software update ios 9.3.6 won't install on my iphone 4

Not trying to be condescending at all. Just stating fact. iTunes was the only way to perform updates. Only fairly recently did Apple introduce "over-the-air" updates. However, with the added convenience came the potential that they wouldn't work ... thus, Apple still provides the alternate "old school" iTunes method. Regardless, I absolutely agree with you that the "over-the-air" method is easier ... when it works.

One option is to try doing the "over-the-air" method at another location, not using the same Wi-Fi that you are using now ... like at a coffee shop, or (again) a friend's or relative's house, using their Wi-Fi instead.

Doesn't iTunes NOT exist anymore? I don't have a lap/desktop, just an iPad and iPhone. I am often told whenever there's a problem with my phone to just use iTunes to sync... etc' but truly, it would be so amazing if these things could be fixed using our own devices that already have all our Apple info. This is insane.

''Here's an update for your phone but it won't load until you use another device using an app that people don't use anymore.''

Hi I got two older device a iPhone4 and a iPad3, I successfully installed iOS 9.3.6 on the iPhone 4 via my PC ITunes App from 9.3.5 to 9.3.6.

I repeated the same procedures for the iPad 3 and went through the same motion of downloading a update when I noticed the update it was going to install was the same version 9.3.5 I let it finish the update after the iPad rebooted showed the same iOS version, any ideas why it won’t install 9.3.6

after all Apple said we should install before November 5th due to a GPS bug.

any help would be grateful.

Typically, the "backup" method to update iOS firmware is to use iTunes. Actually, not too long ago, it was the only way to do so. If you don't have a computer, either borrow one from a friend or relative ... or take you phone to an Apple Store and they can help you with the upgrade.

... and iTunes does still exist.

Thank you for your prompt answer. Yes, I do know that I can always ''ask a friend or relative'' to borrow their computer so that I can update my phone but most if not all don't use iTunes. I know that iTunes still technically exists but you probably knew what I meant. I still believe it should be easier, done over WIFI from the original device. In any case, I think I'll pass on this update. Thanks again for your answer that was just a tad condescending but done with kindness nonetheless. :))

Hi I got two older device a iPhone4 and a iPad3, I successfully installed iOS 9.3.6 on the iPhone 4 via my PC ITunes App from 9.3.5 to 9.3.6.

I repeated the same procedures for the iPad 3 and went through the same motion of downloading a update when I noticed the update it was going to install was the same version 9.3.5 I let it finish the update after the iPad rebooted showed the same iOS version, any ideas why it won’t install 9.3.6

after all Apple said we should install before November 5th due to a GPS bug.

any help would be grateful.

I updated my iPhone 4 via my own Windows PC using iTunes by opening and logging into your account, then switching off the iPhone 4then holding down the HOME button plugging in the USB lead to the iPhone 4 this then prompts you to "Update" or "Restore" Click "Update" and wait, it will take a while to download verify the iOS version 9.3.6. after that the iPhone Apple Logo will show and show and install the updated iOS 9.3.6

today I successfullly & easily updated 2 ea 4s iPhones that i use as faux iPods, but the 3rd 4s just hangs for hours in spinning wheel mode; did a hard reset with no improvement (that one has abt 3300 songs on it)

NO not required for early iPad like mine version 3 as this iPad doesn’t have cellular built in, so iOS 9.3.5 will work fine only iPad 3 that have cellular hardware will require iOS 9.3.6 and to update there are two options 1: use a Windows PC with iTunes option or

2: use someone else Wi-FI to update it.

SOLVED - update - took several more hours of searching plus installing iTunes 12.10.xx on a spare PC to try iTunes based update; during the wifi attempt, a message said the process required 137 MB of free memory - so i deleted enuf songs via TunesGo to meet that space - did not work - still hung spinning;

the iTunes update process first failed, endless spinning wheel as before, on retry iTunes later announced it needed 957 MB of free space, so i deleted 1 Gig of music - then it took iTunes about 3 hrs over DSL to download & install the update - success at last; then i used Wondershare TunesGo to re-install the music (if you don't have it - GET IT)

why the *&^%$*& apple can't just tell us in plain english what the should-be-simple process requires, along with a linear sequential set of steps totally baffles me

Had the same problem with my 4S but fixed it with this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buiwe5M8TmU

Sign out from App Store and iCloud then click install again. Click "agree" on the T&C page and you're good to go.

Have you tried updating your iPhone's firmware with the phone connected to a iTunes host computer?