what to do when iPad cannot be updated

Depending on which model iPad mini you have, you might already be at the maximum version and that’s why you don’t see any update options. Only iPad mini 4th generation, or newer, can be updated to iPad 13, for example.

Find out which iPad model you have:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201471

Your very old first generation iPad mini can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).

Apple ended update support for iPad mini in September 2016. Your iPad mini cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed - in addition to which, iPad mini is a 32-bit architecture device, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms.

You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.

Of current iPad models, even the entry-level iPad7 will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps.

I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your current iPad mini.

Tap and read my link for my additional info about your iPad model below.

If you own OLD 8 and 9 Year Old iPad mo… - Apple Community

Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

What iPad do you own and what iOS version is it currently running?