Keeping iOS up to date gives your iPhone current security fixes, bug fixes, and supported features. You can install an update directly from the iPhone, and it is a good idea to make sure you have a recent backup before a major upgrade.
Update iOS from the iPhone
- Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi and power if possible.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Wait while the iPhone checks for available updates.
- If an update is offered, choose the available download or install option and follow the prompts.
The iPhone may restart during installation. Do not intentionally power it off while the update is being installed.
Make room if the update will not download
An iOS update needs free storage for the download and installation process. Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage if the phone reports that there is not enough space. Remove or offload items you can safely restore later, then try again.
Photos and videos can consume a large amount of space, but do not delete important files unless you know they are backed up elsewhere.
Turn on automatic updates
Software Update settings include automatic-update controls. These can allow the iPhone to download or install supported updates automatically. Even with automatic updates enabled, major upgrades or certain security-related changes may still present prompts or require conditions such as charging and Wi-Fi.
Back up before a major update
Routine updates are designed to preserve your data, but a backup provides protection if something unexpected happens. You can use iCloud Backup or create a computer backup with Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on a current Windows PC.
If an update is stuck or fails
Restart the iPhone, verify the Internet connection, and check available storage. If the downloaded update appears damaged, iPhone Storage settings may allow you to remove the update file and download it again.
For persistent problems, a Mac or Windows PC can also be used to update a connected iPhone. Make sure the computer has current Apple software and a reliable cable connection.
Should you install a major iOS upgrade immediately?
Security updates are important, but you can still prepare before a major version change. Confirm that essential work, banking, authentication, medical, or accessory apps support the new version, make a backup, and avoid beginning the upgrade immediately before travel or another time when you cannot tolerate downtime.
Why an update may not appear
Update availability can depend on the iPhone model, installed software, region, management settings, and whether Apple is still offering a particular release. An older iPhone may receive a different supported update than a newer model. If the phone is managed by an organization, administrators can also delay updates.
Current guidance and important details
If the menu or button described above is not visible, use Settings search or the app’s current menu controls before assuming the feature was removed. Apple periodically reorganizes Settings and app interfaces, so the exact placement can differ by iOS version and device model.
Before resetting the iPhone or deleting data to solve the problem, preserve anything important and try the least destructive troubleshooting step first. Restarting the affected app or iPhone, checking connectivity, and installing current software can resolve many temporary problems without changing personal data.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.