Automatically update iOS: nice and easy
Installing an iOS update can take quite some time with major new versions. Some people prefer to install updates manually, but there are also people who don’t feel like thinking about it at all. For those people, there are automatic iOS updates. This ensures that the latest version of iOS is always on your device, without you having to look at it yourself. Since iOS 13.6 you have an extra option, namely to download the update but not install it yet.
- Automatically install iOS updates
- Automatic security updates
- Why automatic updating sometimes takes longer
- Install iOS updates on iOS 11 and earlier
Automatically download and install iOS updates
The automatic update function is on by default, so you don’t have to worry about it. You will be notified as soon as an iOS update is available, informing you that the latest iOS version will be installed over the next night. Your iPhone must be connected to a WiFi network and plugged into a power source for the automatic update to take place.
Here’s how automatic iOS updates work:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll to General > Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates.
- Turn on the download and install switches.
Do you have iOS 13.5.1 or earlier? Then you only have an Automatic Updates switch that you can turn on or off.
If there is an update, it will be installed in the next few days. You no longer have to manually check for updates, because everything is done automatically.
You can read everything about updating your iPhone in our separate tip.
Install automatic security updates on your iPhone
Since iOS 16 it is possible to automatically install security updates on your iPhone and iPad. These updates are separate from normal iOS updates and can be applied quickly, sometimes even without restarting your device. This feature is called Rapid Security Response and is also available on and Mac. You enable this as follows:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates.
- Make sure the switch is on under Security measures and system files.
Why automatic iOS update sometimes takes longer
You may be hesitating between automatic and manual updating. If you try to install manually immediately after the release of an update, you will notice that there is a lot of traffic, which means that you have to be patient. It then seems attractive to turn on the automatic update, because then you don’t have to worry about it. But that also has a disadvantage: sometimes it’s your turn much later.
Sometimes it seems that automatic updates are not working. A week after the update, your device is still not updated. How is that possible? The statement was given by Apple’s software boss Craig Federighi. He explained to a concerned user that the rollout can sometimes take up to four weeks, as feedback is awaited:
We roll out new iOS updates incrementally by first making them available to those who explicitly seek them in Settings, then 1-4 weeks later (after we receive feedback about the update) ramping up the rollout to devices with auto-update enabled .
The most optimal solution is therefore to enable automatic updates. A day (or a few days) after the update has appeared, check whether your device has already been updated. If not, start the update manually. It will then be less busy on Apple’s servers and the installation will run smoothly. If you forget to update manually once, the update will automatically come to your device later.
Automatic iPhone updates for iOS 11 and earlier
If you use iOS 9 to iOS 11, you can also install iOS updates automatically, but it requires an extra step. You have to download the update yourself first. The installation then takes place the next night, while you sleep. The iPhone must be connected to a power source and to WiFi.
Here’s how you can install iOS updates automatically at night:
- In the Settings app, go to General > Software Update.
- Tap Download.
- After the download is complete, a pop-up will appear counting down from ten to zero. You have two choices here: Install Now or Later.
- Tap (before the counter runs out) on Later. Enter the access code of the device.
- On the next screen you will see that the update will be installed automatically between 02:00 AM and 04:00 AM.
Cancel automatic iOS installation
If you change your mind, you can also cancel the automatic installation of the iOS update. To do this, you just need to follow the steps below:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- At the bottom you will now find a button Cancel automatic installation.
- Tap this and the automatic installation will be cancelled.
Do you like it when everything runs automatically? Also take a look at how the automatic updating of apps works.
