How can I update my iPhone?

In order to always be able to use the latest functions of iOS, you have to update your iPhone. We'll show you how it works on all Apple mobile devices.

Instructions: Update iPhone via WLAN

The easiest and fastest way to update the iPhone is via the device itself. This has been possible since iOS 5. Before you update your iPhone, you should make a backup. If you have activated the iCloud backup, this is not necessary. If you have not backed up your device to your computer for a long time, follow the instructions in the second paragraph.

1. First open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Select the "General" menu item below.
3. Then tap on "Software update", the iPhone searches for updates.
4. If a new version is available, click on the "Download and install" button below. If it does not appear, you will instead find a message that there is not enough storage space available (see picture). In this case, either delete large game apps that you always wanted to disconnect from, or remove music that you can play again later.
5. If the update is downloaded, you will then receive a message that your iPhone will restart in a few seconds. Now it may take some time for the installation to be completed. It is completely normal for the loading bar and the Apple logo to appear several times.
6. Important: Be sure to connect the iPhone to power. Since the update takes a little longer and the device is heavily used, the battery consumption is correspondingly high.

Update iPhone on PC or Mac

1. Open iTunes and connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
2. After a short wait, the iPhone appears in iTunes. If you select the device at the top left, you will get to the overview.
3. At the top of iTunes, see that a backup is in progress, wait for it to finish. If this is not the case, click on the "Save now" button.
4. Once the backup has been carried out, click on the button "Check for updates" or "Update".
5. If you confirm the query, a new window opens. Click on "Next" and then on "Accept".
6. The latest iOS version is now downloaded and then installed on your iPhone. Warning: Never disconnect the iPhone from the computer. The installation process can take up to 30 minutes after the download. Don't worry if a charge bar and the Apple logo appear more often during this time. This is normal and belongs to every installation.

If your iPhone is a bit older and no longer the fastest, major updates can make the pace even slower. In such a case, it may be worthwhile to put the iPhone on again.