Error not listed on iOS Update Errors page on Apple resource information.

1. Reset All Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will reset all settings to their default values but won't delete your data. Afterward, try checking for updates again.
2. Check Date and Time Settings: Ensure that your device's date and time settings are correct. Sometimes, incorrect date and time settings can cause issues with connecting to update servers.
3. Change Wi-Fi Network: Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is specific to your network.
4. Use a VPN: Sometimes, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help bypass network restrictions or resolve connectivity issues. You can try connecting to a different region using a VPN and then check for updates.
5. Update Using IPSW File: If you have access to the specific iOS firmware file (IPSW) for your device, you can manually update your device using iTunes or Finder (macOS Catalina and later). This can bypass any potential issues with the over-the-air update process.
6. Check Apple System Status: Visit Apple's System Status page (Apple - Support - System Status) to see if there are any ongoing issues with the update servers or other services.
7. Update in Recovery Mode: If none of the above steps work, you can try updating your device using Recovery Mode. Connect your device to a computer, open iTunes (or Finder), and follow the on-screen instructions to update or restore your device.
8. Contact Apple Support: If you're still unable to resolve the issue, consider contacting Apple Support for personalized assistance. They might have specific information or solutions for the particular error you're encountering.

MoonDog2019 wrote:

I have been seeing the error which states: “Unable to Check for Update - An error occurred while checking for a software update.” I have just updated to iOS 16.6 on Tues 25 July 2023, yet I quite often check for additional unexpected updates. Also, I have noticed for years that an alert badge will usually if ever actually NOT appear on my Settings app icon, despite that I find upon my checking that an iOS update HAD already become available. Therefore, I check regularly for updates even without what could be such a reliable alert signal. Has there been a reason lately at Apple that the update apparatus has not been able to confirm that iOS 16.6 has remained the most current operating system available since Tues 25 July 2023? Why would I be getting the error described above on at least four totally separate days, beginning last Thurs 4 Aug 2023?? And is there a way to reinstate the clearly interpretable alert badge that would tell me with high certainty, during its absence, that an iOS update is NOT currently available and therefore not worth checking for? Thank you.

This is an error that has affected a number of people. I was experiencing it yesterday but it is now resolved. I would just leave it alone and try again in a day or two. iOS 16.6 is still the current version. The generic chatbot recommendations above will not change anything.

My experience is that can sometimes take a day or two for the update badge to appear. I don't know for certain but I suspect the update gets pushed out unevenly depending on region or something. This might help keep servers from getting inundated.