Why won’t my iPad update

 

This article explores the possible reasons behind iPad update failures and provides practical solutions to help users successfully update their devices.

What’s the deal with my iPad not updating?

There are various factors that could cause your iPad to not update. Here are some common factors and potential solutions to help you troubleshoot the issue:

1. Insufficient Storage: If the storage space on your iPad is insufficient, downloading and installing the update will not be possible. To address this, you can delete unnecessary apps, photos, or files, or transfer them to a computer or cloud storage. Alternatively, consider updating your device through iTunes on a computer, which might require less space.
2. Slow or Unstable Internet Connection: A slow or unstable Wi-Fi connection or poor internet connection can cause update failures. Make sure you’re connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network with a strong signal. You can also try resetting your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
3. Software Glitches: Sometimes, software glitches can prevent updates from installing. Try restarting your iPad by holding down the Power button and sliding to power off. Then, turn it back on after a few seconds. If that doesn’t work, a hard reset might help: press and hold both the Power and Home (or Volume Down) buttons until the Apple logo appears.
4. Apple Servers Overloaded: During major iOS releases, Apple’s servers can become overwhelmed with update requests, leading to download and installation failures. Wait a few hours or even a day before attempting the update again when server traffic has subsided.
5. Outdated iOS Version: If your iPad has an older iOS version, it may not have the capability to update directly to the newest version. Check if your device is compatible with the latest iOS release, and if not, update to the latest compatible version first.
6. Settings and Restrictions: Certain settings or restrictions on your iPad might prevent updates. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure that you haven’t restricted software updates.
7. Battery Level: An insufficient battery level could prevent your iPad from updating. Ensure that your device is adequately charged or connected to a power source during the update process.
8. Update via iTunes: If the previous solutions prove ineffective, you may attempt to update your iPad by utilizing iTunes on a computer. Connect your iPad to the computer, launch iTunes, and follow the prompts to update your device.
9. Contact Apple Support: If all else fails, reaching out to Apple Support can provide personalized assistance for your specific situation.

Remember to back up your iPad before attempting any updates or troubleshooting steps to ensure your data is safe. If the issue persists, it might indicate a more complex hardware or software problem, and seeking professional help may be necessary.

Is it possible to use an outdated iPad still without updates available

You may find yourself in a situation where you have an old iPad that can’t be updated. While this may seem like a disadvantage, it doesn’t mean the device is unusable just yet. Repurpose your older iPad by downloading your music library onto the device and connecting it to a Bluetooth speaker. Additionally, many television companies provide apps that allow the use of your iPad as a television remote. Lastly, if your device still supports Maps or another navigation app, you can use it as a navigation system in your car.

Overall, while not all features may be available on an older iPad, it doesn’t mean you can’t still make use out of it. With some imagination and creativity, you can likely find ways to repurpose an outdated device for simple tasks like listening to music or using as a remote control. There are various ways to get more mileage out of an outdated device rather than throwing them away or abandon them in storage somewhere.

Try Updating Using Your Computer

Updating your iPad using your computer is a great way to go if the Settings on your iPad isn’t working. All you need to do is plug the device into your computer via the Lightning cable. To find the iPad icon on macOS Mojave 10.14, open iTunes and look in the top left corner of the screen. Click Check for Update and follow instructions from there on out. The same instructions also apply to those running macOS Catalina 10.15 but instead of launching iTunes, these people will use Finder and look for their device under Locations. Once again, check for update and install accordingly should an update be available after that check!

Updating using your computer can be a much simple process depending on which system you are running: Mojave 10.14 or Catalina 10.15. If you’re working with Mojave, start setting up an up-to-date process by launching iTunes and clicking Check for Update button on the top of the interface once you have connected your iPad with a Lightning cable to it ahead of time. Similarly, Catalina users still require a connection through Lightning before checking for update.

Upgrade an outdated iPad

Updating your old iPad can help ensure you have the most current software and apps available. Updating also helps maintain the performance of your device, ensuring you can continue to use it in a secure and efficient manner. There are two ways to update your old iPad: wirelessly over a WiFi network, or by connecting it directly to a computer and using the iTunes app.

If updating your iPad wirelessly, make sure your device is plugged into a power source and connected to a strong Wi-Fi network. Once connected, go to Settings > General > Software Update. You’ll be notified if an update is available – simply follow the onscreen instructions to install the update. Alternatively, you can connect your iPad directly to a computer with iTunes installed and open the Computer tab in iTunes. Select your device from the navigation menu on the left-hand side of the window before hitting Check for Updates – follow any instructions given by iTunes until the update process is complete. Whichever method you choose, it’s important that your device has at least 50% battery or it won’t be able to receive updates successfully.

Have you configured your iPad to automatically install updates?

Configuring your iPad to automatically install updates is a convenient way to ensure that your device remains up-to-date without requiring your direct intervention. When you enable automatic updates, your iPad will periodically check for new software updates, download them, and install them automatically. This can help ensure that you have the latest features, bug fixes, security enhancements, and performance improvements without having to actively monitor and initiate the upgrade process.

To enable automatic updates, you can go to the “Settings” app on your iPad, then navigate to the “General” section. From there, select “Software Update” and then tap on “Customize Automatic Updates.” Here, you can toggle on the option to “Download iOS updates” and “Install iOS updates” automatically. You can also choose to enable automatic updates for app updates. It’s important to note that automatic updates usually occur when your device is connected to Wi-Fi and charging to prevent unnecessary data usage and to ensure a stable update process.

While automatic updates offer convenience, it’s still advisable to occasionally check your device after updates have been installed to ensure that everything is functioning as expected. Additionally, being aware of the update schedule can help you anticipate any changes that might affect your device’s performance or usage.