Why Won’t My iPhone Update? A Complete Guide

As an iPhone user you know how important it is to keep your device up to date with the latest iOS version, including the latest version, for performance, security and new features. But sometimes you may run into issues when trying to update your iPhone. This guide will go through common reasons why your iPhone won’t update and how to get your device on the latest iOS.

Why Won’t My iPhone Update

Not Enough Storage Space

One of the most common reasons your iPhone won’t update is not enough storage space. iOS updates require a lot of free space to download and install.

How to Check and Free Up Storage:

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
2. See which apps and data are taking up the most space
3. Delete unused apps, old photos or large files
4. Offload app data to iCloud or your computer

Slow Internet

You need a stable Wi-Fi connection and internet connection to download iOS updates which can be big.

A poor internet connection can significantly impact the update process, causing slow or interrupted downloads.

How to Get a Good Connection:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network
2. Don’t update over cellular data which can be slow and may cost you
3. Use a speed test app to check your internet speed
4. If possible move closer to your Wi-Fi router

Software Bugs

Sometimes minor software issues can prevent your iPhone from updating properly. If you are using a beta version of iOS, consider deleting it to ensure a smooth update process.

Try This:

1. Restart your iPhone
2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and try again
3. If the update is stuck, tap “Delete Update” and re-download

Incompatibility

Make sure your iPhone model supports the latest iOS you’re trying to install.

For example, the iPhone SE (2nd generation) is required to run the latest iOS updates.

Check Compatibility:

1. Go to Apple’s website to see which devices support the latest iOS
2. If your device is too old it won’t be compatible with newer updates

How to Update Your iPhone

Before You Update

1. Back up your important data to iCloud or your computer
2. Have enough free space (at least 5GB is recommended)
3. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network
4. Plug in your iPhone
5. Ensure your iPhone battery is charged to at least 50%

Update Your iPhone Manually

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > iOS update
2. If an update is available tap “Download and Install”
3. Enter your passcode if prompted
4. Agree to the terms and conditions
5. Your iPhone will download the update and restart to install it

Update Issues

If Your iPhone Freezes During Update:

1. Force restart your iPhone
2. If you see the Apple logo with a progress bar wait for it to complete
3. If still stuck try connecting to iTunes or Finder on a computer

If You Get an Error:

1. Note the error code or message
2. Go to Apple’s support website and search for that error
3. Follow the instructions or contact Apple Support

Advanced Solutions for Update Issues

Reset Network Settings

If you think network issues or network connection problems are causing the problem:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset
2. Tap “Reset Network Settings”
3. Re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and try updating again

Update via iTunes or Finder

For Mac users or those with update issues:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable
2. Open iTunes (on older macOS or Windows) or Finder (on newer Macs)
3. Select your iPhone from the left sidebar
4. Click “Check for Update”
5. Follow the prompts to download and install the update

Restore Your iPhone

As a last resort you may need to restore your iPhone:

1. Back up your iPhone
2. Open iTunes or Finder
3. Choose “Restore iPhone”
4. Set up your iPhone and restore from backup

How to Avoid Update Issues in the Future

Automatic Updates

To update without manual intervention and update automatically:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
2. Tap “Automatic Updates”
3. Toggle on “Download iOS Updates” and “Install iOS Updates”

Clear Storage Regularly

Have enough free space on your iPhone:

1. Periodically delete unused apps
2. Use iCloud Photos to free up iPhone storage
3. Delete rarely used app data

Keep Your Wi-Fi Network Stable

Make sure your internet is stable:

1. Place your router in the middle of the room
2. Consider upgrading your internet plan for faster speeds
3. Use a Wi-Fi extender if needed for better coverage

When to Call in the Pros

If you’ve tried all of these and your iPhone still won’t update you may need to visit:

1. An Apple Store or authorized service provider
2. Apple Support online or by phone
3. Maybe it’s time to upgrade to a newer iPhone that supports the latest iOS

Done

Updating your iPhone is important for new features and security. Hopefully this helped you fix your update issue and your iPhone is now running smoothly. Remember to be patient during the update process and if all else fails, contact Apple’s support.

MacIssues.com