iPhone Update Guide: How to Update Your iPhone Safely

Updating your iPhone takes about 20 to 40 minutes, runs mostly on its own, and is the most important thing you can do to keep your phone secure. An update, called iOS, is new software from Apple that fixes problems and closes security holes that criminals try to exploit. Your apps, photos and contacts all stay exactly where they are.

You only need to actively do this a few times a year, and once it is set up your iPhone can handle most updates automatically overnight. The first time can feel daunting because the phone restarts and shows progress bars, but this is normal. The phone is simply replacing its old software with the improved version.

Why updates matter so much

Security is the main reason to keep your iPhone current. Each update repairs newly discovered weaknesses that scammers and hackers could otherwise use to reach your email, banking apps or personal photos. Running an out-of-date iPhone is like leaving a window unlatched: most days nothing happens, but the risk is real and avoidable.

Updates also fix bugs that make apps crash or the battery drain faster, and they sometimes add helpful features such as larger text or clearer call quality. Apps in the App Store are increasingly built for the latest iOS, so staying current also keeps your favourite apps working smoothly. There is rarely a good reason to skip a security update.

Check which version you have now

Before updating, it helps to see where you stand. Open Settings (the grey cog icon on your home screen), tap General, then tap About. The line that says iOS Version shows your current number, such as 17.4. If that number is lower than the newest version, an update is waiting for you.

To see whether an update is available, go back to General and tap Software Update. The phone checks with Apple and tells you either that your software is up to date, or that a new version is ready to download. Both answers are good news; one means you are already safe, the other means you are about to be.

Step by step: updating your iPhone

Follow these steps in order. The single most useful piece of advice is to plug the phone into its charger first, because an update that runs out of battery halfway can cause problems. Give yourself an hour when you do not urgently need the phone.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi. Updates are large files, so use your home wireless internet rather than mobile data. You should see your network name at the top of the Settings screen.
2. Plug in the charger. Keep the phone charging throughout. This removes any worry about the battery dying mid-update.
3. Open Settings, then General, then Software Update. Wait a few seconds while it checks.
4. Tap Download and Install. If asked, type the passcode you use to unlock your phone. The download begins, and a progress bar shows how far along it is.
5. Let it install. When the download finishes, tap Install Now. The phone restarts on its own, shows an Apple logo and a progress bar, and may restart more than once. This is normal; do not switch it off.
6. Enter your passcode. When the phone comes back to life, it asks for your passcode to confirm it is really you. After that, your familiar home screen returns and the update is done.

The whole process is hands-off once it starts. You can set the phone down and make a cup of tea while it works. If a screen asks you to agree to Apple's terms, tap Agree to continue; this is a standard legal step, not a charge.

Turn on automatic updates and never worry again

Automatic updates let your iPhone install security fixes overnight while it charges, so you stay protected without lifting a finger. This is the setting most people should turn on, because it removes the risk of forgetting and falling months behind. The phone only updates when it is charging and connected to Wi-Fi, so it never interrupts you.

To switch it on, open Settings, tap General, then Software Update, then Automatic Updates. Turn on both "Download iOS Updates" and "Install iOS Updates". There is also a switch for "Security Responses & System Files", which delivers urgent security patches even faster; leave that on too.

Automatic updating is the better choice for the security-minded. The one exception is if you rely on a specific older app that you know breaks on new iOS versions; in that case, manual updating lets you check before you commit. For nearly everyone else, automatic wins because it closes security gaps the moment Apple releases the fix.

What to do if an update goes wrong

Most updates finish without a hitch, but a few common snags have simple fixes. If your phone seems frozen on the Apple logo for a long time, give it up to an hour before doing anything, as the install can take that long. Patience solves more update problems than anything else.

If you see "Unable to install update" or the download stalls, the usual cause is not enough free storage. Go to Settings, General, iPhone Storage and delete a few large items such as old videos to make room, then try again. If the phone still will not respond, hold the side button and a volume button together until it restarts, which is safe and does not erase anything.

Frequently asked questions

Will updating delete my photos and messages?

No. An update changes the phone's software but leaves your photos, messages, contacts and apps untouched. Everything is exactly where it was before. Even so, it is always wise to have your photos backed up, which iCloud or a computer can do automatically.

How long does an iPhone update take?

Usually 20 to 40 minutes from start to finish, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your internet. The download is the slow part on a weak connection. Plug in the charger and give it an hour to be comfortable.

Do updates cost money?

Never. iOS updates are free for the supported life of your iPhone, which is typically five or more years. Any message asking you to pay for an update is a scam.

My iPhone says it cannot be updated. What does that mean?

Older iPhones eventually stop receiving the newest iOS, though Apple still sends them important security fixes for a while. If your phone is several years old and will not update, it may be time to consider a newer model, but there is no rush as long as security responses still arrive.

Should I update straight away or wait?

For security updates, sooner is safer. The patches exist precisely because a weakness has been found, so installing promptly protects you. If you are nervous about a brand-new major version, waiting a week or two is reasonable, but do not put it off for months.

What is the difference between a small update and a big one?

Small updates have numbers like 17.4.1, with a final number added, and they mainly fix bugs and security holes. Big updates change the first number, such as moving from 17 to 18, and they bring new features and a slightly different look. Both install the same way through Settings. Small security updates are the ones to install promptly; with a big new version, waiting a couple of weeks while early problems get ironed out is perfectly reasonable.

Do I need to back up before I update?

An update keeps your data, so a backup is not strictly required, but having one is always wise in case anything unexpected happens. If you use iCloud, your iPhone backs itself up automatically overnight while charging on Wi-Fi. You can check by opening Settings, tapping your name at the top, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and making sure it is switched on.