Ipad Mini 3 won't update iOS

Are you absolutely certain you have an iPad Mini 3? The original iPad Mini would be current at iOS 9.3.x

Go to Settings > General > About > Model and let us know what it shows.

If you truly do have an iPad Mini 3, it can be updated to iOS 12.5.4. If it won't update over the air, because you've missed literally years of updates, connect it to your home computer and update it using iTunes.

This link will explain how to do that --> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

See the Section entitled Update Your Device Using Your Computer

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 12.5.4

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.

iOS 12 is the latest available for the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 models.

There are no manual means to update older iPad models further than what Settings > General > Software Update allows.

Hardware as old as this is insufficient for newer iPadOS versions; memory is lacking.

There are no hardware upgrades available for iPad or iPhone.

Your options are a newer or new iPad.

And any recent model will be far more capable than this iPad mini 2 or iPad mini 3.

MINI IPAD 3 NEED UPDATE

YAXIGONZAL wrote:

MINI IPAD 3 NEED UPDATE

Then you need a newer replacement iPad.

There is no update for an iPad that old and that limited, as is discussed above in some detail.