Why can’t my fifth generation iPad update to iOS 15

If updating wirelessly is not working, update via a pc or Mac instead

In the following instructions, where you read iPhone, you can read iPad

Update your iPhone using a Mac with macOS Catalina or higher

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or higher, you will use the finder in order to upgrade your iPhone. Make sure to Back up your device before starting the upgrade process.

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, you will follow the following steps:

1. Open a finder window
2. Connect your device to your Mac via a lighting to usb A or a lightning to usb c cable
3. Select your device in the left sidebar of the finder window
4. click general, then click check for update
5. Click download and update.
6. If asked, enter your iPhone passcode

Update your iPhone via a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a Windows PC

On macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a windows machine, we won't use the Finder to upgrade your iOS

Instead, we will use iTunes. Make sure to Back up your device before doing any update or upgrade to your phone.

1. Open iTunes
2. connect your device to the computer with an lightning to usb a or a lightning to usb c cable
3. Click device button in the iTunes toolbar
4. In the summary tab, click check for update
5. Click download and update, follow The on screen instructions
6. If asked, enter your iPhone passcode.

If you wish to automatically update your iPad when updates are “pushed” to devices (this typically occurring a week or two after initial release when Apple’s regional update servers are less busy), ensure that automatic updates are enabled on your iPad:

Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates >

• Download iPadOS Updates - set to ON
• Install iPadOS Updates - set to ON

If you are experiencing difficulties - and 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 while an iPad may be capable of update, it may be too far behind the current version to be updated directly from iPad settings. In such circumstances 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

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - 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.