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
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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
![Update Your iPhone Step 2 Update Your iPhone Step 2](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-2-j.webp)
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.
![Update Your iPhone Step 3 Update Your iPhone Step 3](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-3-j.webp)
Step 3. Tap "Settings", then tap "General"
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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.
![Update Your iPhone Step 5 Update Your iPhone Step 5](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-5-j.webp)
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
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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
![Update Your iPhone Step 7 Update Your iPhone Step 7](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-7-j.webp)
Step 2. Launch iTunes on your Windows or Mac computer
![Update Your iPhone Step 8 Update Your iPhone Step 8](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-8-j.webp)
Step 3. Click "Help" or "iTunes" at the top of the iTunes window, then select "Check for Updates"
![Update Your iPhone Step 9 Update Your iPhone Step 9](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-9-j.webp)
Step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts to install any available iTunes updates
iPhone can only be updated if iTunes is the latest version.
![Update Your iPhone Step 10 Update Your iPhone Step 10](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-10-j.webp)
Step 5. Connect iPhone with computer via USB cable
iTunes may take a few moments to detect your device.
![Update Your iPhone Step 11 Update Your iPhone Step 11](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-11-j.webp)
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
![Update Your iPhone Step 12 Update Your iPhone Step 12](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-12-j.webp)
Step 7. Click "Check for update", then click "Download and Update"
iTunes will install the latest version update on the iPhone.
![Update Your iPhone Step 13 Update Your iPhone Step 13](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-13-j.webp)
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
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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".
![Update Your iPhone Step 15 Update Your iPhone Step 15](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-15-j.webp)
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.
![Update Your iPhone Step 16 Update Your iPhone Step 16](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-16-j.webp)
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.
![Update Your iPhone Step 17 Update Your iPhone Step 17](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-17-j.webp)
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.
![Update Your iPhone Step 18 Update Your iPhone Step 18](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/009/image-25899-18-j.webp)
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.