My iPad won’t give me the option to hit download and install even though I have wifi

AlyssaRossow wrote:

i have the 7th generation ipad, the current software is 14.6, when i go General>software update> it shows software update 16.6

An iPad7 is capable of update to the most recent version of iPadOS - at time of writing, this being iPadOS 16.6.

If your iPad is capable of update 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, in some circumstances (such as being too far behind the current version*) you may need to use a computer to perform the update.

To do so, you will need access to either a Window PC (with iTunes for Windows 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

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - 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.

(*) Given that your iPad currently has iPadOS 14.6 installed, your iPad will almost certainly require update using a Windows PC or Mac computer. The Software Update page on your iPad, in addition to stating that iPadOS 16.6 is available, will likely indicate that you must connect your iPad to a computer to perform the update.

See this article.

If your iPhone or iPad won't update - Apple Support

Be certain your Wi-Fi has no VPN, no Hotspot, no anti-virus.

We need more details to assist further. Some examples:

• What is your iPad model (Settings > General > About > Model Name (or Model Number)?
• What is its current iPadOS version?
• ”I can see the newest update …” - Where? How (in what context)? What version?

AlyssaRossow wrote:

made sure it had plenty of storage space to download also

How much? An iPad always requires an absolute minimum of 6GB free.