macReports

Apple iOS Mac OS X Reports , Help and News

  • How to
  • News
  • Not working?
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Guides
You are here: Home / Tips and Tricks / iOS: Unable to Install Update: An error Occurred Installing…

iOS: Unable to Install Update: An error Occurred Installing…

Last updated on January 28, 2020 By Serhat Kurt 9 Comments

Several users have reported that they’re receiving an error when trying to update their iPad or iPhone devices. It seems that this is one of the most common issues that iOS or iPadOS users face when updating.

You can easily update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch wirelessly. To install the latest version of iOS,  tap Settings > General > Software Update. If you can’t update, there might be many possible reasons. This article explains what you can do to fix if you see the Unable to Install Update error.

unable to update the ios software

Apple periodically releases updates for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Updates for iOS are released via over-the-air software updates. These releases include bug fixes, additional features, and improvements. Thus we recommend installing the latest available updates.

If you see this error when you update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, here is how to troubleshoot it:

Before continue, it is very important that you make a backup. There are basically two ways to do this:

  • You can use iCloud. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
  • You can also use your computer, Mac or PC: Connect iPhone or iPad and your computer (Mac or PC) using USB. Open iTunes (if this a PC or if this a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (if this is a Mac running macOS Catalina).
  • Select your device and click Back Up Now.

See also: Black Screen With Spinning Wheel

iOS Update Problem Fixes:

  1. Restart your iOS device. And try again.
  2. See this article if you see the Software Update Failed message.
  3. If possible, try to update your device using a different WiFi network.
  4. Make sure that there is enough space to download and install an update. If this is the issue, you may want to make more space by removing content that you do not need or use. To do so, simply go to Settings > General > [Device] Storage. You may also want to turn on “iCloud Photo Library”. This will let you reduce the size of your Photo library. You may also see several recommendations. You can also use the recommendations to optimize your storage. You may also want to delete music, apps, photos, or videos.
  5. Try again by removing and downloading the iOS update. Here is how:
    • On your iPhone or iPad, tap Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.
    • You will see a list of apps. Find the iOS update.
    • Tap  Delete Update.Delete update file
    • Now Settings > General > Software Update and try again.
  6. You can also try to update with iTunes or Finder (Catalina or later) to update your device manually using your computer. Here is how:
    • Connect iPhone and your computer using USB.
    • Open iTunes (PC or macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later).
    • Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes on your computer (Mac or Windows)
    • In iTunes or Finder, locate (in Finder, your device will appear in the sidebar of the Finder windows) and select your device.
    • General or Settings, then click Check for Update. Update iOS
  7. Force restart your device: Here is how you can force restart your iPad or iPhone:
    • iPad models with Face ID, and iPhone 8 or later: Press and release the volume up and then press and release the volume down buttons and then press and hold the side or top button until you see the Apple logo. Then release the button.
    • iPhone 7 models: Simply press and hold both the top or side and the volume down buttons until the Apple logo appears.
    • iPhone 6s and earlier models, iPad with Home button and other iOS devices: Press and hold both the side or top and the Home buttons together until the Apple logo appears.
  8. This is for advanced users. You may want to use the iOS IPSW File to Update. Here is how:
    • On your computer, download IPSW file for your device.
    • Connect your device to your computer.
    • Open iTunes or Finder.
    • Go to the Summary tab.
    • Hold down the Shift key in Windows or Alt/Option key on Mac and click Update.
    • Then find and select the IPSW file you just downloaded.

See also: iPhone, iPad Activation Problems, Fix

Did any of these solutions help solve your problem? If not, it is time to contact Apple.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks Tagged With: iOS, Update

Comments

  1. Yohaan says

    September 16, 2020 at 11:25 am

    I just had this problem and for the longest time version 13.7.1 would not update; it kept giving me the error message and unable to install. It was already downloaded on my phone. I had over 50 gigs of space available. After doing everything on every website I could find, I cut off my VPN (I am using NordVPN) and when I tried again to install, it worked!!!! I don’t understand why there are quite a few services and sites that are not working when my VPN is enabled.

    Reply
  2. Bill Miller says

    August 25, 2020 at 1:23 pm

    Can’t install iOS 13.6.1 to iPad Air 2

    Reply
  3. Varun says

    February 20, 2020 at 1:36 pm

    Please help me icant update 10

    Reply
  4. Aya says

    January 21, 2020 at 8:26 pm

    it won’t let me update my ipad to ipadOS 13 🙁

    Reply
  5. Ethan says

    October 7, 2019 at 7:50 am

    Number 4 had the best results for me, try it first!

    Reply
  6. arman says

    October 14, 2017 at 2:30 am

    No one here is your answer
    Please give me some feedback. Please, please

    Reply
  7. Pouya says

    October 6, 2017 at 1:45 pm

    Hiii
    Error unable to instal update

    Reply
  8. kim seuh says

    April 18, 2017 at 8:09 am

    please help me

    Reply
    • Sumit says

      July 25, 2020 at 6:46 am

      what js your problem?
      tell us if we can have help you out

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Got a tip for us? Email us.

Latest Posts

How to Share Audio with your Friend using AirPods or Beats

Calendar Not Working: The Server Responded With an Error, Fix

iPad Stuck on “Preparing Update,” Fix

How to Use Split View in Safari on iPad

How to Dispute an Apple Card Charge

Pages

  • About macReports
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Use

Tags

AirPods Apple Car Apple Card Apple Company Apple ID Apple Music Apple Pay Apple TV Apple Watch Apps App Store Backup Black Screen Bluetooth Catalina FaceTime iCloud iMessage iMessages iMovie iOS iOS 14 iPad iPhone iTunes Keyboard Mac Mac Battery MacBook macOS macOS Big Sur Mail Mail App Messages Notifications PDF Photos Safari screenshot Siri Spotlight Search Update Wi-Fi Windows YouTube

Search macReports

Categories:

  • Guides
  • How to
  • News
  • Not working?
  • Tips and Tricks

About macReports:

This website is founded by Serhat Kurt. He worked as a Senior Technology Director. He holds a doctoral degree (or doctorate) from the University of Illinois at Urbana / Champaign and a master’s degree from Purdue University.

Stacey Butler

Stacey Butler is a tech writer at macReports covering news, how-tos, and user guides. She is a longtime Mac and iPhone user and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

 

This website is not affiliated with Apple.

Copyright © 2021 / macReports

This website uses cookies. By navigating around this site you consent to cookies being stored on your machine.Accept