The short answer
Back up your iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi and power, then go to Settings › General › Software Update and tap Update Now (or Install Now). To stay current automatically, tap Automatic Updates and turn on the download and install options.
Software updates bring new features, bug fixes and, most importantly, security fixes. Keeping your iPhone updated is one of the simplest ways to keep it safe.
Before you update
- Back up your iPhone. See how to back up your iPhone.
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Plug in to power, or make sure the battery is well charged.
- Check storage in Settings › General › iPhone Storage. Updates need free space to install.
Update your iPhone
- Open Settings › General › Software Update.
- If you see more than one option, choose the update you want.
- Tap Update Now or Install Now.
- Enter your passcode if asked.
- Wait while your iPhone downloads, prepares and installs the update. It will restart.
Turn on automatic updates
- Go to Settings › General › Software Update › Automatic Updates.
- Turn on the options to download and install iOS updates automatically.
- Turn on Security Responses & System Files if offered, so important security fixes install quickly.
Your iPhone then installs updates overnight while it’s charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
If the update won’t install
“Not enough storage”
Delete or offload apps you don’t use, remove large videos, or let iOS temporarily remove apps to make room (it reinstalls them afterwards). See how to free up storage on iPhone.
Stuck on “Preparing” or “Verifying”
Make sure you’re on a stable Wi-Fi network and leave it a little longer. If it’s still stuck, restart your iPhone and try again.
Update failed or keeps failing
- In Settings › General › iPhone Storage, find the update in the app list.
- Tap it, then tap Delete Update.
- Go back to Software Update and download it again.
Update with a computer
Connect your iPhone to a Mac (Finder) or a Windows PC (Apple Devices app or iTunes), select your iPhone, and click Check for Update.
Update your apps too
Open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and pull down to refresh. Tap Update All. To update automatically, go to Settings › Apps › App Store and turn on App Updates.
Related guides
Before you update, back up your iPhone. If there isn’t enough space for the update, see how to free up iPhone storage.
The bottom line
Back up, connect to Wi-Fi and power, and tap Update Now. Then turn on Automatic Updates so future security fixes install on their own.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an iPhone update take?
It varies with the size of the update and your connection. Minor updates may take 10–20 minutes; major versions can take longer. Your iPhone restarts during installation and can't be used until it finishes.
Why doesn't my iPhone show the newest iOS version?
Each iOS version supports specific iPhone models. If your model isn't supported, you won't see the latest version, but Apple may still offer security updates for older versions.
Is it safe to update right away?
For most people, yes. Updates include important security fixes. Back up first, and make sure you have enough storage and battery.
Why you can trust this guide
- Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 2 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
- Checked and dated. Last checked on November 10, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
- Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
- Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.
Sources
This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.
