iPhone software update failed? What to do next is troubleshooting! Updates are an important part of iPhones and devices, and without it, you put your device at risk. So, when a software update fails over and over again, not only is it frustrating, but it can impact security, too.
At imFixed, we offer our professional services for all kinds of repairs in Rochdale, Oldham, and the Manchester area, but we also like to give you the information you need to get your devices working on their own wherever possible. We have troubleshooting tips for when your iPhone won’t turn on, solutions for water damage, how to bring your iPhone back to life, information on phone screen repairs, and much more.
What Happens if iPhone Software is Not Updated?
If you fail to update your iPhone, or any other device’s software, you won’t be able to get all the latest features or security updates. Not only that, but some apps also need the updated iOS version to function properly, if at all.
There are a lot of amazing things about phones, but we understand that the frequent updates can get annoying. However, it’s worth taking a bit of time to make sure everything is up-to-date so that your devices can function as intended.
iPhone Software Update Failed? What to do Next
An iPhone software update failure can be annoying at best, but there are steps you can take to try and resolve the issue. In most cases, any one of the solutions outlined below should fix the problem and get your iPhone updating smoothly again.
However, if nothing works, then you will need to contact a professional and see what can be done. Unfortunately, there might be a larger issue that is causing the update failure.
Until you know for sure, try out suggestions and see if you can get your device working again.
Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes all that’s needed is a force restart to get things working again. Depending on the iPhone model you have, you will need to take different steps to force restart your device. We will outline the steps for different models below.
For iPhones that Support iOS 16 or Later
- Quickly press the volume up button and release
- Quickly press the volume down button and release
- Hold down the side button
- Release the side button when the Apple logo shows
For iPhones that Don’t Support iOS 16 (iPhones 6, 7, 8 and SE (1st Gen)
- iPhone 6 models and iPhone SE (1st Gen) – Hold down the home and sleep/wake button at the same time, then release the buttons when you see the Apple logo
- iPhone 7 – Hold down the sleep/wake button and volume down button at the same time, then release the buttons when you see the Apple logo
- iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2nd Gen) – Quickly press the volume up button and release, then do the same with the volume down button. Hold down the side button, and release it when you see the Apple logo
Wait a Few Hours Before Trying Again
For one of the easiest options, simply leave your phone alone for a few hours and try updating it again. Phones can be fickle, so have some patience before you start to get too frustrated.
After a couple of hours, your iPhone might be willing to go through with the update, and you can rest easy knowing that your device is secure. Waiting for a few hours is a good rule to follow with many different device issues. So, next time your iPhone plays up in some way, try waiting a while before opting for the more difficult fixes.
Double-Check Your Network Status
In order for a software update to happen, you need to be connected to the internet and have good internet speed. Without good access to the internet or good speeds, the update will fail.
To give your device its best chance, make sure you are not downloading anything else on the device and close all the apps. Once this is done, you can go ahead and try the update again.
Reset Your iPhone’s Network Settings
It isn’t uncommon for a network error to be the cause of a failed software update. So, you should also try resetting your network settings and fix potential issues that are stopping the update from going ahead.
Follow these steps to reset your iPhone’s network settings: Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Free Up Your iPhone’s Storage Space
Sometimes an iPhone will not have sufficient storage to complete a software update. If this happens, all you should need to do is manage your storage and get rid of unnecessary or unwanted apps or media.
Depending on how much storage space your device has, you might have to make some difficult decisions. However, it is worth it since a software update will help to keep your iPhone safe and secure.
To do this, follow the below steps, then try updating the software again: Settings → General → Storage & iCloud Usage → tap Manage Storage.
Manually Update Your iPhone in Recovery Mode Using iTunes
If your iPhone refuses to update after trying all the other methods, you can try to update your iOS in Recovery Mode (you will need the latest version of iTunes on a Windows or Mac laptop/PC).
- Connect your Windows/Mac device to the phone
- Do a force restart (steps outlined in an above section) to get your phone in Recovery Mode
- Don’t let go of the buttons until the phone screen has the Recovery mode screen (a charging cable with an arrow pointed at a laptop)
- Select ‘update’ when the option to restore or update on your computer shows up
- Confirm, then follow the instructions given to you (it can take up to 15 minutes, so have some patience)
- Your phone will restart on its own once you’re done
In the situation where this doesn’t work, the final thing to try is DFU Mode to update the iOS. Because DFU Mode is more complex than Recovery Mode, and varies depending on the device model you have, follow these steps to effectively go through the process.
Just be aware that DFU will restore iOS to a clean slate while bypassing iBoot, which Recovery Mode uses. As such, make sure you back up all your important data before proceeding.
If this doesn’t work, you will need to get in touch with a professional like us, or Apple.
imFixed Can Help Get Your Devices Working
imFixed is your trusted phone repair provider in the Manchester area. As one of the best mobile phone repair companies around, we can always ensure quality work at a reasonable price. We do MacBook battery repairs, call out screen repairs, and answer your burning questions – like if it’s worth fixing a MacBook screen, what new MacBook users should know, and why your iPhone battery might be draining for no reason.
On top of our quality repair services, we have collections of cases and holders, headphones and adapters, and Apple chargers, screen protectors, and cases, so you can always care for your devices. We believe that it’s important to keep things local and independent, allowing us to give you the best service and information around, including device repairs at home in Bury.
So, your iPhone software update failed? What to do next is troubleshooting to try and get your device up and running again. Follow the solutions we outlined in the article, and you should be on your way to success. If you keep running into problems, why not bring it to us or another trusted repair shop in your area?
