How do I update my ipad

Update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly

Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install. Tap Install Now.

Whether or not you are able to update any iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

64-bit devices

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.7.9

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.6.1

• iPad Pro (all models)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (5th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

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 you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows 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 don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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.

Your iPad could be outdated and no longer able to support updates to the new version of iPadOS. There is really not a way for us to be sure because you didn’t give any information as far as what iPad you are using, what you have tried, and why you’re saying it “can’t” update. There could be a number of reasons.

If you iPad is able to update you can go to Settings > General > Software Update. There you’ll see if your iPad is up to date with the latest version that it supports. If your iPad says “iPad OS is up to date” then your iPad is supporting the version of iPadOS that it can support and will not be able to update further. iPadOS 16.6.2 is the highest version available as of today. If you’re trying to get iPadOS 17 then this isn’t released yet and is supposed to release tomorrow (9/18) so if that’s why your writing this then you’ll have to wait till tomorrow to get it.

Again, there is a lot of variables as to why it isn’t updating so more information is required to be able to fully dig down as to why it isn’t updating but it’s most likely that your iPad either doesn’t support the newer version or as stated if your trying to update to iPadOS 17 then it isn’t available yet.