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8 Fixes to iPad Wont Update to iPadOS 15/16/17/18

iPad won't update

iPads need to have new software updates installed frequently to get a better experience while working, playing games, watching movies, or doing anything. But what if you are stuck in a situation where your iPad wont update? Here are some fixes if your iPad device is not updating or the update is not proceeding.

How to Fix iPad Wont Update to iPadOS 15/16/17/18

Do you want to get a better experience with the latest version of iPadOS 15/16/17/18? Updating an iPad is very easy and simple to do, though sometimes the iPad gets some glitches, which is why the update gets stuck. Well, let us tell you that you are not alone in this situation, and any users complain about this issue in the Apple community. You can try these fixes if your iPad won’t update to iPadOS 15/16/17/18.

1: Check the iOS Compatibility if the iPad Wont Update

You will not get the latest update recommendation on your iPad if the new update is not compatible with your iPad. So, it is important to check whether your iPad supports the iOS system you want to update. Older iPad models don’t support the latest iPadOS upgrades. Must check if your iPad is compatible with the Apple support page. If it is not compatible, then your iPad won’t update to it.

2: iPad Won’t Update Due to having a Poor Internet Connection

If your iPad is not updating or stopped updating, it might be an issue with the internet connection. In this situation, restart the wifi router. However, if the issue continues, then you must reset the network settings on your iPad. You can do it as you do the reset network settings on your iPhone.

Poor Internet Connection

3: iPad Won’t Update Because of Low battery

Your iPad upgrade procedure will be stuck if the battery is low. So, you must ensure that your iPad is at least 50% charged before the update. If it is not charged, then first charge it and then try to update it. However, if the issue continues, then try the below-mentioned fixes.

iPad Won’t Update Because of Low battery

4: Apple Server Down

If your iPad wont update, it is due to the Apple server being down. You can check the Apple server status to make sure the server is operating normally. If you find that the Apple server is down, then wait for a while and update your iPad another time. However, if you find that the server is working properly, then try the below method.

5: iPad wont Update Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings might solve this issue; the steps to reset all settings on iPhone and iPad are the same. To do that,

  • Go to the settings app on your iPad.
  • Tap on the General option.
  • Here, tap on the transfer or reset iPhone.
  • Now tap on the reset option and then Reset all the settings option.
  • After that, a pop-up confirmation message for restarting your iPad will appear on your screen. Confirm it to restart your iPad.

6: iPad wont Update Redownload the Update

Suppose you have downloaded the latest iPadOS update, but the update is not verifying. In this situation, delete the downloaded update and redownload it. To re-download the iPadOS update, follow these steps.

  • Navigate to the settings app on your iPad.
  • Tap on the General option.
  • Here, tap on the device name storage option.
  • Now tap on the iPadOS update from the update list and tap on the delete update option.
delete update option

Once the update is deleted, then download the iPadOS update again to do that: Go to the settings app > General > Software Update > Download and install the latest OS update.

7: iPad Won’t Update Because of Enough Space

You will need almost 5 GB of free storage space on your iPad to upgrade the software. If there is not enough space on your iPad, then you will encounter the iPad won’t update issue. Check and make sure your iPad has plenty of free storage space for the update; if there is not, then free up the storage space on your iPad. Once the storage space is freed up, then update the iPad again.

Follow these steps to check the storage space on your iPad.

  • Navigate to the settings app on your iPad.
  • Scroll down till you see the General option and tap on it.
  • Now tap on the iPad Storage option.
  • After that, you will see all the data in the storage summary and breakdown.

8: Update iPad from PC Via iTunes

Apple’s Tunes app helps users backup and restore all the data and available content of their iDevice to their PC. Moreover, iTunes can update the device to the latest version of iOS. If your iPad wont update, then you can use the iTunes app to do that. Here we have shared the steps to update the iPad from a PC using iTunes.

  • First, connect your iPad to your PC using a USB.
  • Open the iTunes app on your PC and choose your iPad device, which you will see under the controls and account option.
  • Now click on the sync tab, and then click on the check for update option.
  • After that, click on the download tab; once the download is complete, click on the update tab.

What if the iPad Wont Update After Trying the Above Fixes?

If this issue is still continuing, then you can try a drastic measure, which is factory resetting the iPad. It will remove all the data on your iPad, including apps, images, videos, contacts, text messages, browsing history, settings, and more. Therefore, we recommend you reset the iPad as your last option. However, if you choose this fix, then make sure to back up your iPad data.

FAQs

Q: Why does my iPad wont update?
You can’t update your iPad for some reasons, such as:

  1. Internet issues
  2. Apple server down
  3. Low battery
  4. Not enough storage

Q: How to force restart an iPad?
Ans: If you have an iPad without a home button, press and swiftly release the volume button, then press and hold the top button until your device begins to restart. However, if you have an iPad with a home button, press the home and top buttons until you see the Apple logo.

Q: Which iPad will get iOS 18?
Ans: Here are the iPads that will get the iPadOS 18 update;

  • iPad Air (M2)
  • iPad Pro (M4)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)
  • iPad (7th generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
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Trevor Mogg

I am a tech guide and how-to writer who loves helping people with their tech problems. With plenty of experience, I break down complex topics into easy-to-understand tips and tricks. When I'm not writing, I enjoy trying out new gadgets and keeping up with the latest tech trends.