How to Update iOS Software on an iPad

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to update the system software on your iPad using Software Update on the iPad or iTunes on your desktop.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Software Update

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    . In most cases, updating the iOS will not cause a loss of data, but things can occasionally go wrong.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the charging cable that came with your iPad to connect to a power outlet or desktop computer.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Larger iOS updates require your iPad to be connected to a Wi-Fi network in order to download.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's near the top of the page.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • If this link does not appear, your software is up to date and no update is currently available.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The download and installation process will begin.
    • The time to update will vary depending on the extent of the update and the speed of your Wi-Fi network.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-11-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-11-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    12. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using iTunes

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-12-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-12-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In order to download update software for your iPad, iTunes must be running the latest version available .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-13-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-13-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    . In most cases, updating the iOS will not cause a loss of data, but things can occasionally go wrong.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the cable that came with your iPad, plugging the USB end into the computer and the Lightning or 30-pin connector into your iPad's charging port.
    • If iTunes doesn't launch automatically, open the iTunes app on your computer.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-15.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the upper-left part of the window, below the toolbar.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-16.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-17.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there is an update available, iTunes will ask you if you want to download and install it.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-18.jpg\/aid2486714-v4-728px-Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    iTunes will automatically begin downloading the update and will install it after the download is complete.
    • Your iPad must remain connected during the entire download and install process. [1]
    • iTunes must be connected to the Internet during the entire process.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can you use a PC to update an iPad via iTunes?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can. All you need to do is connect your device to with a USB cable to the PC and open up iTunes. When you've connected it, iTunes should instantly detect the device and an iOS software update option should appear.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 15
  • Question
    I have an iPad with iOS 5.1.1. When I go to "General - Software Update," it says software is up to date and doesn't give me an option to upgrade to a higher version. How do I upgrade my iPad?
    Community Answer
    Your iPad is not compatible with newer versions of iOS because its hardware is too primitive.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 33 Helpful 71
  • Question
    Does this method also work with an iPhone?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as your device can support the iOS you're trying to download.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 10
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      wikiHow Video: How to Update iOS Software on an iPad

      Watch


      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Update iOS
      How to
      Reset an iPad Without the Password
      iPad Battery Draining Fast? 8 Quick Solutions
      How to Tell if Your iPad Is Too Old to Update
      2 Ways to Screen Mirror Your iPhone to iPad
      A Complete Guide to Jailbreak an iPad, iPad Pro, or Mini
      How to See if Someone Read Your Text on iPhone & iPad
      3 Simple Ways to Completely Power Down Your iPad or iPad Pro
      7 Ways to Transfer Files to iPad from PC or Mac
      How to
      Use Smart View on iPhone or iPad
      Use Your iPad to Stream Video or Mirror Your Screen to a TV
      How to Turn Off AirPlay: The Complete Guide
      How to
      Get a Free iPad
      A Quick Guide to Transfer Photos from an iPad to Your Computer
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4623

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Updating your iPad wirelessly is the easiest way to install the latest version of iPadOS. Keeping your iPad's software up to date ensures that you always have the latest features, security updates, and bug fixes. Before you start the update, back your iPad up to iCloud or to your computer just in case you run into trouble. Then, connect your iPad to a power source, such as a wall outlet or a computer. If you're not already connected to a wireless network, you'll need to do that, too—swipe down from the top-right corner of the home screen to open Control Center, and if the Wi-Fi icon isn't blue, tap it to connect, or tap-and-hold it to select a network. Next, open the Settings app, which is the gray gear icon on your home screen or in the App Library. Then, tap the "General" tab, and select "Software Update" in the right panel. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install" – if you don't see this option, you're already using the latest version of iPadOS. If an update *is* available, review the terms and tap "Install" to confirm. Or, if you'd rather schedule the update so it happens overnight, you can tap "Install Tonight" instead—just make sure you plug your iPad in before you go to bed, and that it's connected to Wi-Fi. After selecting an option, enter your passcode if prompted. If you're installing the update now, your iPad will reboot and begin to update. The update can take anywhere from several minutes to an hour or so. When the update is complete, your iPad will reboot again and bring you back to the home screen.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 597,506 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Oct 7, 2016

        "It was a great article, I really enjoyed reading it. All the help I could ever ask for."
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement