To update the software on an iPad, plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, then open Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Update Now (or Download and Install) and enter your passcode. Your iPad downloads the update, restarts, and installs it. To have updates install on their own, turn on Automatic Updates on the same screen.
Below are the full steps, how to update with a computer, how to choose between major versions, and fixes for updates that won’t download or install.
Before you update
- Back up your iPad with iCloud (Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or a computer.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Large updates may not download over cellular.
- Charge it. Plug in, or make sure the battery is above 50%.
- Free up space. Updates can need several gigabytes. Check Settings > General > iPad Storage.
How to update your iPad in Settings
- Open the Settings app and tap General.
- Tap Software Update. Your iPad checks for updates.
- If you see more than one option, choose the version you want (see below).
- Tap Update Now or Download and Install, and enter your passcode.
- Agree to the terms if asked. Keep the iPad plugged in until it restarts and finishes installing.
Updates can take anywhere from about 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the update size and your internet speed.
Choosing between two versions
Sometimes Software Update offers a major new version (for example, a new iPadOS release) and a security update for your current version. You can install either. Staying on your current version with security updates is fine for a while if an app you rely on isn’t ready for the new one. Apple eventually stops offering updates for older versions.
How to turn on automatic updates
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
- Turn on iPadOS Updates under Automatically Install, and Security Responses & System Files if you see it.
Your iPad installs updates overnight while it’s charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
How to update an iPad with a computer
- Connect the iPad to your computer with a cable.
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder and select your iPad in the sidebar. On Windows, open the Apple Devices app (or iTunes on older setups) and click the iPad icon.
- Click General or Summary, then Check for Update.
- Click Download and Update and follow the prompts.
This is useful if your iPad doesn’t have enough free space for an over-the-air update.
Troubleshooting
- No update shows up: Your iPad may already be up to date, or it may be too old for the latest version. Check the version under Settings > General > About, and compare it with Apple’s list of supported iPad models.
- “Unable to Check for Update” or “Unable to Verify Update”: Try a different Wi-Fi network, restart the iPad, and try again. If a partial update is stuck, delete it in Settings > General > iPad Storage and download it again.
- Not enough space: Offload unused apps, delete large videos, or update with a computer.
- Stuck on the Apple logo for a long time: Wait at least an hour. If it’s still stuck, connect to a computer and use recovery mode to update without erasing data.
Frequently asked questions
Will updating my iPad delete anything?
No. Normal updates keep your apps, photos, and settings. Back up anyway, just in case.
Can I update an old iPad to the latest iPadOS?
Only if Apple supports that model. Older iPads may be limited to an earlier version but can still get some security updates.
Can I use my iPad while it downloads the update?
Yes. You can use it while the update downloads. You can’t use it while the update installs and the iPad restarts.
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.