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.
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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 failed 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. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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.
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.
