JohnFH741

Q: Why can't I update to iOS 9.3?

After updating to iOS 9.3 on my iPhone 5c 32GB, I realized I needed to downgrade to iOS 9.2.1 temporarily. Then, when I tried to update to iOS 9.3 again, iTunes said that iOS 9.2.1 was the newest software available. How can I get back to iOS 9.3?

iPhone 5c, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Mar 26, 2016 8:44 AM

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Q: Why can't I update to iOS 9.3?

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  • by elcpu,

    elcpu elcpu Mar 26, 2016 8:45 AM in response to JohnFH741
    Level 6 (16,232 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Mar 26, 2016 8:45 AM in response to JohnFH741

    Apple has pulled the iOS 9.3 update for some devices (iPad Airs and previous, iPhone 5s and previous) due to problems with activation. You will not be able to update until a fix is issued. I recommend waiting a while (days ?) before trying again.

     

    See this article for details.

    http://www.imore.com/apple-working-ios-93-fix-older-iphone-ipad

  • by JohnFH741,

    JohnFH741 JohnFH741 Mar 26, 2016 8:53 AM in response to elcpu
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apple Watch
    Mar 26, 2016 8:53 AM in response to elcpu

    Thank you. Also, I made a backup of my iOS 9.3 phone, and now I have to start from scratch since I now have iOS 9.2.1. Is there any way to retrieve all of my photos, apps, etc?

  • by elcpu,Solvedanswer

    elcpu elcpu Mar 26, 2016 8:58 AM in response to JohnFH741
    Level 6 (16,232 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Mar 26, 2016 8:58 AM in response to JohnFH741

    Sorry that this is happening but if it is any consolation you are not alone.  You should be able to restore the backup made in 9.3 once a fix is issued and you can update your phone so I would not delete that backup yet. In the meantime, you could try going to iCloud.com and see if your photos are there.

  • by digglerm,

    digglerm digglerm Mar 28, 2016 12:21 AM in response to elcpu
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mar 28, 2016 12:21 AM in response to elcpu

    I have an Ipad 2 and am stuck at the activation stage. Will the fix you mention allow me to go from this screen or do I have to do something else once the fix is issued. Assume no knowledge in your reply as I am not an Apple expert and this Ipad is my only apple device. I have only ever been connected to ITunes once and that was when I activated the Ipad 6 years ago. I hope this explains my level of knowledge :-)

  • by Malcolm J. Rayfield,

    Malcolm J. Rayfield Malcolm J. Rayfield Mar 28, 2016 2:02 AM in response to digglerm
    Level 5 (7,945 points)
    Mar 28, 2016 2:02 AM in response to digglerm
  • by elcpu,

    elcpu elcpu Mar 28, 2016 12:32 PM in response to digglerm
    Level 6 (16,232 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Mar 28, 2016 12:32 PM in response to digglerm

    I understand...  I think all you can do is follow the steps in the article Malcolm linked, here again:

    If you can’t activate your iPad 2 (GSM model) after you update to iOS 9.3 - Apple Support

     

    If you are not comfortable with those steps, my recommendation is to go to an Apple Store. Judging by the severity of this issue they will no doubt help you through it. I would make an appointment with Genius Bar before going as they are likely to be busy.

  • by digglerm,

    digglerm digglerm Mar 28, 2016 11:33 PM in response to elcpu
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mar 28, 2016 11:33 PM in response to elcpu

    Thanks MAlcolm and elcpu for your advice

     

    I have tried your fix Malcolm and it is asking for my icloud log in and password which I never ever use and only set up 6 years ago when I first set up the Ipad. I only know my apple id and password and tried it but not accepting it. What do I do now?

     

    elcpu I have already been to the apple store in Dubai and waited 2 hours for an appointment with the genius bar. They looked at the ipad and then googled the issue, took the ipad away came back after 2 minutes and said I would have to wait for the servers to go back online.. All these points I had already done myself! Am I a genius now?