Apple recommends iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 for all compatible devices as they add useful new features, fix bugs, and enhance your device’s overall security. Besides this, new updates also improve the overall ecosystem connectivity and ensure that the iPhone works well with companion devices like AirPods, Apple Watch, and more. Here, we explain three ways to update your iPhone to iOS 14.
- How to Update Your iPhone to iOS 14
- How to Automatically Upgrade Your iPhone to iOS 14
- How to Update Your iPhone to iOS 14 Using Mac or PC
Prepare Your iPhone for Update
Before we begin, it is important to have a backup of your device. This ensures that in case something goes wrong, you have the option to restore, which will let you get back all essential data.
Besides this, you must have a stable Wi-Fi connection, at least 50% battery or plugged into charging, and enough free storage.
How to Update Your iPhone to iOS 14
- Open the Settings app and tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Tap on Download and Install. Follow the simple on-screen instructions.
If ‘automatic download’ is enabled, you may see Install Now in step 3 above.
In case you have difficulty updating, please see our post on what to do if you can not download the iOS update.
How to Automatically Upgrade Your iPhone to iOS 14
- Inside the Settings app, tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Tap on Automatic Updates or Customize Automatic Updates.
- Turn on the toggle for Automatic Updates or Download iOS Updates. You may also enable Install iOS Updates.
From now, when a new update is available, the iPhone will automatically download it over Wi-Fi. It can also automatically install the update if the iPhone is charging overnight and connected to Wi-Fi.
How to Update Your iPhone to iOS 14 Using Mac or PC
Besides the easy method of updating over the air, you can also use a computer to get the latest iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 on your devices.
On Windows PC and Mac running macOS Mojave and earlier, use iTunes. On Mac running macOS Catalina and macOS Big Sur, use Finder. The steps are almost the same, and you can follow them effortlessly.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad using an appropriate cable to the computer.
- In iTunes, click on the tiny device icon. In Finder, click on the device name from the left sidebar. Click Trust if you see it on the computer screen.
Next, tap Trust on the iPhone and enter its passcode.
- From the Summary tab in iTunes and General tab in Finder, click on Check for Update or Update.
- Click on Download and Update. Follow the on-screen instructions, if any.
- Click on Next → Agree → enter the passcode on the iPhone, if asked.
iOS download will begin. Depending on your device and the internet speed, it may take considerable time to download the file, prepare the update, and install it. Do not disconnect the device midway.
Signing Off
I hope you now know how to update the software on the iPhone or iPad. The easiest method is the first one – from the device settings app. Which route are you taking? Kindly share your thoughts below.
After the release of a new iOS version, most developers update their apps for better compatibility. So once you install iOS 14, in the next few days, update the apps from the App Store too.
READ NEXT:
- How to Update Carrier Settings on Your iPhone and iPad
- How to Fix iOS 14 Stuck on ‘Preparing to Update…’
- Steps to Update Software Directly on Apple Watch in watchOS 6
- How to Update Non-App Store Apps on Mac
I have been an Apple user for over seven years now. At iGeeksBlog, I love creating how-tos and troubleshooting guides that help people do more with their iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. In my free time, I like to watch stand up comedy videos, tech documentaries, news debates, and political speeches.