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Before updating iOS, check that your iPhone supports the release, complete and verify a backup, connect to Wi-Fi and power, and check available storage. Apple recommends backing up first; the normal manual update path is Settings > General > Software Update.

What to do before updating your iPhone

  1. Check compatibility. Find your iPhone model and compare it with Apple’s current list for the iOS release you plan to install. Apple’s iOS 26 guide lists supported devices from the iPhone 11 family and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) through the iPhone 17 family and iPhone Air. Support varies by release, so use the current list rather than an older compatibility chart. See Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility and update guide.
  2. Back up your information. Apple says, “Before you update, back up your device to keep a copy of your important information.” For an iCloud backup, connect to Wi-Fi, open Settings, tap your name, then go to iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Stay connected until it finishes; the screen shows the date and time of the last backup. Apple’s iCloud backup instructions.
  3. Confirm the backup completed. Check the last-backup date and time on the iCloud Backup screen before proceeding. Automatic iCloud backups require iCloud Backup to be enabled, with the iPhone connected to power and Wi-Fi and its screen locked; for a pre-update check, you can start a manual backup instead.
  4. Check device storage. Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage and review the available space. If you need to free space, enable Offload Unused Apps from that screen or delete apps manually. Apple says an update may temporarily remove app data that can be downloaded again; it does not affect personal information. The space required depends on the update and device. Apple’s update troubleshooting steps.
  5. Arrange Wi-Fi and power. Use a reliable Wi-Fi connection and plug the iPhone into power before starting. Keep it connected to power while installation is in progress. Apple recommends avoiding other downloads if the update download is slow. Apple’s update instructions and troubleshooting.

Choose a backup method

Use iCloud if you want to back up over Wi-Fi without connecting to a computer. If the backup cannot complete because there is not enough iCloud storage, follow the on-screen options; buying more storage is not necessary for every update. A computer backup is an alternative if you have a trusted computer and a compatible connection. Apple’s update guidance recommends backing up before you update, whichever method you use.

Start the update

Update on the iPhone

  1. Open Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. If an update is offered, tap Download and Install and follow the prompts.
  3. Keep the iPhone connected to power while it installs. Automatic installation may happen overnight when the iPhone is charging and connected to Wi-Fi; Apple says it notifies you before installation.

Apple’s iOS 26 guide describes the manual update route, and the iPhone User Guide explains automatic installation.

Update with a computer

If wireless updating is unavailable or repeatedly fails, Apple supports updating through a computer. Back up first and connect the iPhone to a trusted computer. Use Finder on macOS Catalina or later; use iTunes on macOS Mojave or earlier, or on Windows. If the computer is connected to the internet through the iPhone’s Personal Hotspot, connect it to a different Wi-Fi or Ethernet network instead. Apple’s computer-update instructions.

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If the update will not install

Apple identifies incompatibility, insufficient storage, a slow download, trouble reaching the update server, and an incomplete update among possible causes. Work through the relevant checks:

  • The update is not offered: Check that your model is compatible with that release. Apple says an iPhone shows only updates compatible with it.
  • The download is slow or cannot reach the server: Try a reliable Wi-Fi network and avoid competing downloads. If the problem continues, try another network.
  • There is not enough space: Review Settings > General > iPhone Storage, then offload unused apps or delete apps as needed.
  • The update is incomplete or continues to fail wirelessly: Apple provides steps to delete the downloaded update and download it again. If that does not help, try updating with a Mac or iTunes using the computer instructions above.

Apple’s troubleshooting guide covers deleting and downloading the update again as well as other wireless-update problems.

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