Getting an error message when trying to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest iOS version can be frustrating. However, there are usually some simple steps you can take to fix the problem. Here are some quick answers to common questions about iOS update errors:
What are some common iOS update error messages?
Some typical error messages you may see include:
- “Unable to Check for Update”
- “Unable to Download Update”
- “Unable to Verify Update”
- “Error Occurred Downloading iOS”
- “Not Enough Storage Available”
Why am I getting “Unable to Check for Update” error?
This error usually means your device is unable to connect to Apple’s update servers for some reason. Here are a few things to try:
- Make sure you have a strong WiFi or cellular data connection.
- Try toggling Airplane Mode off and back on to reset the network connection.
- Restart your device.
- Check for and install any iOS Carrier Settings updates.
- Temporarily disable VPN or ad-blocking software, which can sometimes interfere with updates.
Why does it say “Unable to Download Update”?
If you see the “Unable to Download Update” message, here are some steps to take:
- Check that you have enough free storage space on your device. iOS updates require at least 2-3 GB of available storage.
- Connect to a different WiFi network or try updating over cellular data.
- Restart your device and try updating again.
- Clear your Safari history and website data, then try updating again (this can resolve issues caused by corrupt files).
What causes the “Unable to Verify Update” error?
This error indicates that your device was able to download the update but now cannot verify the integrity of the downloaded files. Things to try:
- Hard reset your device by holding down the Power and Home buttons until you see the Apple logo.
- Delete the iOS update from Settings > General > Storage and try redownloading it.
- Make sure your date/time settings are correct.
- Check for a carrier settings update if you’re updating over cellular.
Why am I getting an error occurred downloading iOS?
General troubleshooting steps for a “Error Occurred Downloading iOS” message include:
- Check your internet connection and confirm WiFi and cellular data are working properly.
- Restart your device and router/modem if needed.
- Try updating on a different network if possible.
- Clear browser history and website data and try updating again.
- Make sure your software is up to date (install the latest iOS and iTunes versions).
How can I fix a not enough storage available error?
If you see a “Not Enough Storage Available” error when trying to update, try the following:
- Delete unnecessary apps, photos, videos, music, and other files to free up storage space.
- Offload unused apps from Settings > General > Storage.
- Check for old message attachments and conversations to delete.
- Turn on iCloud Photo Library to store photos/videos in the cloud.
- Stream music and videos instead of storing them locally.
- Backup your device to iCloud or iTunes, then perform a factory reset to wipe content.
How can I avoid iOS update errors in the future?
Here are some tips to prevent common iOS update errors going forward:
- Maintain sufficient free storage space on your device before updating (at least 2 GB).
- Back up your device to iCloud or iTunes before updating.
- Update over a stable WiFi connection, not cellular data.
- Quit all running apps before starting the update.
- Disable any VPNs, ad blockers or restrictions that could interfere.
- Don’t interrupt the update process once it begins.
What should I do if an iOS update gets stuck?
If your iOS update seems to freeze or get stuck partway through installing, stay patient and give it time to complete. If it’s still stuck after 30-60 minutes, you can force restart your device by holding down the Power and Home buttons together until you see the Apple logo. This should not cause any data loss or issues with the partly-installed update, and the update should resume normally once the device reboots.
Can I revert back to my previous iOS version?
Unfortunately, there is no way to downgrade your iOS version after installing an update. The only option is to factory reset your device to wipe it completely. Before doing this, make sure you have a full iCloud or iTunes backup so you can restore your data and settings after the reset.
Should I take my device to an Apple Store for help?
If you continue having issues updating your iOS after trying all the basic troubleshooting steps, it’s a good idea to visit an Apple retail store or contact Apple support. An Apple technician can diagnose the specific problem and might be able to perform advanced solutions like restoring your device or updating the iOS with a computer if needed.
Conclusion
iOS update errors typically stem from WiFi/connectivity problems, insufficient storage space, software conflicts, or interruptions during the update process. In most cases, errors can be resolved by troubleshooting your network connection, freeing up storage, restarting/resetting the device, and ensuring apps are closed and up-to-date before retrying the update. Contact Apple support if errors persist after multiple attempts. Maintaining proper setup conditions prior to updating and not interrupting the process can help avoid errors in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common iOS update errors and how can I fix them?
Common errors include “Unable to Check for Update”, “Unable to Download”, “Unable to Verify”, and “Not Enough Storage”. Fixes involve checking your network connection, restarting your device, freeing up storage space, clearing Safari data, updating carrier settings, and disabling VPN/ad-blocking software.
Why does my iOS update get stuck?
Occasional freezing during an iOS update is normal. Give it 30-60 minutes before force restarting your device by holding the Power and Home buttons. This should allow the update to resume with no issues.
How can I avoid errors when installing iOS updates?
Make sure you have sufficient storage space, update over WiFi, disable restrictions/VPN apps, close all apps before updating, allow uninterrupted updating, and maintain current backups.
What should I do if my device is stuck in a reboot loop after updating iOS?
If your device won’t stop rebooting, you likely need to fully restore it through iTunes or wipe it completely by putting it in recovery mode and selecting “Update” or “Restore”. This will reinstall the latest iOS version.
Can I downgrade back to the previous iOS version if the new update has problems?
Unfortunately there is no way to revert back to a previous iOS version after an update. You will need to factory reset your device to wipe it and reinstall the latest iOS.
| Error Message | Potential Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Unable to Check for Update | Network connection issue |
|
| Unable to Download Update |
|
|
| Unable to Verify Update | Issue with downloaded files |
|
How to Check iOS Version and Storage Space
Here are instructions on how to check your current iOS version and how much storage space you have available on your iPhone or iPad when preparing to install an iOS update:
Check iOS Version
- Open the Settings app
- Tap on General
- Tap on Software Update
- Check the number next to “iOS” under the “General” section – this shows your current iOS version
Check Available Storage Space
- Open the Settings app
- Tap on General
- Tap on Storage & iCloud Usage
- Under Storage, check how much total and available space you have
- If you need to free up space, tap on Manage Storage
- Delete unnecessary apps, photos, media and other files
Knowing your iOS version and available storage before updating can help avoid potential errors. You typically need at least 2-3 GB of free space for an iOS update to install successfully.
What to Do If an iOS Update Bricks Your Device
Having your iPhone or iPad become unresponsive or get “bricked” after an iOS update is rare, but can happen if the installation gets interrupted. Here are some tips on what to do if this occurs:
1. Force restart your device
Hold down the Power and Home buttons simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo. This will hard reset your device and hopefully get it responsive again.
2. Connect device to computer and restore
If the device is still unresponsive, connect it to a computer with iTunes installed and see if it gets detected. You can then force it into recovery mode and restore via iTunes.
3. Wipe device completely
If your device cannot be restored via computer and is stuck on the Apple logo, recovery mode screen, or displayingConnect to iTunes, you will need to perform a clean wipe by putting it into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode:
- Connect device to computer with iTunes
- Hold Power button for 3 seconds
- Hold Home + Power buttons for 10 seconds
- Release Power but keep holding Home until you enter DFU mode
- Choose Restore on computer and install latest iOS
4. Contact Apple Support
If you are still unable to revive your device, you will need to schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store or contact Apple Support for advanced troubleshooting assistance.
Bricking from an interrupted iOS update is rare, but can be fixed by restoring your device either locally or by wiping it completely. Always allow updates to fully complete to avoid potential issues.
Recovering Data After Factory Reset
If you need to perform a factory reset on your iPhone or iPad to recover from a failed iOS update, here are some ways you may be able to restore your data:
Restore from iCloud Backup
If you had iCloud backups enabled, you can use that to restore your data during the device setup process after the reset. Make sure you use the same Apple ID as before.
Restore from iTunes Backup
Connect your device to the computer you normally sync with and select the option to restore from the latest iTunes backup during setup.
Use iCloud Photo Library
Even without a full iCloud backup, your photos and videos may be retrievable from iCloud Photo Library as long as you had that enabled.
Sign In to Apps
Many apps store your data in the cloud so signing back into them will restore your content. This works for apps like Gmail, Facebook, Evernote, etc.
Check iCloud.com
Go to iCloud.com and sign in to see if you have any contacts, calendars, notes, device backups or photos still available there.
Third-Party Data Recovery Tools
If you can’t recover data through standard methods, there are companies that offer iOS data recovery tools that can access the raw device storage. This costs money but may retrieve photos, messages, etc.
Start Fresh If Needed
While losing data is frustrating, sometimes it’s best to simply start fresh. Be sure to backup regularly going forward.
With the proper backups and recovery process, you can usually get your photos, contacts, apps and settings restored without too much trouble after a factory reset due to a failed iOS update.
Tips for Updating iOS without Losing Data
Updating to a new iOS version doesn’t have to result in losing your apps, settings or files. Here are some tips for keeping all your data intact:
Clean Up Storage Space
Make sure you have at least 2GB free storage so the update can download and install properly. Delete unneeded apps, photos and media.
Backup to iCloud
Enable iCloud backup so all your data syncs to the cloud and can be easily restored if needed after updating.
Backup Locally
Do a manual backup to your computer through iTunes as another way to save your device’s data before updating.
Update Apps
Check for app updates and install them so all your apps are compatible with the new iOS version.
Turn Off Find My iPhone
Temporarily disable Find My iPhone before updating, then re-enable after. This prevents activation lock issues.
Don’t Interrupt Installation
Make sure you don’t close apps, turn off your device, or disconnect during the update process.
Check Compatibility
Research to confirm your device and apps you use regularly are compatible with the iOS version you want to update to.
Update in Stable Environment
Update over WiFi at home, not cellular data or public WiFi to prevent connectivity issues interrupting the update.
Conclusion
Updating iOS on your iPhone or iPad doesn’t have to be fraught with errors resulting in data loss. By understanding common error messages, troubleshooting connectivity issues, maintaining sufficient storage space, backing up your data, and allowing updates to fully complete, you can successfully upgrade your iOS version without any problems. Be proactive about regular local and cloud backups as well to ensure your photos, files, and settings are always protected.