By updating your iPhone, you can enjoy the benefits of iOS enhancements and Apple-made features, as well as make your device more compatible with the latest apps in the iTunes App Store. You can update your iPhone wirelessly, using over-the-air updates, or you can install the latest updates via iTunes.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Installing Updates Wirelessly
Step 1. Backup and save personal data in iCloud or iTunes
This step is necessary to prevent data loss if the update is not successful.
Tap “Settings” > “iCloud” > “Backup,” then tap “Back Up Now”. As another option, follow the steps in this article to back up iPhone data to iTunes
Step 2. Connect your iPhone with a charging source
This step is necessary to prevent the device from shutting down unexpectedly when the update is performed.
Step 3. Tap "Settings", then tap "General"
Step 4. Tap "Install", then enter the iPhone passcode if needed
Apple will download and install the latest update to the device, and this process can take a few minutes.
Step 5. Tap "Install", then enter the iPhone passcode if needed
Apple will download and install the latest update to the device, and this process can take a few minutes.
If iPhone displays an error message stating that the device doesn't have enough free space for updates, you'll need to manually delete apps to get free space, or follow the steps in Method Two to update iPhone using iTunes
Method 2 of 3: Updating iPhone using iTunes
Step 1. Backup and save personal data to iTunes or iCloud
This step is necessary to prevent data loss if the update is not successful.
Tap “Settings” > “iCloud” > “Backup,” then tap “Back Up Now.” If you want to back up your data using iTunes, follow these steps
Step 2. Launch iTunes on your Windows or Mac computer
Step 3. Click "Help" or "iTunes" at the top of the iTunes window, then select "Check for Updates"
Step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts to install any available iTunes updates
iPhone can only be updated if iTunes is the latest version.
Step 5. Connect iPhone with computer via USB cable
iTunes may take a few moments to detect your device.
Step 6. Click the iPhone that has been detected and displayed in iTunes, then click the "Summary" tab
If you need to back up iPhone data to iTunes, click "File", hover over "Devices", then select "Back Up". Proceed to the next step after the data has finished backing up
Step 7. Click "Check for update", then click "Download and Update"
iTunes will install the latest version update on the iPhone.
Step 8. Wait for iTunes to notify that the update is complete, then disconnect the iPhone from the computer
Method 3 of 3: Resolving Problems Encountered when Updating iPhone
Step 1. Install any available OS updates through your Microsoft Windows or Apple computer if you are unable to update your iPhone via iTunes
In some cases, older versions of programs on your computer can prevent iTunes from communicating with Apple's servers.
- Windows: Click "Start", select "Control Panel", click "System", and select "Automatic Updates".
- Mac OS X: Click the Apple menu, then choose "Software Update".
Step 2. Try to disable or remove the security program running on the computer if you are unable to update your iPhone via iTunes
Some third-party programs can interfere with the process of installing the latest iOS update via iTunes.
Step 3. Disconnect other USB devices from the computer if you are having problems installing iOS updates via iTunes
Printers, scanners, USB discs, and other devices connected via USB can interfere with the iOS update installation process.
Step 4. Try restarting your iPhone or computer if any problems occur while installing iOS updates wirelessly or using iTunes
In some cases, restarting the device can fix the error or problem that is preventing the update process.
Step 5. Try using another USB cable or USB port if iTunes can't recognize the iPhone
Problems caused by hardware can prevent the computer from detecting the device and installing the latest version of iOS updates through iTunes.
