iPhone: iOS not updating over the air

Over-the-air (OTA) iOS updates are the most convenient way to keep your iPhone up-to-date. However, users often encounter a problem: their device refuses to download or install the update. Let's look at the main causes and how to fix them.

Why isn't my iPhone updating over the air?

1. Out of memory

   • Installing a new version of iOS requires free space. Typically, this ranges from 3–8 GB, depending on the device model and operating system version.

   • If there is not enough memory, the update simply does not download.

2. Weak or unstable internet connection

   • OTA updates require a stable Wi-Fi connection. If the signal is poor or your provider has restrictions, downloads will be interrupted.

3. Dead battery

   • The update will not start if the charge is below 50% and the iPhone is not connected to a charger.

4. Problems with Apple servers

   • During the release days of a new iOS, the servers are overloaded and downloads may not be available.

5. Software failure or incorrect profile

   • Sometimes beta profiles, VPNs, or system conflicts can interfere.

6. Old iPhone model

   • Some devices are simply not supported by new versions of iOS.

What to do if your iPhone won't update?

1. Check free space

   • Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage and delete unnecessary files.

2. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi connection

   • Try a different network or disable your VPN.

3. Charge the device

   • Connect your iPhone to a charger and make sure the charge is above 50%.

4. Restart your iPhone

   • Sometimes a simple reboot solves the problem.

5. Delete the old update file

   • Settings → General → iPhone Storage → find the update file and delete it, then download it again.

6. Update via computer

   • Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC running iTunes (Finder on macOS Catalina and later) and update manually.

7. Reset network settings

   • Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settingsThis helps if the problem is specifically with Wi-Fi.

When should you contact the service?

• If your iPhone gets stuck during the update process.

• If after installation the device goes into a bootloop (cyclic reboot).

• If the update error persists despite all actions.

In such cases, specialists will perform firmware recovery through DFU mode and check hardware modules that may interfere with the process.

✅ Conclusion: If your iPhone won't update over the air, in most cases the problem can be resolved with simple steps like checking the storage, Wi-Fi, and charging. However, if the issue persists or the system freezes, it's best to entrust the recovery to professionals to avoid data loss.