Q&A for How to Update iOS Software on an iPad

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Question

How do I delete unwanted apps?

Community Answer

Press and hold on the app icon on the home screen until the apps wiggle. Press the small x in the top-left corner of the app icon. A popup window will ask you to confirm the app deletion. Press "Delete". For more information, refer to How to Delete Apps on an iPad .

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Question

How do I update from iOS 4.3.2 to iOS 8.0/

Community Answer

Go to Settings. There will be a number in gray under "general," click on that. You will be directed to a page where you can press "install now." The process may take 5 minutes to 3 hours.

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Question

What do I do if I am told my software is up to date when it isn't and I have no option to update?

Community Answer

It could mean that the device is too old. Depending on the iPad model, it can only update to a certain point, after which, you will get the message that you are referring to.

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Question

Why did my iPad stop charging after a software update?

Community Answer

You should consult Apple support to find out more specific information.

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Question

I have an iPad 1 with 9.5.3. Can I update it to 11.0?

Community Answer

No, you would need to buy a newer iPad.

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Question

Can I agree to terms and conditions of a new iOS update using my PC while connected to the iPad? The Agree button does not work on the iPad.

Community Answer

No, you cannot do this. You have to do it on the iPad in order for it to work.

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Question

I have an iPad running iOS 5.1.1. It says my software is up to date. Does this mean I can't install any apps on the iPad?

Noah Trivedi

Community Answer

Practically, yes. Potentially, there are some apps that might still support your version, though that is EXTREMELY unlikely.

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Question

I have an iPad 2 that is 9.3.5, and when I go the settings and general I can't find an iCloud tab. Where is it?

Noah Trivedi

Community Answer

There isn't an iCloud tab in 9.3.5. You should be looking for Software Update to update iOS.

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Question

I have the iPad 2 and when I go to Settings, then to General, I don't have an update there. What can I do to find it?

Community Answer

The iPad 2's maximum iOS version is iOS 9. Apple limits the updates on older devices.

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Question

Are there any features that were removed in IOS updates?

Jackson Sivley

Community Answer

Absolutely. For one, there was a built-in YouTube app and built-in Google maps app but these were removed on IOS 6, as well as a video app removed in IOS 10.2, because Apple TV replaced it. Finally (at the time of this answer), support for all 32-bit apps have been removed in IOS 11, with the sole exception of devices that can’t update to IOS 11 or have been updated for 64-bit subsystems.

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Question

Why do certain apps when trying to download say they are not compatible with this iPad?

Jackson Sivley

Community Answer

You may need to update your IOS Version. If your device is up to date, you will need to upgrade your device to a new one.

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Question

How do I update my iPad from iOS 9.3.5 to 11?

Jackson Sivley

Community Answer

Follow the steps above. You must have a 64-bit device (iPad 5th gen or later, iPhone 5S or later, iPod Touch 6th gen or later, iPad Air 1 or later, or iPad Mini 2 or later) since 32-bit devices which are earlier than those mentioned here because 32-bit apps no longer work in IOS 11.

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Question

How do I upgrade my iPad's software? How do I know if my iPad is compatible with an upgrade?

Jackson Sivley

Community Answer

It should appear in software update, if it does not appear, check About, your model will show, if it shows an old model, it cannot update but may receive security fixes (but no major updates). For example, iPad 4th gen can go from IOS 6 to IOS 10.

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Question

What happens if I can't download or install iOS on my iPad?

Jackson Sivley

Community Answer

If you do not have enough storage, free up some unneeded content that takes up a large amount of storage. If that does not work, your device may have reached its last available version.

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