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If your iPhone says there isn’t enough storage to install an iOS update, check what is using space before deleting anything: go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Start with Apple’s recommendations, offload apps you don’t use, and remove downloads or files you no longer need. If the update still fails, delete its downloaded file from iPhone Storage and try again; if that does not work, Apple recommends updating with a computer.
Check what is using storage
Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage and wait for the storage breakdown and recommendations to load. Review the largest apps and content categories before deciding what to remove. The space each action recovers depends on what is stored on your iPhone, so use this screen to check the result rather than relying on a universal target.
Apple says an update needs “enough available storage,” but its update instructions do not specify a fixed number of gigabytes that will work for every iPhone or iOS update. Update size and temporary working-space needs can vary.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFree space without losing more than you intend
Offload apps you rarely use
Offloading removes an app but keeps its documents and data, so you can reinstall the app later and continue using its retained data. This is different from deleting an app, which removes the app and its related data. Apple also notes that iPhone can automatically remove unused apps when storage is low while keeping their data.
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To offload an individual app, open Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap the app, then choose Offload App. You can also follow the storage recommendations shown on that screen. Check the option names on your iPhone, as menus can vary slightly by iOS version and locale.
Remove downloads and files you no longer need
Delete watched videos downloaded for offline viewing and files you no longer need. Check the relevant app or Files locations for downloaded content, then return to iPhone Storage to see whether you have freed enough room.
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Review photos, videos, and Messages attachments carefully
Photos and videos, along with large attachments in Messages, can take up substantial space. Delete only content you are willing to lose. If you want to keep photos or videos, back them up before removing them from the iPhone.
Choose the option that fits your situation
| Option | What it removes | What happens to personal app data |
|---|---|---|
| Offload an app | The app itself | Documents and data are retained. |
| Delete an app | The app and related data | Related data is removed. |
| Delete a download or file | The selected content | Only the selected content is removed. |
Try the iOS update again
After freeing space, connect to Wi-Fi and power, then go to Settings > General > Software Update and try again. Apple lists a compatible device, an internet connection, enough available storage, and power as requirements for updating. If the download is slow, avoid starting other downloads while it runs.
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If the update still will not install
Delete the downloaded update and download it again
If the update appears in iPhone Storage, remove that download and retry. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find the iOS update in the list, tap it, and choose Delete Update. Then return to Settings > General > Software Update and download the update again.
Use a Mac or iTunes if the problem continues
If you cannot find the update in iPhone Storage, or the same issue returns after downloading it again, Apple’s next documented route is to update using a Mac or iTunes. Apple also documents checking device storage from Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. Follow the update prompts for the computer and keep the iPhone connected to power during troubleshooting.
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Check compatibility before another attempt
Not every iPhone supports every iOS release. Before retrying, confirm that your device is compatible with the update and that it has an internet connection and power. Apple’s instructions do not establish a single storage amount that guarantees success, so the available-space figure on your iPhone—not a generic online number—is the useful guide.
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Apple instructions
- If your iPhone or iPad won’t update
- Manage storage on iPhone
- How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad
- If you need more space for an update on your iPhone or iPad
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