[2024] 5 Solutions To Fix iPhone/iPad Software Update Failed Error

Part 1: Check if Your iPhone/iPad supports the iOS version you want to update

First and foremost, you can check if your iPhone/iPad is compatible with the iOS version you want to update. Some new updates are only available on some new devices. If your iPhone/iPad is too old, it may not install the latest iOS version. Make sure your iPhone/iPad is listed in the supported devices and start the Apple security update. The following list is the supported devices of iOS 16: of iOS 16: 

Part 2: Restart iPhone/iPad and try again

Restarting the device is one of the easiest options before moving on to the more tedious ones. Rebooting your iPhone/iPad might seem like a home remedy, but you will be pleasantly surprised to witness its outcome. The software update failed error issues are known to be resolved by merely restarting your device and trying again. This method also helps when the fault is due to Apple not processing too many update requests at a given point in time.

Don’t believe it? Try it now! Well, here is what you should do:

Step 1: The moment you see the iOS software update (like iOS 15.2) failed error message on the screen, hit “Close”.

Step 2: Now turn off your device by the usual method: pressing the side button and the volume up/volume down button for 3-5 seconds, or you can go to "Settings" > "General">"Shut Down" and then sliding the bar rightwards on the top of the screen to turn it off. 

Now, Once the device is switched off completely, wait for about 10 minutes or so.

Step 3: Finally, press the side button again and wait for the Apple logo to appear. You will then be directed to your Lock screen. Unlock your iPhone/iPad and try updating the firmware again.

Part 3: Check network status and wait for a while

This is yet another simple and easy tip to tackle the iOS (like iOS 15/14) software update failed issue or iPhone won't update issue. We all would agree that congestion in the network or unstable signal strength may hamper the process and prevent the software from downloading.  Hence, it is advisable to check your network status and wait for a while before updating again. Now, to check the network status, here are a few steps that need to be followed.

Step 1: Start by checking your router and make sure it is turned on and working properly. Then switch off your router for around 10-15 minutes and wait.

Step 2: Now turn on the router and connect to Wi-Fi on your iPad/iPhone.

Step 3: Once your iPhone is connected successfully, visit “Settings” >“General” >“Software Update” and try installing the new firmware once again.

If the above method doesn't help you, do not worry, look at the 2 more methods listed by us below.

Part 4: Update iPhone/iPad with iTunes

The fourth method to get rid of iPad/iPhone software update failed issue, is to install and update the iOS version via iTunes, a software specially designed and developed to manage all iOS devices. This method is recommended by many users who prefer it over downloading the software update on the device itself. This technique is also simple and only requires you to follow the steps given below:

Step 1: To start with, download the latest iTunes version on your personal computer by visiting Apple’s official website.

Step 2: Once downloaded, use a USB cable to connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer and then wait for iTunes to recognize it.

Note: If iTunes does not open itself, launch the software and select the iOS device on its main interface.

Step 3: Now, the third step would be to click on “Summary” from the options listed on the screen and wait for the next screen to open. Once done, select “Check for updates,” as shown in the image below.

Step 4: Now, simply hit “Update” when prompted that there is an update available.

You just have to wait for the installation to get over, and please remember not to disconnect your iPad/iPhone before the process is completed. 

Quite simple, right?

Part 5: Download the firmware manually

The last and final solution to resolve the issue of iPad/iPhone software update is downloading the firmware manually. However, this must be your last option, and you must only consider doing this by downloading the iOS IPSW file when nothing else works. IPSW are files that help download the latest firmware when the normal procedure fails to give the result.

This process is a lengthy and tedious one, but following the steps given below carefully will make the task much easier:

Step 1: Start with the download of the file on your personal computer. You must make sure to download the most suitable file for your iPhone/iPad only, depending on its model and type. You can download the IPSW file for every device model on this link.

Step 2: Now, using a USB cable, attach your iPhone/iPad to the computer and wait for iTunes to recognize it. Once done,  you will need to hit the “Summary” option in iTunes and move on.

Step 3: This step is a little tricky, so carefully press “Shift” (for Windows) or “Option” (for Mac) and hit the “Restore iPad/iPhone” tab.

The above step will help you to browse to choose the IPSW file you had downloaded previously. 

Please wait patiently for iTunes to finish the software update process, it may take a few minutes.

Once the process is complete, you may retrieve all your backed-up data and continue to use your iPhone/iPad on the latest version of iOS.