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Software Update Failed

I have tried five times to update my iPhone 6 Plus to iOS 14.8.1. I keep getting a "Software Update Failed" message - what should I do next?

iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 14

Posted on Nov 21, 2021 6:41 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 21, 2021 6:46 PM

rbascom Said:

"Software Update Failed: I have tried five times to update my iPhone 6 Plus to iOS 14.8.1. I keep getting a 'Software Update Failed' message - what should I do next?"

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Use a Computer and Ethernet:

Start with attempting an update through use of a computer. If you cannot use Wi-Fi, then use Ethernet.  See my User Tip: Update your iPhone Using a Computer - User Tip. On the computer, you would connect it through Ethernet, going directly into your router. For a Mac (or PC) that does not have Ethernet, this would be the adapter to use: Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - Apple. If you get the same error, the model is likely just not compatible.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 21, 2021 6:46 PM in response to rbascom

rbascom Said:

"Software Update Failed: I have tried five times to update my iPhone 6 Plus to iOS 14.8.1. I keep getting a 'Software Update Failed' message - what should I do next?"

-------


Use a Computer and Ethernet:

Start with attempting an update through use of a computer. If you cannot use Wi-Fi, then use Ethernet.  See my User Tip: Update your iPhone Using a Computer - User Tip. On the computer, you would connect it through Ethernet, going directly into your router. For a Mac (or PC) that does not have Ethernet, this would be the adapter to use: Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - Apple. If you get the same error, the model is likely just not compatible.

Nov 21, 2021 6:48 PM in response to rbascom

rbascom Said:

"Software Update Failed: I have tried five times to update my iPhone 6 Plus to iOS 14.8.1. I keep getting a 'software Update Failed' message - what should I do next?"

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Clear Space:

Try clearing internal storage though use of the following:

What Space to Clear:

A. Clear Temporary Internet Files:

Clear your Temporary Internet Files(Cookies & Cache) of Safari:

Also...



B. Clean TV and Music Libraries:

Remove all unneeded files from your TV and Music Libraries. Full-Movies take up 2-4GB typically, and a bunch of those would take up a load of storage, ideally. So, if you have any movies that are not needed, then delete them.

Also..


C. Clear "Other":

Clear the storage named "Other". It basically contains unnecessary files such as caches that are used for system ease of use - all of which gather over time: How to Clear "Other" in your iPhone's Storage - Use Backup - User Tips. Caches would be being used for remembrance of application use. So, clearing other may be the way to go about this, as it would be performs through use of a computer.

Software Update Failed

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