In general, iPhone should automatically download and install updates. However, this may not always happen. So, let us go ahead and take a look at What to do if iPhone Is Not Updating.
iPhone is Not Updating
In case of major and well publicized iOS updates, millions of iPhone users will be trying to download updates simultaneously, resulting in Apple severs becoming overloaded.
Hence, in case of major iOS updates it may take a while for your iPhone to be able to connect to Apple Servers and download the Updates.
To rule out the possibility of Apple servers being busy, try updating your device on the second day of a major iOS update.
If you are still unable to install updates, it is likely that some other problem is preventing your iPhone from installing updates.
1. Reboot iPhone
Rebooting helps in terminating stuck programs and processes on iPhone, which might be preventing your device from installing Updates.
1. Press and hold the Power button (ON/OFF button) on your iPhone, until you see ‘Slide to Power Off’ option on the screen of your iPhone.
2. Power OFF your device by moving the Sider to right.
3. After iPhone is completely Powered OFF, wait for 60 seconds and restart your iPhone by pressing the Power button.
After iPhone restarts, go to Settings > General > Software Update and see if you are able to install Updates on your device.
2. Check Storage Space on iPhone
iOS updates can range anywhere from 0.5 to 1.5 GB or more in size. Hence, make sure that there is enough storage space available on your device.
1. Go to Settings > General > tap on iPhone Storage.
2. On the next screen, you will be able to see the amount of storage space available on your device.
If you have about 1.6 GB storage available, lack of storage space is unlikely to be the reason for iPhone Not Updating or installing Updates.
In case you have less storage space, you will have to make efforts to Free up storage space on your device.
3. Update iPhone on Computer
If you are unable to Update iPhone using Settings, try to Update using iTunes on a Windows computer or Mac.
1. Open iTunes on your Windows Computer.
2. Plug iPhone into the Computer using its supplied cable
3. Click on the Phone icon as it appears on the screen of your computer.
4. Next, click on the Summary tab in the left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Check For Update button.
5. On the pop-up, tap on Download and Update.
4. Update iPhone Using Settings App
If you were unable to install Updates using iTunes, try installing them using the Settings App on your iPhone.
Make sure that you try this step, even if you had previously tried to to install Updates using the Settings App on your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > General > tap on Software Update.
2. On the next screen, tap on Download and Install link.
5. Restore iPhone
If your iPhone is still not updating, it is likely that System Files on your device have become corrupted.
The solution in this case is to Erase all the data on your iPhone (including corrupted files), reinstall the operating system and Restore iPhone using a backup of your iPhone.
Hence, first make a backup of iPhone to Mac or Windows computer and Restore iPhone from backup.
6. DFU Mode Restore
If the regular Restore process did not help, you can try a deeper restore process known as DFU Mode Restore.
DFU Mode Restore will erase all the data on your iPhone and reinstall both iOS Operating System and also the Firmware on your device.
If DFU Mode Restore does not help, you need to get your iPhone checked by a qualified technician for Hardware problems.