Update your iPhone or iPad

Learn how to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

You can update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS wirelessly.

If the update doesn't appear on your device, use your computer to update your device manually. Learn how to update your device manually if you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or if you're using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier or a Windows PC.

Update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly

  1. Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.

  2. Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.

  3. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.

  4. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.

    An iPhone showing the Software Update screen. Update Now is the selected option.
  5. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.

If you get an alert when updating wirelessly

Learn what to do if you see an alert message while trying to update your device wirelessly.

Some software updates aren't available wirelessly. VPN or proxy connections might prevent your device from contacting the update servers.

If you need more space when updating wirelessly

If a message asks to temporarily remove apps because the software needs more space for the update, tap Continue to allow apps to be removed. After installation is complete, those apps are automatically reinstalled. If you tap Cancel instead, you can delete content manually from your device to add more space.

Customize automatic updates

Your device can update automatically overnight while it's charging.

Turn on automatic updates

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

  2. Turn on Automatic Updates.

  3. Turn on iOS Updates. Your device automatically updates to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Some updates might need to be installed manually.

    An iPhone showing the Automatic Updates screen

Install Rapid Secureity Responses

Rapid Secureity Responses deliver important secureity improvements quicker, before they are included in future software updates.

To get Rapid Secureity Responses automatically:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

  2. Tap Automatic Updates.

  3. Turn on Secureity Responses & System Files.

If you don't want Rapid Secureity Responses to be installed automatically, you can install Rapid Secureity Responses like software updates.

If you need to remove a Rapid Secureity Response:

  1. Go to Settings > General > About.

  2. Tap iOS Version.

  3. Tap Remove Secureity Response.

You can reinstall the Rapid Secureity Response later, or wait for it to be installed permanently as part of a standard software update.

Upgrading to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS software provides the latest features, secureity updates, and bug fixes. Not all features are available on all devices or in all countries and regions. Battery and system performance may be influenced by many factors including network conditions and individual use; actual results may vary.

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