a few GB of free storage available, since large iOS updates can fail to download when storage is tight.
- Restart your device promptly after an update finishes installing rather than leaving it in the 'update pending restart' state.
Common problems and fixes
- Update download stalls at 'Verifying Update' or gets stuck for hours
- Restart the iPhone, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and retry from Settings → General → Software Update; if it still stalls, temporarily disable a VPN or content filter that may be blocking Apple's servers.
- 'Not Enough Storage' error prevents the update from downloading
- Free up space in Settings → General → iPhone Storage, or let iOS use its temporary 'offload apps to make room' option during the update.
- Automatic Updates never seem to run overnight
- Confirm the device is charging, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi at night, and that Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates has both toggles enabled.
- An older iPhone no longer shows the newest iOS version available
- Check Apple's published device compatibility list for that iOS version — some hardware has reached its final supported release and this is expected, not a bug.
Tips and tricks
- You can see your exact current iOS build number under Settings → General → About if support needs it for troubleshooting.
- Enable 'Security Responses & System Files' installation separately if you want critical patches applied even faster, without waiting on full iOS releases.
- If an update keeps failing over Wi-Fi, connecting to a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) can complete the install when the wireless method won't.
Frequently asked questions
Will updating my iPhone delete my data?
No, a standard software update preserves your apps, photos, and settings — only an 'Erase All Content and Settings' reset deletes data, not a regular iOS update.
Can I skip an iOS update and go straight to a newer one?
Yes, you can usually update directly to the latest available version; iOS doesn't require installing every intermediate version in sequence.
Why does my iPhone ask me to update over Wi-Fi only?
Large iOS update files can be several gigabytes, so Apple defaults to Wi-Fi to avoid surprise cellular data charges, though newer iOS versions do allow cellular updates for smaller files.
Is it safe to keep using my iPhone while an update downloads in the background?
Yes, you can keep using your device normally while the update downloads; it only requires you to stop and restart once you tap 'Install'.
Related settings
- iPhone StorageiPhone Storage shows exactly what's using space on your device and offers one-tap recommendations — like offloading unused apps or reviewing large attachments — to free up room.
- iCloud BackupiCloud Backup automatically saves a copy of your photos, app data, device settings, and more, so you can restore everything on a new or reset device.
- Reset iPhoneReset options let you fix persistent software issues by resetting specific settings (like network or keyboard dictionary) or fully erase the device back to factory defaults.
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.
- Carrier Settings UpdateCarrier 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.