Updating/Upgrading iPad

Once in a while, Apple releases new software updates for iPadOS. These can be complete new versions of iPadOS, like the latest version iPadOS 17, or smaller updates to the existing version, like iPadOS 17.4.

If your iPad is compatible with a version, it is always compatible with further updates to that version. For example, if your iPad is compatible with iPadOS 17, it will also be compatible with every other release in the iPadOS 17 series.

To update your iPad, please check its compatibility with the version you want to run. First, check what model iPad you have by going to settings>general>about.

Then check if your iPad is compatible with the latest versions of iPadOS using this list:

iPad models compatible with iPadOS 17 - Apple Support

As there are a lot of iPads around that cannot update further then iOS 16 or 15, check here the compatibility list for that versions

iPad models compatible with iPadOS 16 - Apple Support

iPad models compatible with iPadOS 15.5 - Apple Support

If you checked the compatibility, you can go to the updating process itself.

Updating Process

You can update either automatically, or manually.

Update your iPad automatically

1. Go to Settings  > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
2. Turn on iOS Updates below Automatically Install and Automatically Download.

When an update is available, iPad downloads and installs the update overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi. You’re notified before an update is installed.

Update your iPad manually

Go to Settings  > General > Software Update.

The screen shows the currently installed version of iPadOS and whether an update is available.

If updating over the air is not working, you might want to update via a pc or Mac instead. Also when you have less avaliable space on the iPad, you want to update via a pc or Mac instead, as this tends to use less space on the device itself. On Macs running macOS Catalina or newer we do this using the Finder. On Macs running Mojave or older or a Windows PC we do this using iTunes. Please note that you'll need the latest avaliable version of iTunes.

On Macs using macOS Catalina or newer:

1. Connect your iPad to the Mac with a cable.
2. select your iPad, then click General at the top of the window.
3. Click Check for Update.
4. To install an available update, click Update.

On Macs running macOS Mojave or a Windows pc:

1. Connect your iPad to the Mac or pc with a cable
2. Open the iTunes app, click the button resembling an iPad near the top left of the iTunes window, then click Summary.
3. Click Check for Update.
4. To install an available update, click Update.

And this is it! Happy updating all!