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How to Update an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

Authored by:
Support.com Tech Pro Team
This Guided Path® was written and reviewed by Support.com’s Tech Pro team. With decades of experience, our Tech Pros are passionate about making technology work for you. We love feedback! Let us know what you think about this Guided Path® by rating it at the end.

Introduction

With this guide you can learn how to update your iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, or iPod) to the latest version of iOS using either your computer (iTunes) or wirelessly.
Tools You'll Need:
  • Your lightning charging cable
An iPad.

1 Update iOS with iTunes on Your Computer

Install the Latest iTunes on Your Windows or Mac Computer
  1. Using the cable that came with your iOS device, connect your device to your computer.
    iPhone plugged into laptop via cable.
  2. Open iTunes.
    iTunes.
  3. Select your Device by clicking the device's icon.
    Selecting your device
  4. Choose Summary or General then Check for Update.
    iTunes software with Check for Updates selected within Summary settings.
  5. Choose Download and Update.
    Download and Update button selected on an available update.
  6. If prompted, enter your passcode.
  7. Allow your device to update without interruption.

2 Update iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch over WiFi

While you don't need to be connected to WiFi, you may be charged for data usage if you aren't connected. 

  1. Connect your phone or tablet to power to charge. Updates can take a while so it's a good idea to keep your phone plugged in.
  2. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
    iOS Settings.
  3. Select General.
    Settings with General highlighted.
  4. Select Software Update.
    Software update for iOS
  5. If an update is available, you will find out here.
    Download available
  6. Select Download and Install to begin the update process.
  7. If prompted, enter your passcode.
  8. Allow your device to update without interruption.
    iOS is up to date
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With this guide you can learn how to update your iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, or iPod) to the latest version of iOS using either your computer (iTunes) or wirelessly.
Tools You'll Need:
  • Your lightning charging cable
An iPad.
Install the Latest iTunes on Your Windows or Mac Computer
  1. Using the cable that came with your iOS device, connect your device to your computer.
    iPhone plugged into laptop via cable.
  2. Open iTunes.
    iTunes.
  3. Select your Device by clicking the device's icon.
    Selecting your device
  4. Choose Summary or General then Check for Update.
    iTunes software with Check for Updates selected within Summary settings.
  5. Choose Download and Update.
    Download and Update button selected on an available update.
  6. If prompted, enter your passcode.
  7. Allow your device to update without interruption.

While you don't need to be connected to WiFi, you may be charged for data usage if you aren't connected. 

  1. Connect your phone or tablet to power to charge. Updates can take a while so it's a good idea to keep your phone plugged in.
  2. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
    iOS Settings.
  3. Select General.
    Settings with General highlighted.
  4. Select Software Update.
    Software update for iOS
  5. If an update is available, you will find out here.
    Download available
  6. Select Download and Install to begin the update process.
  7. If prompted, enter your passcode.
  8. Allow your device to update without interruption.
    iOS is up to date
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