How to update iOS on iPhone and install it safely

To update iOS on your iPhone, open Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install when an update appears. Before you start, back up the iPhone, connect it to reliable Wi-Fi and power, and check that the model and available storage meet the update’s requirements. You can usually use the iPhone while the update downloads, but installation requires a restart and makes the device temporarily unavailable.

What to do before you update your iPhone

Have your iPhone passcode available, and make sure you can access the Apple Account used on the device if prompted. Before starting, complete these checks:

• Check the iPhone model: open Settings > General > About and read Model Name. Compare it with Apple’s current compatibility list for the iOS release you want. Older iPhones may continue receiving security updates but may not support the newest major iOS version.
• Check the current iOS version: in Settings > General > About, read iOS Version. You can also see the installed version at Settings > General > Software Update.
• Check available storage: open Settings > General > iPhone Storage. An update needs temporary space for its download and installation; the amount varies by update and device. Delete or offload large, replaceable items if available space is low.
• Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network. iOS updates normally cannot be downloaded over cellular data.
• Charge the iPhone or connect it to power. Keep it connected during the process. If the battery is low, the update may not start.
• Make a current backup before installing. For iCloud, open Settings, tap your name, choose iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now. Leave the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi until the backup finishes. You can also back it up to a Mac with Finder or to a Windows PC with the Apple Devices app or iTunes, depending on the software installed.

A backup gives you a recovery option if an update is interrupted or the phone later needs to be erased. A normal update should not change your data, but an update is not a substitute for a backup.

Where to find the iOS update and install it

Use the Software Update screen to check for and install the release offered for your particular iPhone.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update.

Settings > General > Software Update

4. Wait while the iPhone checks for updates. If one is offered, the screen shows its iOS version, release information, and required storage.
5. Tap Download and Install. If the button is not visible, the iPhone may already be up to date, may still be checking, or may not have a compatible update available.
6. Enter your iPhone passcode when asked. Read the terms, then tap Agree if Apple’s software terms appear.
7. Leave the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power while the update downloads. You can usually use the iPhone during the download, although it may feel slower and some tasks may pause.
8. Follow the on-screen prompt to install the update now, or choose a later installation time if that option appears. The iPhone displays an Apple logo and progress bar, then restarts.

If the update has already downloaded, the button may say Install Now instead. Tap it only when you are ready for the iPhone to become unavailable during installation.

What not to do while the update is installing

Once installation begins, the iPhone may show an Apple logo, a progress bar, or a black screen for a period of time. That is expected. The duration depends on the update, the iPhone model, and available storage.

Keep the iPhone connected to power. If you are updating through Finder, the Apple Devices app, or iTunes, do not disconnect it from the computer. Do not close the lid of a laptop that is providing the connection, and do not repeatedly press buttons to check progress.

Do not erase the iPhone, remove its passcode, or force a restart because the installation appears slow. Interrupting an update can leave the device unable to start. Force a restart only if Apple’s troubleshooting instructions specifically tell you to do so for the condition on the screen.

You cannot normally use the iPhone during installation. Calls, messages, apps, and other functions become available after the restart and setup checks finish. If the progress bar has genuinely stopped for an extended period, keep the phone connected to power and use Apple’s official recovery and update instructions rather than trying random button combinations.

How to confirm the update finished

After the iPhone restarts, unlock it and complete any setup prompts. Some updates may ask you to review new settings or sign in again, but your personal data and apps should normally remain on the device.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About and read iOS Version.

Settings > General > About > iOS Version

4. Compare that version with the release you intended to install. You can also return to Settings > General > Software Update; it should report that iOS is up to date, unless another update is now available.
5. Test the basics: open a few apps, check that your photos and messages are present, connect to Wi-Fi, and confirm that cellular service works by checking the signal and placing a call if appropriate. If you use Bluetooth accessories, test one of them as well.

To enable automatic updates, open Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Turn on Automatically Download and Automatically Install if both options are shown. Automatic installation generally requires the iPhone to be charging and connected to Wi-Fi, and the available options can vary by iOS version.

What to try when the iOS update is missing or will not install

Work through these checks without erasing the phone.

The update is missing. Confirm the iPhone model in Settings > General > About and check whether that model supports the iOS release. Restart the iPhone, reconnect to a reliable Wi-Fi network, and check Settings > General > Software Update again. Apple may also release an update in stages or temporarily stop offering it while addressing a service issue.

There is not enough storage. Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage and remove or offload items you can restore later. Downloaded videos, large games, and duplicate media often use the most space. Do not delete photos or files you have not backed up simply to make room.

Wi-Fi or battery is preventing the update. Move closer to the router, try another trusted Wi-Fi network, disable any network filter that blocks Apple services, and connect the iPhone to power. A personal hotspot may not work for every update situation.

The download is stuck or the installation fails. Give the download time, especially on a slow connection. If the iPhone is still usable, restart it and check for the update again. Make another backup before retrying. Do not repeatedly interrupt an installation that is showing progress.

Settings still will not update the iPhone. Use a computer. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, connect the iPhone, open Finder, select the device, choose General, and click Check for Update. On a Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app when available; older systems may use iTunes. Select the iPhone, choose the option to check for an update, and follow the prompts. Keep the cable connected during the process.

The iPhone does not support the new version. You cannot install an incompatible major iOS release by force. Keep the latest version offered for that model, install available security updates, and replace the iPhone only if you need features that require newer hardware.

Conclusion

Start with a backup, confirm that your iPhone supports the release, and install it from Settings > General > Software Update while connected to Wi-Fi and power. Afterward, check Settings > General > About to verify the iOS version and test the phone’s basic functions. If the update will not install, free storage and try a computer before considering recovery steps; do not erase the iPhone unless you have a current backup and Apple’s instructions call for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone while an iOS update is downloading?

Usually, yes. You can use the iPhone while the update downloads, although performance or network activity may be affected. You cannot use it during installation and the restart.

Will updating iOS delete my photos, apps, or messages?

An ordinary iOS update is designed to preserve your data, but make an iCloud or computer backup first. The backup protects you if the update fails and recovery later requires erasing the iPhone.

How much free storage does an iOS update need?

The requirement varies by update and iPhone model. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage and make room if the update reports insufficient storage.

What if my iPhone is too old for the latest iOS?

Install the newest version offered in Settings > General > Software Update. If the phone does not support the newest major release, you cannot install it by force; keep available security updates installed.