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I downloaded the update but it keeps saying “Unable to install update error on my IPad.

I downloaded the update but keep getting an error when trying to install over the last week. How do I fix this?

Posted on Jun 3, 2021 2:19 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 4, 2021 1:43 AM

As described, your iPad is too far behind the current version to be updated directly from iPad settings. As such, you need to use a computer to perform the update. You will need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS):

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support


If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 4, 2021 1:43 AM in response to Woodchucks703

As described, your iPad is too far behind the current version to be updated directly from iPad settings. As such, you need to use a computer to perform the update. You will need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS):

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support


If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Jun 3, 2021 5:17 PM in response to Woodchucks703

Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by your iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.


Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.3


Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.6.


If your iPad is capable of being updated to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support


Be aware that your iPad may be too far behind the current version to be updated directly from iPad settings. As such, you will likely need to use a computer to perform the update. You will need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support


You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

Jun 3, 2021 6:47 PM in response to LotusPilot

I have an iPad Air 2, model A1566 so it looks like I should be able to install the update but it says “unable to install update-an error occurred”. I haven’t been able to update in over 100 weeks as I didn’t have enough space and didn’t know how to get to my cloud to delete stuff from there. So I started paying monthly in order to update and now don’t know what I can do. I do have an Imac computer but it is basically a hard drive as is outdated as well. When it switched from OSX Mountain Lion I could no longer update as I have limited WiFi and it was too big to handle. So I can’t upload the newest version of ITunes. I really am at a loss of what to do.

I downloaded the update but it keeps saying “Unable to install update error on my IPad.

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