iPhone Won’t Update iOS? Check What the Screen Says First

Check the installed version in Settings > General > Software Update. If you are looking for a particular iOS release, compare your exact iPhone model with Apple’s compatibility list for that release. A phone may be up to date for its model even if a newer release exists.

Plug in the iPhone and retry on Wi-Fi. If the same alert returns, try another network. For a storage warning, open Settings > General > iPhone Storage and check the space on the phone itself. Use the storage recommendations, such as offloading unused apps, to make room.

In iPhone Storage, select the iOS update in the list and tap Delete Update. This removes the downloaded installer. Return to Settings > General > Software Update and download it again. If the installer is missing or the new download also fails, move to the computer method.

The bar can move slowly or appear still. Keep the iPhone connected to power during a wireless update. If a button press brings up a message saying the update is in progress, give it time. If the device becomes unresponsive or never completes, follow Apple’s progress bar help before trying recovery.

Back up the iPhone first and connect it by cable. Use Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on Windows. Select the iPhone, open General and check for an update. Choose the update action and follow the prompts. Use a separate internet connection if the computer is online through the iPhone’s Personal Hotspot. The Restore option erases the device. When the phone returns to Settings, check the installed iOS version again.