In case your iPhone received’t set up a software program replace, it’s extra than simply annoying. That you must set up the most recent updates to get safety patches and benefit from all the most recent iOS options.
You put in software program updates by opening Settings > Normal > Software program Replace. It needs to be a fairly clean course of, however often, issues go mistaken. The error messages may be inscrutable and infuriatingly imprecise.
However there are some things you’ll be able to attempt when your iPhone received’t replace. Right here’s a step-by-step information that may present you what to do.
What to do in case your iPhone received’t replace
It’s doable you don’t have a software program replace out there as a result of your telephone is simply too outdated for the present replace. Apple normally updates gadgets for about six years. So in case your iPhone is older than that, it may not run the most recent software program.
Right here is the present checklist of supported fashions for the most recent model of iOS. In case your gadget nonetheless seems on that checklist however you’ll be able to’t replace your software program, there are some things you’ll be able to attempt.
Be sure you’re not putting in a beta replace
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The very first thing you need to do is test to see should you’re operating an iOS beta. Go to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace. In case you see an choice for Beta Updates, faucet on that and ensure it’s set to Off.
If it was set to the rest, return to see if there’s nonetheless a software program replace out there. And, if that’s the case, attempt to set up the replace once more.
Attempt turning your telephone on and off once more
Most iPhone issues may be mounted by merely turning your telephone on and off once more. It’s a meme in tech assist circles for a cause.
In case you personal a more recent iPhone, maintain the aspect button and the amount up button collectively for a couple of seconds. Slide the “energy off” slider and wait in your telephone to show off. Then, maintain the aspect button till you see the Apple emblem. Enter your passcode, then go to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace and check out once more.
Examine that you’ve sufficient free area
In case your iPhone nonetheless received’t replace, it’s doable you don’t have sufficient free area for the iOS improve. To test, go to Settings > Normal > iPhone Storage. Wait a couple of moments because it updates how a lot area the information in your iPhone presently take up
In case you don’t have a lot out there area, you need to clear some. In case you don’t have Offload Unused Apps turned on, faucet Allow to liberate some storage shortly. This received’t take away any of your private information, and you may at all times flip it again off after you replace.
You can also faucet Overview Giant Attachments to filter some large media information you’ll have acquired over iMessage.
If you must liberate much more storage, try our full article on the best way to clear up area in your iPhone.
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
You can also check out an app like CleanMyPhone or Cleaner Package, which can suggest photographs and movies you’ll be able to delete to clear up cupboard space in your iPhone.
After clearing up some cupboard space, attempt as soon as once more in Settings > Normal > Software program Replace to see should you can set up the iOS replace.
Delete the replace and check out once more
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Generally, an iOS replace can go mistaken. If not one of the fixes up to now have labored, you need to attempt deleting the software program replace you downloaded. To take action, return to Settings > Normal > iPhone Storage. Scroll via the checklist and discover the replace. Then faucet it and faucet Delete Replace.
Return to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace to obtain the replace from scratch to see if that helps.
Attempt utilizing a Mac or PC in case your iPhone received’t replace
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
If not one of the above works, you need to attempt updating your telephone utilizing a pc. Plug in your iPhone, ideally utilizing an official Apple cable should you personal one.
Click on in your iPhone within the sidebar and click on Examine for Replace. After it checks, click on Replace. You’ll must enter your telephone passcode when prompted.
In case you nonetheless have issues with this step, replace your laptop:
- In your Mac, go to System Settings > Software program Replace. (It might even be referred to as System Preferences.)
- In your PC, go to Begin > Settings > Home windows Replace. When you’ve up to date Home windows, go to Begin > Microsoft Retailer and click on Get Updates to see if there’s an replace out there for the Apple Units app.
Go to the Apple Retailer in case your iPhone nonetheless received’t replace
If all of those steps fail, your final recourse needs to be to go to an Apple Retailer. The Apple specialists working there’ll be capable of repair no matter issues you might be having at no cost.
iPhones can be found for in-store service for as much as seven years after they’re discontinued. In order of August 2025, you’ll be able to nonetheless get free service on an iPhone 8, iPhone X or newer.
Click on right here to seek for a close-by Apple Retailer.
Nice options to attempt when you’ve up to date
After you’ve up to date your telephone, there are a variety of options you’ll be able to try!
We initially printed this text on what to do when your iPhone received’t replace on March 26, 2024. We up to date it with the most recent info on August 8, 2025.
