You get the new iPhone update through Settings on your phone, and it usually installs overnight if you plug in and connect to Wi-Fi
Apple releases new iPhone software versions roughly once a year, with smaller security updates in between. You do not need to go to a store or call anyone — the update comes to your phone automatically, and you control when it installs. The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your phone model and internet speed, and your phone will restart during installation.
The update is free. You need a Wi-Fi connection, a charger plugged in, and enough storage space on your phone (usually 2 to 5 GB free). If your phone is very old, it may not support the newest version — Apple stops updating phones after roughly six to seven years.
Key Takeaways
- Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update to see if a new version is available for your phone.
- Plug your phone into power and connect to Wi-Fi before you start, because the update will not complete on battery or cellular data.
- You can choose to install now or let it install automatically overnight if you turn on automatic updates in Settings.
- Your phone will restart several times during the update, and you should not unplug it or force it off until the process finishes.
- If your phone is more than six or seven years old, it may not support the newest iOS version, and that is normal.
How to check for and install an update manually
Open the Settings app on your home screen. Tap General, then tap Software Update. Your phone will check whether a new version is available. If one is, you will see the version number and the size of the read — for example, "iOS 18.2 (2.8 GB)".
Tap Install Now to start the read and installation right away. Your phone will ask you to confirm, and then it will begin downloading. Do not close Settings or use your phone for other tasks while this happens. The read usually takes 5 to 15 minutes on a fast Wi-Fi connection.
Once the read finishes, your phone will ask whether you want to install now or install later. If you choose Install Now, your phone will restart and begin installing the update. This takes another 10 to 30 minutes, and your phone will restart multiple times. Leave it plugged in and do not interrupt the process.
Setting up automatic updates so you do not have to think about it
If you want your phone to read and install updates on its own, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update, then Automatic Updates. Turn on Install iOS Updates. Your phone will read new versions when you are connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in, usually overnight, and install them automatically.
Automatic updates are convenient because you do not have to remember to check, but your phone will restart without warning you first. If you need your phone at a specific time, you can turn off automatic updates and install manually instead. You can switch between automatic and manual at any time.
What to do if your phone says it cannot install the update
The most common reason an update will not install is that your phone does not have enough free storage space. Go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage. You will see how much space is used and how much is free. If free space is less than 2 GB, delete apps, photos, or videos you do not need, then try the update again.
If you see a message that your phone model is not supported, that means your phone is too old for this version of iOS. This is normal — iPhones typically receive updates for six to seven years after release. You can continue using your phone with the older version, but you will not receive new features or the latest security updates. If security is a concern, this is a good time to consider a newer phone.
If the update starts but fails partway through, try again. Make sure you are on a strong Wi-Fi connection, not a public network. If it fails a second time, restart your phone by holding down the power button, sliding to power off, waiting 30 seconds, then turning it back on. Then go back to Settings and try the update again.
Why your phone restarts during an update and why you should not interrupt it
Your phone restarts multiple times during an update because iOS (the software that runs your phone) is replacing itself while the phone is running. Each restart lets the phone check that the new version installed correctly before moving to the next step. This is normal and expected.
Do not force your phone off, unplug it, or close the Settings app during an update. If the installation is interrupted, your phone may not start up correctly, and you may need to take it to an Apple Store to fix it. If your battery is low when you start, plug in first. If your Wi-Fi drops during read, reconnect and start over — do not try to continue on cellular data.
The difference between major updates and security updates
Apple releases two types of updates. Major updates, like iOS 18 or iOS 19, come out once a year and add new features, change how things look, and improve performance. Security updates, like iOS 18.2.1, come out more often (sometimes every few weeks) and fix vulnerabilities without changing features. Both install the same way through Settings.
Security updates are smaller and faster to install, usually taking only 5 to 10 minutes. Major updates are larger and can take 30 to 45 minutes. You should install both types as soon as they are available, because security updates patch problems that hackers can exploit. If you delay a security update, your phone is more vulnerable to theft or data misuse.
What happens to your data and apps when you update
Updating iOS does not erase your phone or delete your apps. Your photos, messages, contacts, and settings stay exactly as they are. Apps may update at the same time as iOS, and they may look slightly different or have new features after the update, but they will still work.
Occasionally an app will not work with the newest iOS version because the developer has not updated it yet. If that happens, the app may not open or may crash when you use it. You can check the App Store to see if an update is available for that app. If the developer has stopped supporting the app, you may need to find a different app that does the same thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while it is updating?
No. Once the installation starts, your phone will restart and you will not be able to use it until the update finishes. This usually takes 15 to 45 minutes. Do not try to force it off or use it during this time.
What if I do not want to update to the newest version?
You can skip major updates and stay on an older version of iOS. However, Apple stops releasing security updates for old versions after a few years, which means your phone becomes more vulnerable to hackers. Security updates are more important to install than major feature updates.
Do I need to pay for updates?
No. All iOS updates are free. If a website or app claims you need to pay to update your iPhone, it is a scam. Updates only come through Settings on your phone or through iTunes on a computer.
What if the update fails and my phone will not turn on?
This is rare, but if it happens, plug your phone into a computer with iTunes or Finder installed, and the computer can help restore it. If you do not have a computer, take your phone to an Apple Store. Do not try to force it off or take the battery out.
Can I update my iPhone without Wi-Fi?
No. iOS updates are too large to read on cellular data. You must be connected to Wi-Fi. If you do not have Wi-Fi at home, you can use Wi-Fi at a library, coffee shop, or friend's house, as long as you keep your phone plugged in during the entire process.