How to update an iPhone

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Updates bring security fixes and new features. An update can take a while. Start one when you do not need the phone for the next hour.

These screens are from iOS 26 on an iPhone 17. On older versions the rows are in the same place, with a slightly different look.

Step by step

1. Back up first

   Back up the iPhone with iCloud or a computer. Updates rarely go wrong, but a backup costs nothing.

   Done

2. Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi

   Connect the charger and make sure the phone is on Wi-Fi.

   Done

3. 

   Open Settings and tap General

   General is in the first group of the main Settings list.

   Done

4. Tap Software Update

   The page shows the iOS version you have now and any update that is available.

   Done

5. Tap Download and Install

   Enter your passcode if asked and follow the instructions on screen. The phone downloads the update, restarts and installs it.

   Done

6. Let it finish

   Leave the phone on the charger until the Lock Screen appears again.

   Done

Good to know

To let the phone do this by itself, open Automatic Updates on the same page. Automatically Install downloads and installs updates overnight while the phone is charging and on Wi-Fi. You are told beforehand. Automatically Download only fetches the update so that it is ready when you decide to install it.

If there is not enough free space, iOS can remove some apps temporarily during the update and put them back afterwards.

A VPN or proxy connection can stop the phone from reaching the update servers. Switch the VPN off if no update appears.

Some updates are not offered over the air. In that case, update with a computer: connect the iPhone by cable and use the Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on a Windows PC.

If it fails: iPhone software update failed or stuck: 7 fixes to try.

In short: Back up, power, Wi-Fi. Settings, General, Software Update, Download and Install.