Update an iPhone from Settings > General > Software Update, then tap Download and Install and follow the prompts.
A full battery is not the only thing an iPhone needs before an update. A weak connection, too little storage, or an unsupported model can stop the process before the new software installs. For how to update iOS on an iPhone, the built-in Software Update screen is the main place to start, and a backup gives you a recovery copy if something goes wrong.
Apple’s security release list identifies iOS 26.6 as the current iOS release as of August 10, 2026, with a July 27, 2026 release date. Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility list includes iPhone 11 and later models plus iPhone SE (2nd generation and later); models outside that list are not offered iOS 26.
Before You Update, Check These Seven Things
An iPhone update is more likely to finish normally when the phone is backed up, connected to reliable internet, and has enough free storage. Apple also recommends connecting the iPhone to power for a wireless update.
| Check | What To Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Backup | Back up with iCloud or a computer before installing. | Your current data has a recovery copy. |
| Compatibility | Open Settings > General > Software Update. | The screen only offers software your iPhone can install. |
| Power | Connect the iPhone to a charger. | The update can continue without the battery running low. |
| Internet | Use a reliable Wi-Fi connection for the normal wireless method. | The update file must download and verify with Apple. |
| Storage | Leave enough free space for the update package and installation. | Low storage can block the download or installation. |
| Passcode | Have the iPhone passcode available. | iOS may ask for it during the update process. |
| Downtime | Start when you do not need the phone for calls or other work. | The iPhone restarts during installation and cannot be used for part of the process. |
Updating iOS On Your iPhone: The Settings Sequence
The normal wireless method takes place entirely in the Settings app. The Software Update screen shows the installed iOS version and tells you whether a newer compatible release is available.
- Connect the iPhone to power and join Wi-Fi.
- Open the gear-shaped Settings app on the Home Screen or in App Library.
- Tap General, then tap Software Update.
- Wait while the iPhone checks Apple’s update service.
- If an update appears, tap Download and Install.
- Follow the onscreen prompts and enter the iPhone passcode if requested.
Apple’s current iPhone update instructions use this same sequence. The phone may download, prepare, verify, restart, and show an Apple logo with a progress bar before returning to the Lock Screen.
When the Lock Screen comes back and the phone accepts your passcode, open Settings > General > Software Update again. The page should report that iOS is up to date or show the newly installed version.
Automatic Updates Without Manual Checks
Automatic updates can download and install future iOS releases with less hands-on work. Apple says automatic installation happens overnight when the iPhone is charging and connected to Wi-Fi, and the phone notifies you before the update installs.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates.
- Turn on Automatically Install.
If you want the phone to download updates but leave installation to you, turn off Automatically Install and use Automatically Download when that option appears. The enabled control remains visible on the Automatic Updates screen, and system file updates can be managed separately from full iOS releases there.
What If Your iPhone Won’t Update?
A failed update usually points to compatibility, storage, network access, or an interrupted installation. Fix the cause shown on screen before repeating the same download.
| What You See | Likely Cause | What To Try |
|---|---|---|
| No newer iOS offered | The model may not support that release. | Install the newest version shown in Software Update. |
| Not enough space | The update needs more temporary storage. | Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage, then tap Enable beside Offload Unused Apps, or remove files manually. |
| Unable to check for update | The iPhone cannot reach Apple’s update service. | Retry on another Wi-Fi network and disable a VPN or proxy that may block the connection. |
| Download is very slow | Network speed or other downloads are consuming bandwidth. | Stay on Wi-Fi and pause other large downloads. |
| Progress bar moves slowly | Installation time varies with update size and files on the phone. | Keep the iPhone connected to power and do not interrupt it while progress continues. |
| Update repeatedly fails | The wireless method is not completing. | Use a Mac or Windows PC to install the update instead. |
If the update file itself seems stuck or corrupted, open Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap the iOS update in the app list, then tap Delete Update. Return to Settings > General > Software Update and download it again; a fresh download starts instead of resuming the removed package. Use a different network if the same server or verification error returns.
Update From A Mac Or Windows PC
A computer is the fallback when the iPhone cannot complete the wireless update. Back up first, connect the iPhone with a cable, and use the current Apple software for the computer you have.
On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder, select the iPhone in the sidebar, click General, then click Check for Update and Download and Update. On a Windows PC, open the Apple Devices app, select the iPhone, choose General, then choose Update; the app may first show Check for Update.
Older Macs running macOS Mojave or earlier use iTunes: select the device, open Summary, choose Check for Update, then Download and Update. Keep the cable connected until the iPhone restarts; the installed release then appears under Settings > General > Software Update.
Five Checks Before You Put The Phone Down
The update is finished when the iPhone restarts normally and Software Update no longer offers the release you just installed. A final check catches the few things that can look finished while still waiting for attention.
- Enter the iPhone passcode after the restart.
- Open Settings > General > Software Update and confirm the installed version.
- Reconnect any VPN only after the update check works normally.
- Open the apps you rely on most and let any post-update setup finish.
- Leave Automatic Updates enabled if you want future releases installed overnight.
References & Sources
- Apple Support: Update your iPhone or iPad – Official wireless update steps, automatic update settings, and storage guidance.