Apple just recently released the iOS 12. Many Apple fans are eager to update their iPhone to the latest version of iOS. You have tried many times to update your iPhone but you keep on getting an error message or the process stops midway. Why won’t my iPhone update and how to fix it.
The iOS 12 has aroused the interest of almost all Apple users. It saves more space and it comes with an all new Settings app. This newest iOS version focuses on delivering a more responsive and faster OS. To experience the new features, update your iPhone to the latest 12/12.1
It can be extremely frustrating to get the ‘Unable to Verify Update” message when you are trying to update your iPhone to the newest iOS version. This is a common issue for most iPhone users. There are even times when you are also unable to update your iPhone apps.
There are many reasons why you cannot download or are unable to install the latest iOS. The best thing to do is to identify the specific reason/s behind the glitch so you can find the best strategy to fix the issue/s.
Here solutions to why won’t my iPhone update and how to fix it.
Solution 1: Check Compatibility of your iPhone
Your iPhone needs to be compatible with the iOS 12/12.1. This newest iOS version is compatible with the iPhone X, 8, 8 plus, 7, 7 plus, 6s, 6s plus, 6, 6 plus, SE, 5S.
Solution 2: Make Sure your iPhone has Sufficient Charge
Your iPhone needs sufficient charge for the duration of the upgrade process. It needs to at least have 50% charge otherwise connect it to a power source before upgrading.
Solution 3: Check Your Internet Connection
An iOS update needs a stable internet connection. The time it takes to complete an update depends on the speed of your internet connection and the size of the update. While you can use your iPhone while iOS is downloading (you will be notified when iOS is ready for installation), avoid downloading any other content while the iOS download is ongoing. It is also best to connect to a Wi-Fi network instead of using your iPhone data plan.
Solution 4: Make Sure your iPhone has Enough Storage Space
An iOS update basically requires 750-800 megabytes of free space for a successful installation. 1 gigabyte is equivalent to 1000 megabytes so an iOS update really does not need to much free space.
The older versions may require less storage space but just the same you need free space for the iOS installation. One way to free some storage space is to clean your iPhone cache. This is how to check for available free space in your iPhone:
Settings > General > iPhone Storage
The available free space on your device will show at the top of the screen. If your iPhone has more than 1G of free space available, then you have enough free space for an iOS update.
Solution 5: Use iTunes or the Settings app
If update won’t work using iTunes, use the Settings app. If the Settings app won’t work, use iTunes. Many iPhone users say there is more luck updating iOS with iTunes. Check it out to see if this is true. Back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes before starting the iOS updating process
Updating iOS using iTunes
Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed in your computer to ensure a successful iOS download and installation. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable (cable used to charge your iPhone).
In your computer go to iTunes and select your iPhone > Summary > Check for Update > Download and Update
Updating iOS in the Settings app
In your iPhone, go to the Settings app > General > Software Update > Download and Install
Solution 6: Restart your iPhone
This is the most straightforward and obvious way to fix issues with iOS updating.
- For iPhone 8 and earlier models: Press Power button (on the side or top of the device) until Slide to Power Off appears > Swipe Slider from left to right > iPhone will power off > Press on the Power button to turn on your iPhone
- For iPhone X, Xs, Xr: Press Side Button or Volume button until Slider appears > Drag Slider to turn off device > Press on the Side button to turn on your iPhone.
You can also do a Hard Reset or Force Restart because it can usually fix any type of minor iOS updating issues.
- Press and hold the Power On/Off Button and Home Button for 10 seconds. Your iPhone will turn off and on again displaying the Apple logo. Your iPhone will then reboot. Try updating your iOS either through iTunes or the Settings app.
Solution 7: Delete the Beta Version of the iOS 12
You will get a download error when updating to the iOS 12/12.1 if you still have the beta files of the iOS 12/12.1 in your iPhone phone. To delete these files:
Settings > General > Profile > iOS Beta Software Profile > Delete Profile > Reboot iPhone
You can now again try to download and install iOS 12 or iOS 12.1
Solution 8: Reset Network Settings
Ann issue with your network can also cause your iPhone not to update. If you think this is the problem, reset your network: Settings > Reset > Reset Network Settings > Reset. Rejoin your Wifi network and try updating your iOS.
Solution 9: Try Again Later
Remember that each time there is a release of a new iOS millions of iPhone users are trying to simultaneously download and install it just like you. This often causes a struggle for the Apple server to keep up with the demand. This is one of the more common causes for your iPhone not to update. There is only one thing to do to resolve this issue – be more patient.
Solution 10: Restore your iPhone in iTunes
If after trying all the above mentioned solutions and your iOS still won’t update, you will need to restore your iPhone. You can do this in iTunes. Before starting the process, make sure you have backed up your iPhone as restoring will erase all settings and content.
Open iTunes in your computer and connect your iPhone using with a lightning cable. On iTunes: click iPhone button > Click Restore > Confirm Restore Device on Pop-up Window. ITunes will then erase all contents from your iPhone, download and install the latest iOS version.
You can also restore your iPhone in DFU mode (completely black screen on your iPhone. To get your iPhone into DFU mode:
Connect iPhone to your Computer > Open iTunes > Hold down together Power/Sleep Button and Home Button for 10 seconds > Release Power Button > Release Home Button when message appears that ITunes has detected an iPhone in Recovery > Confirm Restore Device > iTunes will then erase all contents from your iPhone, download and install the latest iOS version.
Restoring your iPhone in DFU mode deletes all software and hardware settings from your iPhone. This is the final solution to fixing an iOS update issue. If this still does not work you iPhone may have a hardware problem.
Except for the hardware issue, any of the above mentioned solutions will definitely deal with why won’t my iPhone update and how to fix it.