How to Update iOS Software on an iPad

Method 1 of 2: Updating From Your iPad

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   Backup your iPad. In most cases, updating will not cause you to lose any data and settings. Things go wrong occasionally however, so you should make sure you have a backup made before you begin updating.
   
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   Connect your iPad to a power source. The installation could take a significant amount of time. To avoid any issues that may occur if your iPad turns off during the update, ensure that it is plugged into the wall with its charging cable.
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   Connect to a wireless network. iOS updates are quite large, so avoid potential data costs with your wireless plan by connecting to a Wi-Fi network for the update process. Follow this guide to learn how to connect your iPad to a network.
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   Check to see if an update is available. Open the Software Update tool by opening Settings, tapping General, and then selecting Software Update.
   • If a red badge appears above the Settings app’s icon an update is available.
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   Review the updates available. In the Software Update section, the available updates will be listed. You can tap Learn More to see the details about the update and see what will be changed. If you haven’t updated in a while, there may be multiple updates listed.
   • Not all updates can be installed over the air. If you need to use iTunes to install the update, see the following method.
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   Free up some space. Large software updates may require a lot of free space on your iPad. For example, the iOS 8 update requires up to 6 GB of free space on your device. If you want to update from your iPad, you'll need to have this space available. If you don't want to delete all of your stuff to make room for the update, see the next section to learn how to update using iTunes, which won't require your iPad to have extra space.
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   Download the update. Before you can install the update, you need to download it to your device. Tap the Download button to begin downloading the update installer. Depending on the size of the update and the speed of your internet connection, the download process can take a while to complete.
   • Your device must have enough free space to download the update files. If you get a message saying that your iPad has insufficient storage, you will either need to delete files to make room, or update through iTunes using the next method.
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   Install the update. Once the update is finished downloading, the Download button will change to an Install Now button. Tap this to begin the installation process. Your iPad will begin installing the update, and you can check the progress by looking at the bar.
   • Depending on the update that you are installing, you may need to sign in with your Apple ID again once the update is installed.

Method 2 of 2: Updating Using iTunes

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   Make sure that you are using the latest version of iTunes. In order to download update software for your iPad, iTunes must be running the latest version available.
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   Backup your iPad. In most cases, updating will not cause you to lose any data and settings. Things go wrong occasionally however, so you should make sure you have a backup made before you begin updating.
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   Connect your iPad to your computer. Use the USB cable that came with your iPad. iTunes should open automatically when you connect your iPad. If it does not, open iTunes.
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   Select your iPad in the Devices menu. This is located in the upper-right corner of the iTunes window. If your iPad does not appear in the Devices section, tryrestarting the iPad.
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   Click the Summary tab. Scroll down to your iPad and click Check for Update. If there is an update available, iTunes will ask you if you want to download and install it.
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   Download and install the update. Click Download and Update. iTunes will automatically begin downloading the update and will install it after the download is complete. Leave your iPad plugged in the entire time during the download and install process.^[1]
   • iTunes must stay connected to the internet during the entire process.