7 Ways to Fix ‘iPhone Software Update Failed’ Error

Written By Harsha Alamchandani
Approved By Rohit Arora
Updated on 30 May, 2024
Min Reading 5 Min
Share

Table of Content

Summary: Are you getting ‘iPhone Software Update Failed’ error message while trying to update your iOS? Learn 7 ways to fix ‘iPhone Software Update Failed’ error and seamlessly upgrade your iPhone to the latest iOS.

Free Download100% secure

Free Download100% secure

Imagine you are downloading iOS 16.1 to fix the Black screen bug that almost once crashed your iPhone, and suddenly a message pops up, ‘iPhone software update failed!’

You retry, and it fails again. You are now irritated and equally clueless about further action.

Do not worry. This post shares the seven methods to fix such iPhone update failures and lets you upgrade your device to the latest iOS smoothly.

Fix the ‘iPhone Software Update Error‘

iPhone updates are the most awaited Apple announcements. iOS updates not only bring an array of new features and fix any bugs in the previous version but also get more security for the device.

No one wants to miss them, particularly due to any technical glitches.

Will the iOS update cause iPhone data loss?

There can be any reason for your device not able to update to the latest iOS, such as:

Network connection issue
Less storage space on your device
Unable to connect to the Apple update server
The device shut down during the process

However, below are the best methods you can try to resolve the iPhone update failure issue. These apply to all iPhone models and iOS versions, including iOS 10, iOS 11.1.4, iOS 12, iOS 13, iOS 14, iOS 15, iOS 16, and further updates.

Methods to fix the ‘iPhone software update failed’ error

Check network status
Wait for a few hours to retry
Restart your iPhone
Reset Network Settings on your iPhone
Update iPhone via iTunes
Free storage space in your iPhone
Manually update using IPSW Firmware

1. Check network status

Ensure you have a continuous, good-speed internet connection when updating iOS. The iPhone update success depends upon the speed of your Internet.

Close all the apps and do not download any other content on your iPhone while the Update is on.

2. Restart your iPhone

Simply restarting or rebooting your iPhone can fix failed update error.

To restart your iPhone (iPhone 8 and previous models):

Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the slider appears
Drag the slider to turn off the iPhone
Press and hold the Top (or Side) key again until you see the Apple logo

3. Reset Network Settings on your iPhone

If a restart does not help, the problem could be with your device’s network settings. For example, maybe Wi-Fi is not working, or your iPhone cannot connect to a Wi-Fi network. Reset Network Settings to fix any network-related issue that is not letting the Update complete. It will thereby fix the ‘iPhone software update failed error.

To Reset Network Setting on your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Now turn off your iPhone. Then, after a few seconds again, turn on and retry the iOS update.

Note: Reset Network Settings option deletes all your Wi-Fi passwords, network preferences, cellular settings, VPN, and APN settings. You can note down your passwords and preferences to add later.

4. Update iPhone via iTunes

Instead of directly downloading the software on your iPhone, update via iTunes on a computer.

Steps to update iPhone via iTunes

Connect your computer to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network
Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer
Connect your iPhone to the computer
Open iTunes and select your device
Click to follow Summary > Check for Update > Download and Update
If asked, enter your passcode
Update will start

5. Free storage space in your iPhone

‘iPhone software update failed’ error can also appear if your mobile does not have enough space for the latest iOS files. Free up more storage space by deleting unwanted apps, photos, videos, cache, junk files, etc.

To remove unwanted data, follow Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage and tap Manage Storage.

Now, try again to update your iPhone to the latest iOS.

6. Wait for a few hours before retrying

Whenever Apple launches a new iOS update, millions of users worldwide immediately try to connect to its servers for the Update. It naturally builds up huge traffic on Apple’s site, often preventing your device from connecting with the server. Thus, giving the ‘iPhone software update failed error. The best way is to wait a few hours before updating your iPhone.

7. Manually update using IPSW Firmware

You can update your iPhone manually by downloading the IPSW firmware files. IPSW files are firmware downloads for specific Apple devices and iOS versions. You can use these files to update iOS manually via iTunes.

Use this option as a last resort when all the above ways fail to fix the ‘iPhone software update failed error.

Steps to manually update iOS on your iPhone

Click “here” to download the IPSW file on your PC/Mac
Select your product (iPhone/model) and the iOS version you want to update. Click on Download
Connect your iPhone to the PC
Launch iTunes
Select your iPhone in iTunes
Select the IPSW firmware file by:
On Windows: Hold the SHIFT key and click on Update in iTunes
On Mac: Hold the OPTION key and click on Update in iTunes
Browse and select the IPSW file that you downloaded on your computer and click Choose
The iOS update begins.

Does the iOS Update Lead to iPhone Data Loss?

A smooth iOS update on iPhone does not lead to data loss. However, if the update process is interrupted due to a power cut or an error fails to update iOS, you may lose your existing iPhone data. Therefore, securing your data in iTunes or iCloud as a backup before updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version is best.

Nevertheless, if you somehow lose your iPhone data, seek the help of Stellar’s reliable iPhone Data Recovery Software. The software works in the below situations of iPhone data loss:

When you do not have a backup
You had a backup but were unable to retrieve it from iTunes or iCloud

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is a DIY software that is safe to download. It efficiently scans and restores missing photos, videos, contacts, call history, Camera Roll, Photo Stream, WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, Viber, Tango, Kik Messages, etc.

Wrapping Up

iOS updates are important. You cannot ignore or avoid upgrading your iPhone, citing technical issues. Whenever you encounter any iOS update error, try the above fixes and enjoy the benefits of your latest iOS.

Was this article helpful?

YES0

About The Author

Harsha Alamchandani

Harsha is a technical expert who loves Mondays, technology and is a big time Apple fan. She knows her way around the data loss problems and is always looking for ways to help out people.

27 comments

Tedina Hodges says:

January 4, 2024 at 6:03 pm

Hi once the new 17 update was done on my phone I have had issues since. When texting it will flash to another screen he. Back to the text screen. Most websites I go to won’t download or it takes way to long to do so. How can I fix this?

Reply
1. Aruna Attri says:
  
  January 4, 2024 at 11:17 am
  
  Hi Tedina,
  
  Thank you for reaching out Stellar.
  
  I understand the issue of getting unwanted notification of “Unable to Check for Updates” on your iPhone and iPad.
  
  You must have already tried the temporary glitches that can overcome this issue. But still if the problem persists, then Check for hidden updates – Sometimes minor updates aren’t displayed as “Software Update” but are still available. Go to Settings > General > About and see if any updates are listed under “Automatic Downloads.” Also, it is recommended to free up storage space. If your device storage is almost full, it might prevent updates from downloading.
  
  Moreover, you can also ‘Check Apple’s system‘ status page to see if there are any issues with the Software Update service.
  
  I hope it works for you.
  
  Reply
Leroy says:

December 14, 2023 at 8:16 am

My iphone 12 wont update to the newest IOS, every time i get the error ‘its not connected to the internet’. Its weird, i used multiple Wi-Fi connections to try it, i can use Google, everything works with that. So i’ve tried to delete the update, doestn work. Ive erased all network settings, ive erased all settings, even went back to factory settings, it wont work.
I saw some videos on the internet that it can be something with the time and date, to put it automatically, tried it, also wont work. I did some hard resets.. tried to do it via Itunes.. I am very stuck at the moment and need help. Thank you in advance! kind regards, Leroy

Reply
1. Aruna Attri says:
  
  December 15, 2023 at 7:01 am
  
  Hi Leroy,
  We can understand your frustration. You can try updating it using iTunes or Finder on your computer. To do this, connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes or Finder. Then, select your iPhone from the list of devices and click on the Summary tab. Click on the Check for Update button and then click on the Download and Update button.
  
  Reply
Elizabeth says:

June 25, 2023 at 3:20 pm

Hey I am trying to update my I pro 14 max but I can find were to do that can you please help

Reply
1. Aruna Attri says:
  
  June 28, 2023 at 12:15 pm
  
  Hi Elizabeth,
  Thanks for reaching out.
  The most likely solution for you is to try the first step, which is to check for iOS updates. If the your iPhone is not running the latest version of iOS, it may not be able to update to the latest version. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If there is an update available, you can tap on Download and Install to install the update.
  If your iPhone is already running the latest version of iOS, you can try the other steps in the blog post, such as restarting your iPhone or checking the network settings. If you have tried all of the steps in the blog post and still unable to update the iPhone, you may need to contact Apple support for help.
  I hope it helps!
  -Team Stellar
  
  Reply