- Not enough available storage space on your device
- Downloading the update takes a long time
- Unable to reach the update server
- The update doesn't complete
If there's not enough space to update
If there isn't enough space to download and install an update, the software on your device will try to make space. It will remove only app data that it can download again and doesn't remove or relocate any of your data. If your device still doesn't have enough space, you can use your computer to update your device.
If you're currently running macOS 10.11 or higher on your Mac and connect your iPhone to sync with iTunes, you may get an alert saying that 'a software update is required to connect to your iPhone.' Here's everything you need to know about what that means, how to update your system, and what to do if updating doesn't work. On rare occurrences people may find that after updating their Macs the system will not boot. Sometimes the system will hang at a specific boot screen such as the gray Apple, or at a blank blue screen. Jun 16, 2020 Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later. To upgrade from Lion or Mountain Lion, first upgrade to El Capitan, then upgrade to Catalina. To find your macOS version, Mac model, memory, and storage space, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu. If your Mac isn't compatible with macOS Catalina, the installer will let you know.
If you can't connect your device to your computer, you can make room for the update by removing content and apps on your device that you don't use. Go to Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.
Learn more about the space your apps and content use.
If the download takes a long time
You need an Internet connection to update your device. The time it takes to download the update varies according to the size of the update and your Internet speed. You can use your device normally while downloading the update, and your device will notify you when you can install it. To improve the speed of the download, avoid downloading other content and use a Wi-Fi network if you can.
If you can’t reach the update server or can’t verify the update
If you try to update your device, you might see one of these messages:
'Unable to Check for Update. An error occurred while checking for a software update.'
My Macbook Won't Update Software
'Unable to Verify Update. [Software] failed verification because you are no longer connected to the Internet.'
Try updating your device again using the same network. If you still see one of these messages, try updating your device using another network or update your device with your computer. If the issue happens again after trying to update with multiple networks, remove the update.
Learn more about iOS and iPadOS updates.
If the update doesn't complete
If you're installing the update, the progress bar might appear to move slowly. The time an update takes depends on the size of the update and the number of files on your device.
When you're updating over the air, keep your device connected to a power source. If your device runs out of power, connect it to a power source and turn on the device to let the update or restore complete.
Learn what to do if your device appears frozen or won't start.
Remove and download the update again
If you still can't install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, try downloading the update again:
- Go to Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.
- Find the update in the list of apps.
- Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update.
If you don’t see the update in the list of apps or if the issue happens again, you need to update your device with your computer using Finder or iTunes.
Have you tried to install an iOS update on your iPhone with little success? The problem can seemingly come from nowhere and present a lot of problems for users. There are those who report never having problems with an update only to suddenly experience one when Apple releases a new update. Considering how important iOS updates can be you don't want to have trouble updating your device.
In this article, we look at the reasons you may be having problems and the most reliable solutions.
Reasons Why iPhone Won't Update
Before we get to the solutions, it is important to understand why you may be unable to update your device. The most common reasons include the following;
- You don't have enough available space on your device for the update.
- It takes too long to download the update.
- You are unable to reach the update server.
- The update fails to complete.
Now that we know some of the reasons, we can confidently suggest some solutions.
1. Apple Servers May Be Busy, Please Be Patient
Whenever Apple releases a new update, millions of users try to update their devices at the same time. With so many people trying to access Apple servers to download and install the iOS updates, Apple servers can become overwhelmed which can cause problems with some users' downloads.
My Mac Doesn T Update Software Free
So, if you are trying to update your device but the update keeps failing, be patient and keep trying. It is likely that millions of people are also trying to do the same.
2. Make Sure You Have Enough Storage Space for the Update
Like we said, a lack of storage space on your deice could be preventing you from updating the device. To check if you have enough storage on your device, follow these simple steps;
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your device and then tap on General.
Step 2: Tap on iPhone Storage and you will see how much space is on the device. If there is more than 1GB you have enough storage space.
3. If You Can't Update OTA, Try iTunes
If updating your device OTA (using settings) doesn't work, you can try to update the device via iTunes. But ensure that you backup all the data on your device before updating via iTunes. Here's how to update your device using iTunes;
Step 1: Launch iTunes on your computer and then connect your iPhone using the cable.
Step 2: Click on the iPhone when it appears in iTunes and then click on the 'Update' option.
Step 3: Confirm that you want to update the iPhone and iTunes will download and install the update on your device.
You can learn more about how to back up iPhone before upgrading to latest iOS.
4. Fix Errors and Update iOS Device Using an iOS Repair Tool
If none of the above solutions work, it is likely that your device may be experiencing some settings and system errors that could be hindering the update process. In this case, you need an iOS repair tool such as iMyFone iOS System Recovery that will help you overcome the errors and update the device. This iOS System Recovery solution can fix just about any software related issue your device may be facing.
How to Use iMyFone iOS System Recovery to Fix and Update iPhone?
My Mac Won't Update Software
To use iMyFone iOS System Recovery, download the program to your computer and then follow these simple steps;
Step 1: Launch the program on your computer and then connect the iPhone to the computer using USB cables. You should the modes of recovery. Choose the 'Standard Mode.'
Step 2: Now Click 'Start' and then follow the instructions to put the device in DFU/Recovery mode.
My Mac Doesn T Update Software App
Step 3: Once the device is in DFU/Recovery Mode, you will need to download the latest firmware for the device before the errors can be fixed. Simply click 'Download' and the program will do the rest.
Step 4: The program will begin fixing the device as soon as the download is complete. In a few minutes the device should be back to normal with the iOS update.
My Mac Doesn't Update Software
Sometimes, when a device won't update the normal way, you just need to use a different solution. We hope the solutions provided above help you overcome this problem.