iOS OTA Updates Not Working? Here’s How to Fix Them

Over-the-Air (OTA) updates are one of the better refinements to iOS as part of the whole “post-PC” thing, they bring delta software updates directly to your devices, making for quicker updates and using less bandwidth (a delta update means only the differences between the iOS versions are sent, preventing a much larger package from being transferred iTunes or Apple). OTA updates work on all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices, but sometimes the over-the-air download does not work, or does not display. If you run into those issues, we’ve got solutions to fixing OTA updates for iOS.

Over The Air software updates in iOS are accessible from Settings > General > Software Update, if they’re not showing up for you as intended, here’s how to troubleshoot and get OTA working on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

iOS OTA Update Requirements

Make sure you fit the requirements to use the OTA delta updates.

• Over-the-Air updates require a modern version of iOS, technically this is iOS 5 or later
• OTA updates require you to be connected to Wi-Fi, they are not available through LTE, 3G, or Edge cellular connections
• iOS device battery life must be at 50% or greater, or the device must be connected to a power source (computer or wall)
• Beta versions of iOS do not always qualify for final OTA versions, you will need to restore to a previous version or from an IPSW file manually

If you meet all of the above and the OTA updates aren’t visible, give it a minute or two while Apple’s servers populate around the world. If you still have issues, the following three fixes will resolve the problems.

Troubleshooting OTA Updates

If you meet all of the above and an OTA update is still not showing up:

• Turn Wi-Fi OFF and ON again, this is done through Settings > Wi-Fi > ON/OFF
• Restart the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and plug it into a power source or computer
• Reset Network Settings – you will lose wi-fi passwords and other network data if you choose this option, this is a last resort

Finally, if you are having timeout issues, you may be limited by Apple’s servers being overloaded. This typically only occurs during the initial moments of an iOS update, but sometimes just waiting it out can be the resolution.

Over-the-Air updates have been around for quite a while. The very first OTA update was offered as iOS 5.0.1, being the first update publicly available through OTA, and all other iOS versions that have followed have been made available as an Over the Air download from the Settings app of iOS.

Do note this applies to all versions of iOS with OTA download support, which is basically anything evne vaguely modern. These tricks should help to troubleshoot OTA updates on any version or point release of iOS 9, iOS 8, iOS 7, iOS 6, and iOS 5, but if you know of another tip or solution, let us know in the comments.