Menu
homeInstructions

Proper iPad update. How to Update iOS Software on iPad and iPhone Using Computer and Wi-Fi

Many owners of a first-generation Apple tablet are interested in what version of the operating system they can update it to. It should be understood that this device is already 6 years old and initially it worked on iOS 3.2. However, officially you can install iOS 4 and even 5 on iPad 1. But starting from version 6, things are somewhat more complicated, since the iPad 1 processor no longer meets its system requirements. Nevertheless, users want to use the “goodies” of newer OSes on their well-deserved device and often ask how to update iPad 1 to iOS 7, not to mention the “six”.

What did Apple developers add to iOS 7 that everyone wants so badly? First of all, this is a fundamentally new minimalistic design, and a couple of hundred functions. Among the latter, especially notable are the improved multitasking and the appearance of a control center, which opens with a swipe from the bottom up and allows you to turn on/off airplane mode, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, adjust the volume, adjust the brightness and perform many other actions.

Unfortunately, you cannot install the full-fledged version 7 of iOS on iPad 1, but there is a hacker workaround to get its design and functional bells and whistles. Don't worry: you can start using almost all of them too.

Firmware WhiteD00r 7

In addition to the “native” operating system updates that Apple regularly delivers for its devices, there are custom iOS 7 firmware for iPad 1. Such updates are developed by enthusiastic hackers and are usually released later than the next official version.

The developers take as a basis the standard version of the OS for an outdated gadget and supplement it with everything possible from the design and functionality of the newer iOS, while maintaining the stability of the device. In particular, for the iPad 1, they took the penultimate original firmware iOS 4, “dressed up” it in the manner of the “seven” and called it WhiteD00r 7. But after installing the custom firmware, your iPad will actually remain version 4 of iOS.

WhiteD00r 7 firmware is very similar to the original iOS 7 and includes almost all of its innovations: sound updates, wallpapers, icon design, multitasking, control center, Siri assistant, push notifications and many others. At the same time, despite such large-scale additional functionality, the device’s performance does not suffer at all.

Preparing iPad 1

First, make sure that a clean version 4 of the Apple system is installed on your iPad. If you have jailbroken firmware, then first flash your device to standard iOS 4 using the instructions. If you have doubts about the originality of your OS or difficulties with updating, it is better not to experiment with custom firmware.

If there are no problems, then in the next step of preparing iPad 1 for iOS 7 firmware, create a backup using iCloud.

Then find the Redsn0w utility on the Internet and install it on your personal computer. Also download the archive of the WhiteD00r 7 firmware itself and extract the files from it. And finally, check if you have iTunes, and if not, install the latest version of the program.

Firmware installation

Now that you have prepared everything you need, proceed with the installation:

  • Connect your tablet to your computer.
  • Then launch iTunes or wait for the program to launch on its own.
  • Wait for iTunes to detect your device as shown in the screenshot below.
  • Click on the device icon in the upper left corner and make sure once again that the iPad is running the original iOS 4.
  • In the current window, click on the “Restore iPad” button, but before that, hold down the “Shift” key if you are a Windows OS user, or “Alt” if you are a Mac OS (OS X) user.

Did your iPhone or iPad not find the update or report an error in the settings section? In this article, we will talk about several ways to solve the problem where the message "" does not disappear instead of an available update. Checking for an update...«.

In contact with

iOS 10 update not available on older devices?

Unfortunately, Apple has reduced the list of devices compatible with iOS 10. iPhone 4s, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 3, iPad mini, and older device models cannot install iOS 10.

iOS update not available (“ Checking for an update..."). What to do?

Is your device jailbroken (Cydia)?

If the Cydia application is installed on your device (jailbroken), then this is the main reason why the iOS 10 Update is not available along the way Settings -> Basic -> . Jailbreak developers specifically block the ability to update over the air. The fact is that when you update a jailbroken iPhone or iPad, the device turns into a “brick” (an eternal daisy, a white apple, etc.).

In order to install iOS 10 on a jailbroken device, you need to perform the procedure. Detailed instructions are posted.

Otherwise, try the methods below:

Restarting the Settings app

The easiest solution is to restart the program Settings. To do this, open the multitasking menu (click the round Home button twice) and remove the program from it Settings ().

Then open again Settings, go to section Basic and check for updates in the section.

Change the way you connect to the Internet

Sometimes software updates are not found over the Wi-Fi network. In this case, you can try turning off your Wi-Fi network and look for updates using 3G.

After your iPhone or iPad finds the update, you can turn on Wi-Fi again and download the update for your device.

Resetting “network settings”

Some users have reported that resetting their network settings helped them resolve this issue. To reset network settings, go to Settings -> General -> Reset and select Reset network settings.


Please note that resetting your network settings will remove passwords for Wi-Fi networks on your device.

Update or restore your device through iTunes

If all of the above methods did not help you, then most likely you will have to update the device via iTunes on your computer. Just connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer and open iTunes. In the device information window, press the key Update.

The procedure for updating and restoring software is described in more detail.

In this article I will describe in detail the process of fully flashing iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch to the latest version of the operating system iOS 11. The process is briefly described in the article Firmware iPad, but here I have made it even more detailed with the most current screenshots from the moment you decided to flash it to the fully installed system. Plus, here in the comments you can ask questions about firmware for iOS 11, solve problems that arise, etc. We will try to help everyone in the comments.

You can always update via Settings->General->Software Update . This article describes exactly the flashing of the device, which the user may need for one reason or another.

So, you've made up your mind. Believe me, there is nothing complicated about this. Please note that this instruction is relevant for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. All actions are absolutely the same.

Step 0: Prepare iPad

Make sure your device meets the requirements iOS 11.

All models supported except:

  • the long-outdated iPad 1, for which iOS 5.1.1 will remain the final version.
  • iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad Mini 1, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 5G - for them the final version will forever remain iOS 9 (currently the most current iOS 9.3.5)
  • iPhone 5, 5C, iPad 4 (currently the most current iOS 10.3.3)

iOS 11 support:

  • iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro 12.9, iPad Pro 9.7
  • iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4
  • iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPod Touch 6G

Attention! If you have a flashing iPad now on iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9, iOS 10 then it is necessary temporarily Turn off Find My iPad. Without disabling the firmware will not take place.

Settings->Click on your account at the top->iCloud->Find iPad.

Need to turn it off. The system will ask for your Apple ID password. Don't forget to turn the function back on after updating the firmware.

Step 1: Update iTunes

Update iTunes to the latest version available. You can do this directly from the iTunes menu. Or download it from the official page on the Apple website.

For those who need it, here are instructions for beginners: How to install iTunes on Windows. On Apple computers, iTunes is included in the operating system.

The current version of iTunes is 12.6.2.20! (or higher)

Step 2. Creating a Backup

You can skip this step if you don't have any valuable data on your iPad: documents in apps, saves in games, apps that are no longer in the App Store. This is extremely rare, so let's start with backup. Just in case, I will briefly explain the process.

a) Connect the iPad to iTunes. We are waiting for the iPad to be detected in iTunes. And we poke at it.

We wait until iTunes completes all manipulations.

b) You can also create a backup in iCloud without using a computer. In iOS 10 the path looks like this: Settings->[Your name]->iCloud->iCloud Backup->Backup.

In an older version of iOS: Settings->iCloud->iCloud Backup->Create Backup

Backup copy- your guarantee that you will not later ask questions like: “Where did my notes go!?” Don't ignore this step! Before a global flashing, I always make a copy immediately both on my computer and in iCloud.

I prefer to restore from a computer backup, because such restoration occurs faster than from the cloud. Difference between local backup and iCloud.

Step 3. Downloading iOS 11 firmware

From September 19th. Download current firmware from our special article (iOS 11 is already available). Bookmark this article - links to the latest firmware always appear there promptly. :)

Step 4. Flash iPad to iOS 11

When the firmware file is downloaded, open iTunes. Hold Shift if you have Windows (Alt-Option for MacOS) on your keyboard and click the “Restore” button.

The following message will appear:

Press the button Restore. The firmware process has begun. At this moment, it is better not to touch the computer and iPad.

The iPad or iPhone screen will display something like this:

Step 5. Setting up iPad/iPhone

After the firmware is installed, the iPad/iPhone setup begins. Press the Home button.

If you have an iPad with an LTE/3G module, it will offer to unlock the SIM card. Click Unlock and enter the PIN code for the SIM card.

Welcome screen in several languages. You need to press the Home button (before iOS 9 you had to swipe to the right).

Choose a language. The Russian will most likely be at the very top.

After that Absolute new feature of iOS 11 ! The device offers to bring another device on iOS 11 to automatically configure other settings. We do this and or continue to configure manually.

Next, you need to go through the procedure of creating a login password. Starting with iOS 9, you can choose a 6-digit password (I recommend choosing this for security). If you want to choose a non-standard four-digit password, then click “Passcode Options”. You can change your password settings in the future. I don’t recommend leaving your iPad without a password at all!

  • Recover from iCloud copy. If you made a copy in iCloud before flashing the firmware, you can select this option for recovery. The downside is the longest operation time due to the fact that applications will essentially be restored from the Internet.
  • Recover from an iTunes copy. If you made a backup copy on your computer before installing the firmware, you can select this item. The most optimal recovery method in terms of speed and reliability.
  • Set up like a new iPad. If you want to start over from scratch. You will receive an iPad the same as you would buy in a store, only with new firmware. This option is also convenient for those who want to see how the device works with a clean operating system.
  • Transfer data from Android. In iOS 10-11, Apple developers have simplified the transition from Android to iOS. All you need is a special utility, Move To iOS, which will help you do everything.

We will consider the third option. After selecting “Set up as a new iPad,” the user is prompted to enter their Apple ID.

A window will appear with a six-digit number that must be entered on the device being configured.

If you have only one iPhone and two-factor identification is configured, the system will offer to send an SMS.

After briefly setting up your Apple ID, you must agree to Apple's rules.

Express settings appear.

If you want to configure the settings, click the appropriate link.

We choose whether to use the Siri voice assistant or not. Everything you need to know about Siri. Now Siri supports the Russian language, so I don’t see any point in refusing.

What should I do if I flashed it and selected “Set up as a new iPad”, but I have a backup copy?

If you've already set up your device, you can reset it to go through the iOS Setup Assistant process again. Select Settings->General->Reset->Erase content and settings. Because this action will delete all existing content from the device, perform this step only if you have already backed up your data.

After the reset, the system will ask you again whether to download a backup copy.

iTunes crashes during firmware update on iOS 11?

This happened to me once, although in theory it shouldn’t happen. Update iTunes to the latest version.

Is your iPad freezing at some point during the initial iOS 11 setup?

If your iPad freezes during setup, I recommend holding down Home+Power for a few seconds. The iPad will reboot and the setup process will begin either again or from the place where it was stuck. Skip the item you were stuck on (for example, setting up iCloud). Everything can be configured later in the operating system itself.

Are the instructions suitable for iPhone?

Yes, and also for the iPod Touch... At the beginning of the article I indicated all the devices for which this instruction is relevant. Some points may change, but not significantly.

If, during flashing the iPad after activation, iCloud asks you to enter security questions, a backup e-mail, and then gives an error. What to do?

If any problems arise during the firmware installation, or you have something to add to the material, write comments! Thank you all for your attention :)

Smartphones and tablets from Apple are inferior to their Android-based “colleagues” in popularity, but they can’t complain about the lack of fans. In addition, fans of the Cupertino company have always been famous for their commitment to their favorite manufacturer.

A certain episode of misunderstanding appeared only after the release of iOS 7. The system turned out to be so revolutionary that a number of users even spoke out about the “betrayal of the ideology” that Apple has followed all these years. Be that as it may, today the “seven” continues to gradually win its audience.

Of course, many do not like its fonts and the very peculiar color design of some menus, but people put up with these subjective shortcomings because of the speed of the system as a whole. Programs on it began to launch much faster.

Many also note that Apple's original position, which did not provide for major changes in intermediate versions, has undergone major adjustments. So, recently another patch arrived on iOS 7, which seriously changed the appearance of some menus. Some complaints from users regarding unusual color schemes immediately disappeared.

Today we will tell you how to update iOS on iPad and other Apple gadgets.

Note!

If you are the owner of an iPhone that, upon purchase, was locked to work with only one operator, and then unlocked by you for normal operation with SIM cards of other operators, then you cannot update under any circumstances!

When you try to install new firmware on such a smartphone, the latter will turn into a “brick”. Moreover, there is no guarantee that even a mid-range service center will be able to restore its functionality.

About downgrade

Please pay special attention to the fact that it is impossible to return to the firmware from iOS 7. This is especially true for iPhone-4S and iPhone-5. Simply put, before installing a new version of the OS, you need to think carefully: even if you don’t like the software, there’s still nothing you can do.

To be fair, it is worth noting that the rollback option on iOS 6.1.3 and iOS 6.1.4 was closed relatively recently. If you are the owner of an iPhone-4, you will be able to return to a lower firmware version only if they have SHSH signatures. Yes, you can easily get to iOS 7, but the reverse process will no longer be possible...

About the need for backups

Be sure to backup the firmware of your iPhone/iPad/iPod, as otherwise you may lose all your files, phone numbers and other important information. You can do this in two ways: either by using iCloud, uploading data there via a Wi-Fi connection, or by connecting your smartphone to your computer. In the latter case, you will need iTunes.


How to make a backup?

First, let's look at how a backup is created in iCloud. You will definitely need a Wi-Fi connection at normal speed. Before updating iOS on your iPad, make sure that you are in an area with good reception, that the network is connected and that data can be transferred through it. Important! While making a copy, you should never leave the Wi-Fi reception area.

First you need to go to Settings. We are looking for the iCloud item there.

Important! If you haven't set up your Apple ID account yet, now is the time to do so. After this, you should go to “Storage and copies”, where you need to click on the “Create a copy” button.

Backup via iTunes

First, you will need to connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer using a USB cable. For everything to work, you need to install iTunes in advance and check the stability of your Internet connection. After this, you can launch iTunes. However, the default settings for this program assume that it will automatically launch when a supported device is connected. Go to your iPhone/iPad or iPod tab.

You will need to indicate where the copy will be saved: in iCloud or on your computer’s hard drive. In the second case, you can protect the created backup with a password. After the operation is successfully completed, you can proceed to the next stage. So how to update iOS on iPad?

Over-the-air update via Wi-Fi

This method is the easiest, and therefore ideal even for inexperienced users. We remind you once again that a high-quality and sufficiently strong Wi-Fi signal is required. Before updating iOS on your iPad, it is best to connect the device to a charger, as the procedure is quite energy-intensive. It should be noted that the firmware itself is updated at a decent speed, but downloading it from the Internet takes a lot of energy.

Let's get started!

To update, select “Settings” on the desktop of your iPhone/iPad. Having entered them, go to the “Basic” item. After this, you can safely click on “Software Update”.

Wait a while: the device will connect to Apple servers, check for new firmware, after which all you have to do is click on the “Download and Install” button. Since updating iOS on an iPod is quite simple, even a child can do it.

The data loading time depends entirely on the speed of your connection, and therefore if you have a slow Internet connection, you need to be patient. Do not interrupt the download process under any circumstances, and do not leave areas with good Wi-Fi coverage.

If you click on the “More details” button, you can pass the time by reading about the new features and benefits of the latest firmware.

Some time will pass, and you can be congratulated on becoming the owner of updated software on your gadget! Many users are already saying that its speed and smoothness of animation far exceed these indicators for the old iOS 6. Note that this is not true in all cases: many note that on older iPhone-4 the system noticeably “slows down”.

Important! Not all new features of iOS 7 will work on older devices (iPhone-4, 4S, etc.). This is due not only to the usual marketing policy of Cupertino developers, but also to the physical impossibility of implementing some of them. So before updating iOS on iPhone 4, we advise you to think carefully about the real need for such a procedure.

This can only occur among those users who like to experience something new. If you want to “touch” this firmware with your own hands, it is better to purchase a new smartphone where it is installed by default.

How to update firmware via iTunes

As in the case of cloud backup, we strongly advise you to check the charging status: the battery should be at least half full. To update, you need to connect your smartphone to your computer, wait for iTunes to launch, select your device in it, and then click on the “Update” button. By the way, in this case, the program itself creates backups of all important data, so even in the event of some problems, you will not lose anything.

So before updating iOS via iTunes, you don't need to manually make copies of your critical data.

After this, you will be able to see all the important information regarding the innovations in the new firmware version. Next you will be shown a proposal to agree with. If you wish, you can read it.

As soon as you agree to the license text, the program will begin downloading update files from the Internet. The time it will take for this process depends only on the speed of your Internet connection.

As soon as all the data is downloaded, the update procedure will begin. As you can see, there is nothing complicated about this. How to update iOS 7? This procedure is no different from the one we described above, so before that, read the article again.

Version 9.2 of the iOS operating system has fully come into its own. If you suddenly have questions about how to update to this version, you can find the answers in the following guide.

Compatible .2

iOS 9.2 can be installed for free on the following devices:

  • , Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 and iPhone 4s
  • Pro, Air 2, Air, 4, 3 and 2
  • iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, Retina iPad mini, 1st gen iPad mini
  • 6th gen iPod touch, 5th gen iPod touch

Backup device

It's never a bad idea to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch before installing an iOS update, just in case. In addition, if you make an encrypted backup via iTunes, private information, such as passwords, will also be saved in it along with all the files.

You can make a backup copy in iTunes or iCloud.

Jailbreak

If you have jailbroken your iOS device and really don't want to part with all your tweaks, it is recommended not to update and wait until Pangu or TaiG jailbreak iOS 9.2.

Installing iOS 9.2 over the air (OTA)

Before downloading the update, connect your device to a power source so that the battery does not accidentally run out during the update. The download and installation process may take varying amounts of time, from a few minutes to an hour, depending on how busy Apple's servers are and your Internet connection. Of course, it’s better to update via Wi-Fi so as not to waste mobile Internet traffic.

Once you have power and wireless network, open Settings and go to General > Software Updates. iOS will automatically check for updates and tell you that an update to 9.2 is available.

Those who are jailbroken should update via iTunes, as an OTA update with a jailbreak may cause problems.

Click the Download button. Wait until the download completes and then click Install. It will take a while to load, so if you're tired of waiting, try something else. Your device will beep when the download is complete. Go to again Software updates and proceed to install the downloaded update by clicking the appropriate button.

Installing iOS 9.2 via iTunes

If you were unable to download the update over the air, try downloading the update from the official links listed below and installing it manually through iTunes. This installation method may also be needed when the free disk space on the device is not enough for an OTA update.

Before you begin, make sure you are using the latest version of iTunes. You can update iTunes in the program settings.

After that, follow the instructions:

Step 1: Connect the device to your computer via a USB cable. Launch iTunes and wait for the program to recognize your device.

Step 2: Click on the device button located to the left of the iTunes Store button at the top right of the program.

Step 3: Click on “Check for updates”. There is no need to press any additional keys. iTunes will automatically begin downloading and installing the update if available.

Step 4: A message will appear stating that a new update is available. Click on “Update”.

Step 5: Skip this step if the update started in steps 3 or 4.

If you download the firmware via Safari, make sure the auto-unzip option is disabled, or download the archive via Chrome or Firefox.

Your device's model number can be found on the back of the device. The number is needed in order to select the correct download link.

iOS 9.2 for iPad:

iPad Pro Wi-Fi
iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular
iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi
iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular
iPad Air 2 (Model A1566)
iPad Air 2 (Model A1567)
iPad mini 3 (Model A1599)
iPad mini 3 (Model A1600)
iPad mini 3 (Model A1601)
iPad Air (Model A1474)
iPad Air (Model A1475)
iPad Air (Model A1476)
iPad mini 2 (Model A1489)
iPad mini 2 (Model A1490)
iPad mini 2 (Model A1491)
iPad (4th generation Model A1458)