How to safely update your iPhone to the latest iOS
You update an iPhone in Settings → General → Software Update → Download and Install. You'll need a Wi-Fi connection, at least 50% battery or a charger, and roughly 6 to 10GB of free space. Before a major update, back up (Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now). You can turn on automatic updates in the same menu under Automatic Updates. When there isn't enough space, the phone will offer to temporarily delete apps — an alternative is to update via a computer, which barely needs any free space on the phone. Always install security patches (Rapid Security Response); major versions can wait a few weeks after release if you prefer.
You update an iPhone in Settings → General → Software Update → Download and Install. You'll need a Wi-Fi connection, at least 50% battery or a charger, and roughly 6 to 10GB of free space. Before a major update, back up (Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now). You can turn on automatic updates in the same menu under Automatic Updates. When there isn't enough space, the phone will offer to temporarily delete apps — an alternative is to update via a computer, which barely needs any free space on the phone. Always install security patches (Rapid Security Response); major versions can wait a few weeks after release if you prefer.
In this article
- Updating directly on the phone
- Automatic updates: turn them on, or not?
- Updating via a computer (when there's no space on the phone)
- Solving the most common problems
- Why update at all
- Updates on a phone bought from us
Updating directly on the phone
1. Back up your phone
Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. An update doesn't erase your data, but a backup is insurance in case installation gets interrupted.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi and a charger
Updating over mobile data doesn't work for major versions. The battery needs to be at least 50%; with a charger connected, this restriction goes away.
3. Open Settings → General → Software Update
The phone checks for an available version. If you see a message saying you're already on the latest version, you're done.
4. Tap Download and Install
Enter your passcode and agree to the terms. The download runs in the background, and you can keep using the phone normally.
5. Confirm the installation
Once downloaded, tap Install Now, or choose to install overnight. The phone will restart and the Apple logo with a progress bar will appear on screen.
6. Finish the setup
After starting up, the phone will ask for your passcode and take you through a short setup guide. Your data, apps and photos all stay in place.
Automatic updates: turn them on, or not?
- Where to turn them on: Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates. You can set Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates separately.
- Security Responses: Leave Security Responses & System Files switched on at all times. They install quickly, usually without a restart, and close freshly discovered vulnerabilities.
- Major versions: You can safely leave automatic installation of major versions on — the phone installs them overnight while charging. If you're cautious, turn it off and wait a few weeks for the first bug-fix release.
- Postponing an update: iOS can delay a major version by up to 90 days via a device management profile. Security patches can't be postponed, and that's how it should be.
Updating via a computer (when there's no space on the phone)
This method doesn't require free space for the update itself, because the file is downloaded to the computer instead.
1. Connect your iPhone with a cable
On a Mac, use Finder; on Windows, use the Apple Devices app or iTunes.
2. Select the device in the sidebar
The phone may ask you to confirm Trust This Computer — confirm it and enter your passcode.
3. Tap Check for Update
Then choose Download and Update. Never choose Restore iPhone — that option erases the phone.
4. Keep the phone connected
Disconnecting during installation can put the phone into recovery mode. Wait until the phone restarts and the home screen comes up.
Solving the most common problems
- "Unable to verify update": Usually a download error. Settings → General → iPhone Storage → find the downloaded iOS package → Delete Update, then download it again.
- Not enough space: The phone will offer to temporarily remove apps. It's quicker to delete large videos or downloaded episodes and shows. The most reliable option is updating via a computer.
- The download is stuck: Restart the phone and try a different Wi-Fi network. It also helps to go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
- No update is offered at all: Your model may no longer support the new version. Older iPhones receive only security patches instead of major versions, which is fine for everyday use.
- The phone is slow after an update: For the first day or two, the system indexes photos and data in the background. Leave the phone charging overnight, and performance will settle down.
- Faster battery drain: Also common for several days after a major update. If the issue lasts longer than a week, check battery health in Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
Why update at all
Updates aren't just about new features. Every version closes security holes that could let someone access your data via a malicious website or message. An unupdated phone is the easiest target.
The second reason is compatibility — banking apps and apps for digital identity often require a minimum iOS version and will simply refuse to launch on an older system.
Older models get support for a very long time: iPhones from 2018 and 2019 commonly receive major versions even after six years, and security patches for even longer. That's the main reason a pre-owned iPhone is still worth buying years after its release.
Updates on a phone bought from us
Every iPhone we sell comes with a freshly installed system and the original Apple ID signed out, so once you turn it on you'll go straight through the setup guide and download any newer version within a few minutes. Every phone comes with a 2-year warranty, and battery health is always 86-100%, so a major update won't leave you with unusable battery life.