Deleting an iOS update from your iPhone or iPad is a simple process that can help you free up space and avoid unwanted updates. In less than a minute, you can get rid of the downloaded update and keep your device running smoothly.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Delete iOS Update
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what we’re trying to achieve here. We want to remove a software update that has been downloaded onto your device, which is taking up storage space and might be prompting you to install it. By deleting the update, you can keep using your current version of iOS without the nagging reminders to upgrade.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
The Settings app is usually found on your home screen and has a gear icon. Once you open it, you’ll find a list of various settings options.
Step 2: Go to General
Scroll down and tap on ‘General’.
‘General’ is where you can find various device management options, including software updates.
Step 3: Tap on iPhone Storage
Within General, look for ‘iPhone Storage’ or ‘iPad Storage’ and tap on it.
This section gives you an overview of what’s taking up space on your device. It may take a few seconds to load fully.
Step 4: Find the iOS Update
Scroll through the list of apps until you find the iOS update.
The update is usually listed with the iOS version number and can be quite large in size.
Step 5: Delete the Update
Tap on the iOS update and then tap ‘Delete Update’.
A prompt will appear asking you to confirm the deletion. Tap ‘Delete Update’ again to remove it completely from your device.
After completing these steps, you’ll have successfully removed the downloaded iOS update from your device. Your iPhone or iPad will no longer prompt you to install the update, and you’ll have freed up some valuable storage space.
Tips for Deleting iOS Update
- Make sure your device is charged or connected to power. You don’t want it to shut down mid-process.
- Always check which version of iOS is currently installed on your device before deleting an update.
- Deleting an update doesn’t prevent it from being downloaded again. To avoid this, you can disable automatic updates.
- If you change your mind, you can always re-download the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Keep in mind that if you’re running out of storage frequently, it might be time to consider cleaning up other files or upgrading your device’s storage capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete an iOS update after it’s been installed?
No, once an update has been installed, you cannot delete it. You can only delete updates that have been downloaded but not installed.
Will deleting an iOS update cause any harm to my device?
No, deleting an iOS update that you haven’t installed will not harm your device. It simply frees up storage space.
What if I can’t find the update in iPhone Storage?
If you can’t find the update, it may have already been installed, or it wasn’t downloaded. Make sure you’re looking for the correct version number.
Can I stop updates from downloading automatically?
Yes, you can. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Customize Automatic Updates and turn off ‘Download iOS Updates’.
What should I do if the update won’t delete?
If the update won’t delete, try restarting your device and attempting the deletion again. If that doesn’t work, contact Apple Support for assistance.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to General.
- Tap on iPhone Storage or iPad Storage.
- Find the iOS update.
- Delete the update.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing updates on your iOS device is crucial to ensure that you’re in control of your storage space and device performance. Deleting an iOS update is a simple process that can help you maintain your current iOS version and keep your device clutter-free. Remember to always check your storage before downloading new updates and consider disabling automatic updates if you prefer to have more control over when and how you update your device. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily remove any unwanted updates and keep your iPhone or iPad running just the way you like it.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.