Why Won't My iPhone Update to iOS 17/18? 10 Fast Fixes

The release of a new version of iOS is often a highly anticipated event for most iPhone users, as it brings new features and improved device performance. It's understandable that you'd want to update your device as quickly as possible. However, some users have reported issues with their iPhones not updating to the latest iOS. If this issue is preventing you from accessing the features the new iOS promises, this article will show you how to fix it.

Why Won't My iPhone Update?

There are several reasons why your iPhone might not update. The most common include:

• Overloaded Apple Servers: If you are trying to update your device shortly after a new update is announced, Apple servers may be overwhelmed by the number of users attempting to update at the same time.
• System Bugs: Your device could have system bugs that are affecting its ability to download the update.
• Unstable Wi-Fi Network: If the Wi-Fi network you are using is too weak, Apple may delay sending updates to your device or cut off an update that is already in progress.
• Insufficient iPhone storage: You'll need to make sure there is at least 10 GB of free storage on your device for the iOS update file.
• Beta Software Program: You may also be unable to install the latest version of iOS if you have a beta version of iOS already installed on your device.

Force Restart Your iPhone

First, try to force restart your iPhone, if system bugs are causing the problem. Here's how to force restart your iPhone:

iPhone 8 or Later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, and then press and hold the Side Button until the Apple Logo appears.

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold down the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. Release the buttons when you see the Apple Logo.

iPhone 6s and 6s Plus: Press and hold down the Power and Home buttons at the same time until the Apple Logo appears.

Turn Off iOS Beta Update

If your device is enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program, you will not be able to install the public version until you turn off beta updates. So, to avoid the update notification not showing up, try to turn off the iOS beta update:

Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and tap on the toggle to turn it off.

If your device is running iOS 16.3 or earlier, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and tap on the iOS Beta Software Profile that appears. Tap "Remove Profile" and enter your passcode when prompted.

Check Device Compatibility

It's also possible that your device is not compatible with the latest iOS such as iOS 17 or iOS 18 beta. Before proceeding, make sure that your device is supported by iOS 17 or iOS 18. The following is a list of the devices that support iOS and iPadOS 18:

• iPhone 15 (Plus)/iPhone 15 Pro (Max), iPhone 14 (Plus)/iPhone 14 Pro (Max), iPhone 13 Pro Max/Pro/mini/13, iPhone 12 Pro Max/Pro/mini/12, iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max/11, iPhone SE (second and later), iPhone XS (Max)/XR
• iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (M2), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Check the Status of Apple Servers

If your device is compatible with iOS 18 and you are still unable to update it, ensure that the device can access Apple servers. You can check the status of Apple Servers at Apple's System Status page. If you are seeing red dot next to "Sign in with Apple", "Apple ID", or "iCloud Account & Sign In," you'll need to wait until Apple fixes the issue.

Charge Your iPhone

Moreover, your device needs to be charged to at least 50% battery capacity for an iOS update to be successful. Ensure that your device is charged before trying to install the update. If you have set up automatic updates, the device will update during the night if it is plugged in and connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Free Up More Storage on iPhone

A major iOS update typically requires around 10 GB of storage to complete the installation. Check your storage capacity in the device's settings to ensure your device can handle the update. If you don't have adequate storage, delete some unimportant data such as photos, videos, apps, messages, etc, to free up space for the update.

Check Your Network Condition

Your device needs to be connected to the internet to download and install iOS updates. The update files can be large, so it's best to check your network condition and make sure your device is connected to a stable and reliable Wi-Fi network to avoid interruptions.

Delete iOS Update File and Download Again

If you have completed the above checks, try deleting the iOS update and starting the download process again. Use these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap General and select iPhone/iPad Storage.
3. Find the iOS update file in the list of apps, tap on it to select it, and then tap Delete Update.

Now try updating the device manually with these steps:

1. Open your device's Settings app and tap General.
2. Select Software Update and allow your device to check for available updates.
3. Tap Download and Install or Update Now and enter your passcode when prompted.
4. Once the update is complete, your device will restart, and you may be prompted to enter your passcode again.

Update Your iPhone with a Computer

If it still fails to update your device over the air, try to update your iPhone or iPad by connecting it to your computer. Before using the steps below, it's recommended to create a full backup of all your data to avoid data loss.

1. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable and open Finder.
2. Click on your iPhone or iPad in Finder.
3. Click on General and select Check for Update.
4. Then click Download and Update and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update.

Update Your Device with System Repair Tool

If all the solutions above don't resolve the problem, there may be certain system bugs causing the issue. One way to eliminate these bugs is to use TinyFix iOS System Recovery program designed for this purpose. This tool can update your device to the latest version, and remove any system glitches without causing data loss. To use it:

1. Download the TinyFix, install it on your computer, and open it.
2. Click on iOS System Repair on the home screen.
3. Connect the iPhone or iPad to the computer and select the Standard Repair Mode. Click Start to continue.
4. Select the latest version of iOS and download it.
5. When the download is complete, click Fix Now and the program will update your device and reinstall your iOS to fix any system bugs preventing the update.

Conclusion

If you are still unable to update your device even after trying all the solutions above, contact Apple Support for additional help. It's possible that an unforeseen hardware issue is causing the problem, and Apple technicians may be able to diagnose and fix it.

Updating the iOS on your device is usually a straightforward process, especially if you have enabled automatic updates. However, like everything iOS-related, sometimes things don't go according to plan. We hope the solutions outlined above have been helpful, and that you can now easily update your device to the latest version of iOS 18.