How to delete downloaded software update on iPhone and iPad

How to delete downloaded software update on iPhone and iPad

Although software updates on iPhones and iPads are essential, sometimes you don’t want to download them due to your device’s storage capacity. However, iOS automatically downloads the updates on your device, thereby acquiring space.

If that’s the case with you, learn how to delete the software update downloaded on your iPhone and iPad.

Note: If you’re on the latest iOS version, you won’t find the option to delete the update. Additionally, the update can be deleted only if it’s downloaded. Installing the update will remove the option to delete it.

Extra info: If your iPhone is running iOS 15 beta and you don’t find it convenient, check our explainer on how to downgrade to iOS.

How to remove software update download from iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap iPhone/iPad Storage.
  4. Under this section, scroll and locate the iOS version and tap it.

    Remove software update download from iPhone
  5. Tap Delete Update.
  6. Tap Delete Update again to confirm the process.

    Tap Delete Update from iPhone's Settings app

Note: if you’re on iOS 10 or earlier, look for Storage and iCloud usage under Settings. Then tap Manage Storage to locate the software update and delete it.

FAQs

Q. Will it be ok if I remove the software update?

Removing the update is not a problem. You can delete it if your device is running low on space or if you plan to update to the latest version.

Q. How do I download the software update again after deleting it?

To download the update again, go to Settings → tap General → tap Software Update → tap Download and install.

That’s it! This is how you can delete the software update from your iPhone and iPad. Facing any problem related to this? Share your queries in the comments below.

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A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks.

6 comments

  1. These instructions aren’t for ipad, just iPhone. On an ipad Air 2, I have no storage entry for an ios update so I still am unsure how to delete it (since it’s failing to verify as I’m connected to the internet, despite it saying I’m not).

  2. Thanks for your post. My phone simply lists “System” in the iPhone Storage list; when I click on it I am shown the version but not given the option to delete anything. Do you have any suggestions?

  3. If there’s no storage entry for software update, then that probably means that the software hasn’t been downloaded yet. Moreover, while downloading the software, make sure you have enough storage space available on your iPad.

    Additionally, if your iPad fails to verify that you’re connected to the internet, try connecting with a different network to check if it works. If it still doesn’t work, try force restarting your iPad and then connecting it to the internet to download the software.

    If none works, you should contact Apple Support then to run diagnostics and check for the problem.

  4. If the software hasn’t been installed on your iPad you can follow the above instructions to delete it. In order to check whether the software has been installed, go to Settings>General>About and look for the Software version in the second line. However, if the software has been installed on your iPad, you can downgrade to iOS 14.8. In order to do that, check out the following article to get an idea.

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