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Why Won't My iPhone Update to iOS 17/16/15? | 9 Reliable Solutions

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"Hello everyone, I have been having some trouble updating my iPhone and I'm hoping someone here can help me. For a few months now, every time I unlock my phone I get a pop up that says "A new iOS update is now available. Please update from the iOS 16 beta." When I go to my settings to update my iPhone, there is nothing about a new update except for another pop up that says "Unable to check for update. An error occurred while checking for a software update". Does anyone know what I can do?"

- from Apple Community

Many users might have encountered the frustration of iOS won't update. This not only prevents you from enjoying the latest iOS features and security patches but can also impact your device's overall performance and stability. So, why won't my iPhone update? This article will delve into the reasons behind this issue and provide a series of practical solutions to help you resolve it with ease.

why won't my iphone update

 

Part 1. Why Won't my iPhone Update?

There are various reasons why my iPhone won't update, including but not limited to the following:

  • Device Compatibility: Not all iPhone models support the latest iOS version.
  • Network Issues: An unstable network connection or slow internet speed can cause the update to fail.
  • Insufficient Battery: If your iPhone has a low battery, the system might block the update to prevent accidental shutdown.
  • Insufficient Storage Space: iOS update packages are usually large and require enough storage space to download and install.
  • Software Conflicts: Certain applications or settings might conflict with the iOS update.
  • Beta Version Issues: If you have previously installed an iOS beta version or developer profile, it may affect the update to the official version.
  • Apple Server Issues: Occasionally, Apple's servers might experience outages or maintenance, affecting software updates.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Won't Update

Now that we know the reasons of iOS update not installing, let's discuss how to solve these issues in detail. Here are some specific steps to help you successfully update your iPhone.

Fix 1. Check Compatibility

First, check if your iPhone is compatible with the latest iOS version. Each update comes with a list of compatible devices, and if your device is not on that list, you won't be able to update. You can visit the Apple Support page to check if your device meets the requirements. The following are the iPhone models compatible with iOS 17:

  • iPhone XR/iPhone XS/iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone 11/iPhone 11 Pro/iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 mini/iPhone 12/iPhone 12 Pro/iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13 mini/iPhone 13/iPhone 13 Pro/iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14/iPhone 14 Plus/iPhone 14 Pro/iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15/iPhone 15 Plus/iPhone 15 Pro/iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation)/iPhone SE (3rd generation)

If you're unsure about your iPhone model, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open "Settings" on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap on "General", then select "About".

check your iphone model

Step 3. Here, you'll find your iPhone model name and the current software version.

Fix 2. Check the Internet Connection

Another reason why my iPhone software won't update is an unstable network connection. Make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable and high-speed Wi-Fi network. Update packages are usually large, and using mobile data may result in interruptions during downloads.

You can also try switching networks or restarting your router to improve the connection quality. If that doesn't work, you can also reset your network settings. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" on your iPhone.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap on "Reset".

Step 3. Select "Reset Network Settings". You may need to enter your passcode to confirm.

reset network settings to fix why is my iphone not updating

Fix 3. Charge the iPhone

Apple updates not working may be also due to insufficient battery on the iPhone. During the update process, iPhone needs to have sufficient battery power. It is recommended to update when the battery level is above 50%, or directly connect to a power source to ensure the update process is not interrupted.

charge the iphone to fix why won't my phone let me update

Is your iPhone overheating when charging? Read this article to learn how to fix it.

Is Your iPhone Overheating When Charging? Reasons and How to Fix

Fix 4. Restart the iPhone

Sometimes, software issues on the device can also cause update failures. You can try restarting the device to see if the problem is resolved. To do this, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Press and hold the power button until the "slide to power off" slider appears.

restart the iphone to fix why won't my iphone software update

Step 2. Slide the slider to turn off the iPhone.

Step 3. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button to restart the iPhone.

Fix 5. Free Up iPhone Storage Space

Why can't I update my iPhone? That's because you don't have enough iPhone storage. Updating your iPhone requires a certain amount of storage space. If your device lacks sufficient storage, the update may fail. You can free up space by deleting unnecessary apps, photos, videos, and other files.

To view and manage your storage space, go to "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage".

free up space to fix why won't my iphone update

Fix 6. Remove the Beta Version

If you have installed an iOS Beta version, it may affect the update to the official version. You can remove the Beta profile through Settings. Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone and go to "General".

Step 2. Tap on "VPN & Device Management" and select the iOS 17 Beta configuration profile.

Step 3. Tap "Remove Profile" and restart your device to revert to the previous iOS version.

remove the beta version to fix ios won't update

After restarting, you can update your device to the latest iOS version.

Fix 7. Check the Apple Servers

When Apple releases a new system update, its servers may become busy due to many users downloading it simultaneously, leading to slower update speeds or download failures. You can try updating later to avoid peak times. You can also visit Apple's system status page to check for any service interruptions.

check apple servers to fix why my iphone won't update

Fix 8. Update the iPhone in iTunes

If the above methods fail, you can try using iTunes on your computer to manually update your iOS device to the new iOS version. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Open iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone using a lightning cable. Once your iPhone is detected, click the "iPhone" button at the top of the window.

Step 2. On the right side of the screen, click the "Check for Update" button. A pop-up will appear; click "Download and Update" to confirm the process.

update iphone with itunes to fix why can't i update my iphone

Note: If you want to know how to update your iPhone without iTunes, you can read this guide to find more solutions.

Part 3. The Best Way to Fix the iPhone Won't Update [No Data Loss]

iOS System Recovery is a specialized system repair tool designed for iOS devices. It primarily addresses a range of system issues, such as the iPhone won't update, the iPhone being stuck in recovery mode or DFU mode, and more. With this software, users can quickly resolve these issues, restoring their devices to normal status while preserving the integrity of user data. Additionally, it provides a convenient method for updating or downgrading the iOS system.

Highlights of iOS System Recovery:

Here is how to use the iOS System to fix the iPhone won't update:

01Download the right version of the tool, install it on your computer, and launch it. Next, choose the "iOS System Recovery" option from the available modules.

choose ios system recovery

02Click the "Start" button on the screen to address the issue where your iPhone won't update.

click start to start fix this issue

03Follow the instructions to verify the details of your iPhone carefully. Once confirmed, click the "Repair" button to begin the repair process.

click the repair button

04The software will then download the latest firmware version specifically designed for your device. Within approximately 5 to 10 minutes, your iPhone will be successfully restored and resume normal operation.

fix ios update not installing using ios system recovery

Conclusion

Here are all the methods to fix "why won't my iPhone update". When facing issues with updating your iPhone, there's no need to worry excessively. Most problems can be resolved by checking compatibility, optimizing network connections, freeing up storage space, and other common methods. If the issue persists, you can try using iOS System Recovery to easily resolve iPhone update issues without risking data loss.

Related Articles:

New iPhone 15 Stuck on Software Update? Here's How to Troubleshoot

iPhone Software Update Failed: How to Update to iOS 15/16 Smoothly

Troubleshooting for iPhone Stuck on Preparing Update [Top 10 Fixes]

How Long Does It Take to Update iPhone & How to Speed Up?

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