How To Update Your iPhone or iPad

Keeping devices current protects learners and keeps classroom apps working.

This guide shows how to check for, download, and install the latest iOS or iPadOS version on an iPhone or iPad. It includes manual and automatic methods, Rapid Security Responses, and quick fixes if the update will not install.

Before you begin

• Check compatibility. Not every device supports every release. See Apple’s current compatibility list for your version. iPhone models list.
• Back up first. Use iCloud or a computer backup.
  • iCloud: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now
  • Mac (Finder) or Windows (iTunes): Connect device, select it, choose Back Up Now
  See Apple’s guide: Update your iPhone or iPad.
• Power and network. Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in power, or charge to at least 50%.

Manual update on the device

1. Open Settings on the iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap General > Software Update.
3. If you see an available update, review the details.
4. Tap Download and Install. Enter your passcode if asked.
5. After the download, tap Install Now or schedule it for later.

Apple reference: Update iOS on iPhone and Update iPadOS.

Turn on automatic updates

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
2. Turn on all available toggles:
   • Automatically Download iOS/iPadOS Updates
   • Automatically Install iOS/iPadOS Updates
   • Security Responses & System Files (important for rapid security fixes)

Apple reference: Turn on automatic updates.

About Rapid Security Responses

Rapid Security Responses are small releases that deliver urgent fixes between regular updates. Keeping them on reduces risk and downtime in classrooms. Learn more: About Rapid Security Responses and Apple’s security overview for RSRs: documentation. If a response causes an issue, you can remove it temporarily: how to remove an RSR.

Update with a computer

1. Connect the device to a Mac or PC with a USB cable.
2. On macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On Windows or older macOS, open iTunes.
3. Select the device, then click Check for Update.
4. Click Download and Update and follow the prompts.

Troubleshooting

• Update not appearing. Restart the device and try again. Confirm the model is supported for your target version.
• Stuck or failed download. Delete the partial file and retry:
  Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage > find the update > Delete Update, then return to Software Update. Apple guide: If your iPhone or iPad will not update.
• Not enough space. Offload unused apps or move large media to iCloud or a computer. Updating with a computer can help when storage is tight.
• Classroom device stuck during an update. Leave it on power and Wi-Fi for a while. If it remains unresponsive, connect to a computer and try the computer method.

Tips for schools and classrooms

• Schedule updates outside instructional time and keep devices on power overnight.
• Enable Automatic Updates and Security Responses & System Files on all student and teacher devices.
• Back up important media or student work before major releases.

Related help on TeachThought

If you need to power cycle during troubleshooting, see How to turn off the iPhone.