How To Fix An iPad That Won't Update

Check your internet connection

One of the common reasons why an iPad may fail to update is due to a poor or unstable internet connection. Before taking any further troubleshooting steps, it’s crucial to ensure that your iPad is connected to a stable and reliable Wi-Fi network. Here’s how you can do it:

Check Wi-Fi signal strength: Make sure that you are within range of your Wi-Fi router and that the signal strength is strong enough. Weak or fluctuating signals can cause the update process to fail. You can check the Wi-Fi signal strength by looking at the Wi-Fi icon in the iPad’s status bar.
Restart your Wi-Fi router: Sometimes, the issue may be with your Wi-Fi router itself. Try restarting it by unplugging it from the power source, waiting for a few seconds, and then plugging it back in. This can help resolve any temporary connectivity issues.
Connect to a different Wi-Fi network: If you’re still facing problems, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network. This will help determine whether the issue lies with your current network or with the iPad itself. You can go to the “Settings” app, tap on “Wi-Fi,” and select a different network to connect to.
Check your internet speed: Slow internet speeds can hinder the download and installation process of the update. Use a speed testing tool to check the speed of your internet connection. If it’s significantly slower than expected, contact your internet service provider for assistance.
Disable VPN or proxy settings: If you’re using a virtual private network (VPN) or have proxy settings enabled on your iPad, try disabling them temporarily. VPNs and proxies can sometimes interfere with the connection to Apple servers and prevent the update from happening.
Reset network settings: If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting your network settings. This will reset all Wi-Fi, cellular, and VPN settings on your iPad, so make sure you have any necessary login information before proceeding. To do this, go to “Settings,” tap on “General,” then “Reset,” and select “Reset Network Settings.”

By following the steps above, you can ensure that your iPad is connected to a stable internet connection, which is essential for successful updates. If the issue persists, continue with the troubleshooting steps outlined below.

Restart your iPad

If you’re encountering issues with updating your iPad, a simple restart can often resolve many software-related problems. Restarting your iPad can help clear any temporary glitches or conflicts that might be causing the update to fail. Follow these steps to restart your iPad:

Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button: Locate the Sleep/Wake button on your iPad. On most models, it can be found on the top or side of the device. Press and hold this button until the “Slide to power off” screen appears.
Slide to power off: Once the “Slide to power off” screen shows up, use your finger to swipe the slider to the right. This will turn off your iPad.
Power on your iPad: After your iPad has completely shut down, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Your iPad will now restart, and you can attempt to update it again. In many cases, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches and allow the update process to proceed smoothly.

If the restart doesn’t resolve the issue and your iPad still won’t update, proceed to the next troubleshooting step below.

Update using iTunes

If you’re unable to update your iPad directly on the device, you can try updating it using iTunes on your computer. This method can often be a more reliable way to update your iPad software. Here’s how you can do it:

Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes: Before proceeding, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. You can download and install the latest version from the official Apple website.
Connect your iPad to your computer: Use the USB cable that came with your iPad to connect it to your computer. Launch iTunes if it doesn’t open automatically.
Select your iPad in iTunes: Once your iPad is connected, you should see it appear in iTunes. Click on the device icon to access its summary page.
Check for updates: In the summary page, you’ll find the option to check for updates. Click on the “Check for Update” button and wait for iTunes to check if there’s a new update available for your iPad.
Download and install the update: If a new update is found, iTunes will prompt you to download and install it. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the update process. Make sure your iPad remains connected to your computer throughout the update.

Updating your iPad using iTunes may take longer than updating wirelessly, especially if it needs to download the entire update package. However, this method can often help bypass any issues that may occur during wireless updates.

If you’ve successfully updated your iPad using iTunes, check to see if the update issue is resolved. If not, continue to the next troubleshooting step below.

Clear space on your iPad

If you’re experiencing difficulties updating your iPad, it may be due to insufficient storage space on your device. Updates can require a significant amount of space, and if your iPad doesn’t have enough available storage, it can prevent the update from being installed. To ensure you have enough space for the update, try clearing some space on your iPad by following these steps:

Check storage usage: Go to the “Settings” app on your iPad and tap on “General,” followed by “iPad Storage.” This will display a breakdown of your storage usage, highlighting which apps and files are taking up the most space.
Delete unnecessary apps and files: Review the list of apps and files on your iPad and remove those that you no longer use or need. To delete an app, press and hold its icon until it starts shaking, then tap the “x” symbol. For files, you can go to the Files app or the specific app where the files are stored and delete them individually.
Offload unused apps: If you want to free up space without completely deleting apps, you can choose to offload them. This will remove the app from your device but keep its data intact. Go to the “Settings” app, tap on “General,” then “iPad Storage,” and select the app you want to offload. Tap on “Offload App” to remove it from your device.
Clear cache and temporary files: Some apps may accumulate a large amount of cache and temporary files. Clearing these files can free up space on your iPad. You can go to the “Settings” app, tap on “General,” then “iPad Storage.” Select an app from the list and tap on “Offload App.” On the next screen, tap on “Delete App” to remove the app and its associated data.
Use iCloud or other cloud storage: Consider moving your files, photos, and videos to a cloud storage service like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. This can help free up space on your iPad while still keeping your files accessible from any device.

By clearing space on your iPad, you’ll create more room for the update to be installed. Once you’ve cleared enough space, attempt to update your iPad again and see if the issue persists. If you’re still unable to update your iPad, proceed to the next troubleshooting step below.

Reset your network settings

When experiencing issues with updating your iPad, resetting your network settings can often resolve connectivity-related problems. This step will clear any network configurations and settings, allowing your iPad to establish a fresh connection. Follow these steps to reset your network settings:

Open the Settings app: Locate the “Settings” app on your iPad’s home screen and tap on it to open.
Go to “General” settings: Scroll down and tap on “General” from the list of options.
Tap on “Reset”: Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select “Reset.”
Choose “Reset Network Settings”: Among the different reset options, tap on “Reset Network Settings.” You might need to enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
Confirm the reset: A confirmation prompt will appear. Tap on “Reset Network Settings” to confirm. Your iPad will then proceed to reset the network settings. Don’t worry, this process will not delete any data or media on your device.

After the network settings have been reset, your iPad will restart, and you’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network. Go to the “Settings” app, tap on “Wi-Fi,” and select your network. Enter the password if required, and try updating your iPad again.

Resetting your network settings can help resolve network-related issues that may be preventing your iPad from updating. If the update issue persists, continue to the next troubleshooting step below.

Force restart your iPad

If your iPad is still refusing to update, performing a force restart can often help resolve stubborn software glitches. This method can be effective in rectifying unresponsive or frozen devices. Follow these steps to force restart your iPad:

For iPad with Face ID: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Power button until the iPad restarts and the Apple logo appears on the screen.
For iPad with Home button: Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons simultaneously. Keep holding them until the iPad restarts and the Apple logo appears.

After the force restart, your iPad will boot up again. This process can help clear any temporary software issues that might be preventing the update from completing. Once your iPad restarts, try updating it again to see if the issue has been resolved.

If the force restart didn’t resolve the update problem and your iPad still won’t update, proceed to the next troubleshooting step below.

Update your iPad using Recovery Mode

If all else fails, updating your iPad using Recovery Mode can often be a last resort to fix stubborn update issues. Recovery Mode allows you to reinstall the iPad’s operating system, potentially resolving any software-related problems. Follow these steps to update your iPad using Recovery Mode:

Make sure your Mac or PC is up to date: Before proceeding, ensure that your computer is running the latest version of macOS or iTunes. This will help ensure a smooth update process.
Connect your iPad to your computer: Use the USB cable that came with your iPad to connect it to your computer. Make sure iTunes is open on your computer.
Enter Recovery Mode: Depending on your iPad model, follow the steps below to enter Recovery Mode:
- For iPad with Face ID: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Power button until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
- For iPad with Home button: Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons simultaneously. Keep holding them until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
Update your iPad: A prompt will appear on your computer screen, asking you to either update or restore your iPad. Choose the “Update” option to reinstall the latest version of iOS without erasing your data.
Wait for the update to complete: Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the update process to finish. Your iPad will restart once the update is complete.

Updating your iPad using Recovery Mode can be a more advanced troubleshooting step, but it can help resolve severe software issues that prevent updates from being installed. If the update still fails after completing the process, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

Contact Apple Support

If you have followed all the previous troubleshooting steps and your iPad still won’t update, it may be time to seek assistance from Apple Support. Apple’s team of experts can provide personalized guidance and help you diagnose and resolve any underlying hardware or software issues that might be causing the problem. Here’s how you can get in touch with Apple Support:

Visit the Apple Support website: Go to the official Apple Support website using a web browser on your computer or another device.
Choose your device: Navigate to the section of the website specifically dedicated to iPad support.
Select your issue: Browse through the available topics to find the one that best matches your issue. Apple’s support website offers a wide range of articles and troubleshooting resources that can help you find a solution.
Chat, call, or schedule a callback: If you can’t find the solution to your problem on the support website, you’ll have multiple options for reaching out to Apple Support directly. You can chat with a support representative online, schedule a callback at a convenient time, or call Apple Support directly for immediate assistance.
Provide details and follow instructions: Be prepared to provide specific details about your issue, any troubleshooting steps you have already taken, and any error messages you have encountered. This will help Apple Support diagnose and assist you more effectively.

Apple Support has a team of knowledgeable professionals who are trained to help resolve complex issues with iPad updates. Whether the problem is software-related or due to a hardware malfunction, they will guide you through the necessary steps to get your iPad up and running again.

Remember, contacting Apple Support should be your final step after attempting the previous troubleshooting methods. They will be able to provide you with additional guidance and support in resolving the update issue on your iPad.