Error 10 is a common error that users may encounter when trying to update or restore their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to iOS 16. This error indicates that the device cannot connect to the update server, often due to a network connectivity issue.
In this article, we will explore what error 10 is, what causes it, how to fix it, and some preventative steps you can take to avoid this error when updating to iOS 16.
What is Error 10?
Specifically, error 10 in iOS 16 states: “An error occurred installing iOS 16.” This generic error message usually pops up during the process of installing an iOS update wirelessly over WiFi.
Error 10 is often accompanied by more descriptive messages such as:
- “The network connection was lost.”
- “This device is no longer connected to the Internet.”
- “The server could not be contacted.”
These associated messages indicate that error 10 relates to a network connectivity problem that is preventing your device from contacting Apple’s servers to download the iOS 16 update files.
Without a stable internet connection, your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch cannot complete the iOS update installation process. Error 10 stems from the disruption in connectivity mid-update.
What Causes Error 10?
There are a few common triggers for error 10 during an iOS 16 update:
Unstable Internet Connection
The most frequent cause of error 10 is an unstable or unreliable WiFi or cellular data connection. Updating iOS wirelessly requires your device maintain a constant connection to download a file that is over 1GB in size.
Any interruption in the connection will halt the download and produce error 10. Issues like weak WiFi signals, switching between WiFi and cellular data mid-update, or cellular dead zones can cause the error.
Outdated Software
Error 10 may also appear if you are trying to update an older iPhone model with incompatible or outdated software.
Apple routinely stops supporting older models with the latest iOS versions. Trying to install iOS 16 on an unsupported device like the iPhone 5 will result in error 10.
Insufficient Storage Space
In order to install, iOS 16 requires at least 10GB of available storage space on your device. If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch lacks sufficient storage, error 10 can occur.
The iOS 16 update file may begin downloading before the device realizes there is not enough storage capacity left to finish the installation.
Other Software Issues
Less commonly, error 10 may be caused by an underlying software issue, such as a bug in the iOS update file itself or corrupted software on your device. Issues like these are usually resolved in a subsequent software update.
How to Fix Error 10 When Updating to iOS 16
If you encounter error 10 when trying to install iOS 16, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:
Check Your Internet Connection
First, verify that you have a strong and reliable WiFi or cellular data connection by running a speed test. If possible, move closer to your WiFi router or toggle Airplane mode on and off to reset your cellular connection.
Ensure your connection remains stable for the duration of the iOS 16 download, which may take up to 30 minutes. If needed, connect your device to a computer with iTunes and update to iOS 16 using a wired connection instead.
Update Over Cellular Data or iTunes
If your WiFi is unstable, try updating your device using cellular data instead – just beware of potential data overage charges. For the most reliable installation, connect the device directly to a computer with iTunes and update to iOS 16 using a wired connection.
Free Up Storage Space
Make sure you have at least 10GB of available storage on your device before updating. You can clear space by offloading unused apps, deleting media or moving photos to the cloud. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to manage and free up space.
Update Software
Update your device to the latest compatible software before installing iOS 16. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for the most recent software version for your model. This can fix bugs that may be causing error 10.
Factory Reset Device
If none of the above steps work, a factory reset may clear any corrupted files causing error 10. Just make sure to fully backup your device first. Then go to Settings > General > Reset and choose “Erase All Content and Settings” to wipe the device.
How to Avoid Error 10 When Updating iOS
To avoid encountering error 10 when updating your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to iOS 16, follow these best practices:
Update Over WiFi
Always initiate the iOS update while connected to a stable WiFi network. Avoid updating over cellular, as even strong LTE connections can occasionally drop.
Disable Auto-Lock
Configure your auto-lock time to “Never” during the iOS update to prevent the device from sleeping and losing connection. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock.
Plug Into Power
Update your device while it is plugged into power to maintain optimum connectivity. Updating while on battery power alone risks the device losing connectivity if the battery dies mid-install.
Close All Apps and Tabs
Be sure to close out all open apps, games, and browser tabs before updating. Open apps can interfere with the installation process and cause error 10.
Update Regularly
Stay current by installing the latest iOS updates as soon as they become available. Updating frequently lessens your chances of encountering major connectivity issues or compatibility problems down the line.
Clear Storage Space
Check your available storage and clear space as needed before updating iOS. Having at least 10GB free ensures the full iOS 16 file can download and install smoothly without any storage-related errors.
Conclusion
Error 10 during iOS 16 installation or update is generally caused by connectivity issues that disrupt the download process. To resolve it, first ensure you have a strong, stable internet connection on WiFi or cellular data. Move closer to the WiFi router, turn Airplane mode on and off, or try updating through iTunes instead.
Also check that your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch has sufficient storage space for iOS 16, at least 10GB free. Clearing old apps, photos or media can free up room if needed.
For avoiding error 10 in the future, regularly update your device software, maintain ample storage space, update over WiFi, and keep the device plugged into power. With proper troubleshooting and preventative measures, error 10 can often be fixed or avoided successfully.
| Cause of Error 10 | Solution |
|---|---|
| Weak internet connection / connection loss | Switch to stable Wifi network or cellular data. Move closer to router. Update via iTunes on computer instead. |
| Outdated or incompatible device software | Update device to latest supported software before installing iOS 16. |
| Insufficient storage space on device | Check available storage. Clear space by deleting apps, media, etc. Need 10GB free. |
| Corrupted software files | Factory reset device to wipe corrupted data. Make sure to backup device first. |
Preventing Error 10
- Update over WiFi instead of cellular
- Keep device plugged into power while updating
- Disable auto-lock feature during update
- Close all apps and browser tabs before updating
- Maintain at least 10GB of free storage space
- Install iOS updates as soon as they become available
Error 10 can disrupt the iOS 16 installation process, but is often fixable. With proper troubleshooting and preventative measures, you can usually resolve or avoid error 10 successfully. Just be sure to have a strong internet connection, sufficient device storage, up-to-date software, and some patience for any large iOS release.