How can I make sure my iPad does NOT update itself to 16.3?

Question

How can I make sure my iPad does NOT update itself to 16.3?

Reading all the horror stories from others whose phones or/and iPads have bricked or turned into battery pigs after updating has made up my mind for me. My iPad is working fine. If it ain’t broke, please don’t try to “fix it” for me, Apple! And yet, you keep trying…

How do I make it stop? I had the annoying red circle by “updates” gone for a little while but it’s back again. I DO NOT WANT THIS UPDATE/UPGRADE, and don’t have the time to continue to download/delete it every so often (before it ‘auto-installs’).

Posted on Mar 12, 2023 7:31 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,318 points

Mar 13, 2023 4:34 AM in response to i-really-hate-tech

You can inhibit automatic download or installation of system software updates from iPad Settings:

Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates >

Download iPadOS Updates - set to OFF
Install iPadOS Updates - set to OFF

While it is possible to inhibit automatic download and installation of updates, you’ll not be able to suppress the red notification badge.

Perhaps consider that iOS/iPadOS updates include both functional and essential security updates. While it is entirely your choice whether or not to update your iPad, in not updating your iPad as updates become available, you will increase your exposure to avoidable security vulnerabilities and exploits.

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Answer 2

Mar 13, 2023 4:56 AM in response to i-really-hate-tech

Thank you. I have tried that solution, and you’re right - the angry circle still comes back. The only way I’ve been able to get rid of it is to reset the first to “on” , the second to “off” and then go into downloads and delete the 16.3 update.

While a portion of the update may be for “essential security” there are way too many comments about this one breaking their equipment - and right now I can’t afford to replace an iPad that’s still less than three years old. :-/

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How can I make sure my iPad does NOT update itself to 16.3?

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