[8 Ways] Fix iPad/Mini/Air/Pro Won't Update iOS 18/17

Why iPad won’t update to iOS 18/17?

Each iPadOS update typically introduces new features and improvements. Updating your iPad to the latest version can enhance your user experience. But sometimes, you may encounter difficulties when trying to update your iPadOS. In such situations, several reasons could be responsible for the issue.

⛔ Some older iPads may not be compatible with the latest iOS version.

⛔ Insufficient storage on your iPad.

⛔ The Internet connection is unstable or weak.

⛔ Software glitches or temporary bugs on iPad.

⛔ A temporary issue with Apple's update servers.

⛔ iPad has a low battery.

Compatibility of Various iPadOS systems

iPadOS 17	iPadOS 18
iPad Mini 5 and later iPad Air 3 and later iPad 6th and later iPad Pro 10.5-inch, 11-inch (1st and later) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd and later)	iPad Pro (M4) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later) iPad Air (M2 & 3rd generation and later) iPad (7th generation and later) iPad mini (5th generation and later)

How to fix iPad won't update iOS 18/17

If you've already confirmed that your iPad model is compatible with the system you want to update, you can continue reading to find solutions. Before attempting any fixes, it's advisable to charge your iPad. Having sufficient battery can ensure a smooth update process.

Method 1. Check Internet connection

When your iPad is unable to check for update, first ensure that your device is connected to the Internet. It's recommended to use a Wi-Fi network for updates. If you're already connected to Wi-Fi, try switching to a more stable network for the update.

Method 2. Check Apple’s System Servers

When a new iPadOS update is released, it's natural for many users to want to download it immediately. However, this can lead to heavy traffic on Apple's servers, potentially causing the update failure.

You can go to Apple’s System Server page to check the status and ensure they are running normally. If the dots are all green, the servers are up and running. If aren’t, you can contact Apple for technical support or wait for the server to be repaired.

Method 3. Force restart your iPad

You can also force restart your iPad to fix the temporary software glitches or bugs on iPad.

Restart iPad with Face ID: Quickly press and then release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Hold down the Power button until the Apple logo comes into view.

Restart iPad with the Home button: Simultaneously press and sustain the Power and Home buttons > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Method 4. Free up iPad storage

When there isn't enough storage space on your iPad, it can impact the updating process. Check your available space by going to Settings > General > Storage. Then you can delete some files on your iPad to free up storage. And if you don't want to lose any data, you can transfer your iPad files to PC beforehand.

With the handy FoneTool, you can transfer photos, videos, music and contacts between iPad/iPhone and PC at a super fast speed. And it only relies on a USB connection, so you don’t need to worry about any data leakage. If you need, you can download it on your PC to move the large files on iPad.

Step 1. Connect your iPad to the PC with a USB cable > If your device is connecting to this computer for the first time, you will need to tap Trust on your iPad > Launch FoneTool.

Step 2. Click Phone Transfer > Choose iPhone to PC icon and click Get Started.

Step 3. Click the plus icon > Check each icon to preview and select the files you want to transfer > Click OK to confirm.

Step 4. Click Transfer Settings to change the storage path > Click Start Transfer to begin the task.

Method 5. Reset all settings

Resetting all settings on iPad can be another available approach to fix the iPad won't update iOS issue. You can go to Settings > General > Choose Reset All Settings to revert all system settings to their default configurations.

Method 6. Remove and download the update again

If you're having trouble installing the latest version of iPadOS, you can also try the following steps to download the update again: Go to Settings > General > Tap on your Device name (iPad) > In the list of apps, locate the update you're trying to install and tap on it > Select Delete Update to remove it from your device.

After deleting the update, go back to Settings > General > Select Software Update to download and install the latest update again.

Method 7. Update iPad using computer

Updating the iPad using a computer can be a useful way to solve the problem, but it's advisable to back up your iPad data first. For Windows, you can launch FoneTool > Go to Phone Backup > Choose Full Backup or Selective Backup to make it.

Update iPad with iTunes on PC

Connect your iPad to the PC > Tap on the device icon in iTunes interface > Choose Check for Update under the Summary tab to continue > Click Download and Update to make it.

Update iPad with FoneTool on PC

Because of the system restrictions, using iTunes to update your iOS system may cause some unknown issues, and iTunes' illogical interface may confuse many users. So here we recommend FoneTool to help you upgrade your iPad.

With its powerful features, you can easily upgrade or downgrade your iOS system in 3 steps.

Step 1. Connect your iPad to the computer > Launch FoneTool > Go to Toolbox > Choose iOS System Repair to continue.

Step 2. Choose iOS Upgrade/Downgrade.

Step 3. Go to the Upgrade section > Click Start.

Step 4. Choose the firmware version you need > Change the storage path from the Target Path option > Click Download to get the firmware.

Step 5. Once the download process is finished, just click Start Upgrade to begin the task.

Update iPad with Finder on Mac

Launch Finder on your Mac > Connect the iPad to the computer > Choose the device in the left sidebar of the Finder Windows > Choose General and tap on Check for Update > Select Download and Update to finish the process.

Method 8. Factory reset your iPad without losing data

When none of the previously mentioned methods work, you can attempt to solve the problem by resetting your iPad to its factory settings. However, please be aware that this will erase all the data on your device, so it's crucial to fully back up your iPad before proceeding.

Then FoneTool can also help you a lot. It can fully back up your iPad data and erase it in one click. 

Besides, FoneTool works well with various iOS devices, including iPhone 4 to iPhone 16, as well as iPad/Pro/Air/mini, iPod Touch, and the latest iOS/iPadOS 18.

Now you can follow the instructions below to fully back up and factory reset your iPad.

Fully back up iPad

Step 1. Connect your iPad to the PC with a USB cable > Launch FoneTool and choose Phone Backup > Full Backup > Click Get Started to continue. 

Step 2. Check Enable Backup Encryption to protect your private data > Choose a backup storage path on PC > Tap on Start Backup to begin.

Factory reset iPad

Step 3. Click Toolbox > Data Eraser. 

Step 4. Choose Erase all data and tap Get Started.

Step 5. View the instructions on the screen and tap Erase Data button to reset your iPad.

Once the process is completed, you can go to My Backups and click Restore dot to restore the backup.

Conclusion

When your iPad won't update iOS, you could charge it first and confirm that your device is compatible with the update you want to get. Then you can check Internet connection, Apple’s System Server, force restart your iPad, free up your iPad storage, reset all settings, remove and download the update again, update iPad with computer or factory reset it.

If you need to free up or factory reset your iPad, you can use the professional iOS device data management app - FoneTool to finish the process. With this rich-feature tool, you can transfer, back up and erase your iPhone/iPad data.