I’ll be hooked up to WiFi and it shows I have an update (I’ve had that update showing for a year or more) when I tap on it, it shows the update, but the tab to begin the update isn’t lit and it refuses to lite when I’m both hooked up to WiFi AND it’s plugged in.
It also won’t give me control of something’s on this iPad. It’s 4th generation, I think. Model A-1538
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPad mini 4, iPadOS 14
If you can’t get your iPad to update through the settings, I would suggest that you try updating it using a Windows PC with iTunes for Windows installed on it, or through a Mac using finder or iTunes depending on which version of MacOS is installed on it. If it’s showing you that there is an update available it will let you update to that version, however, if you do get a message that it is up to date and you know there is a newer version of iPadOS that is available then the hardware in your iPad may not support the higher versions. It’s only going to show you that there is an update for a version that it is capable of running. I’m assuming that since it is showing you that it is available it is going to be able to run it, but the fact that it isn’t letting you update there must be something else going on.
When it’s plugged into your computer, the software is going to know which version your iPad is capable of running and will get the highest available version that your iPad will be able to run. For your iPad Mini 4th Generation it is only going to be able to install and run the highest version of iPadOS 15. If you’re expecting it to run anything higher than that then you’re going to have to upgrade and get something newer with more powerful hardware. However, if you’re still able to do what you want with the iPad and don’t need to go higher than iPadOS 15, you can still make use of it, but to do the update, I would suggest plugging it into a computer and using that to update it.
Here is a link for how to update it using iTunes - Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes - Apple Support and here is a link for how to update using Finder - Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support.
If you can’t get your iPad to update through the settings, I would suggest that you try updating it using a Windows PC with iTunes for Windows installed on it, or through a Mac using finder or iTunes depending on which version of MacOS is installed on it. If it’s showing you that there is an update available it will let you update to that version, however, if you do get a message that it is up to date and you know there is a newer version of iPadOS that is available then the hardware in your iPad may not support the higher versions. It’s only going to show you that there is an update for a version that it is capable of running. I’m assuming that since it is showing you that it is available it is going to be able to run it, but the fact that it isn’t letting you update there must be something else going on.
When it’s plugged into your computer, the software is going to know which version your iPad is capable of running and will get the highest available version that your iPad will be able to run. For your iPad Mini 4th Generation it is only going to be able to install and run the highest version of iPadOS 15. If you’re expecting it to run anything higher than that then you’re going to have to upgrade and get something newer with more powerful hardware. However, if you’re still able to do what you want with the iPad and don’t need to go higher than iPadOS 15, you can still make use of it, but to do the update, I would suggest plugging it into a computer and using that to update it.
Here is a link for how to update it using iTunes - Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes - Apple Support and here is a link for how to update using Finder - Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support.
An iPad mini4 is capable of update to iPadOS 15.7.9. This iPad model does not support iPadOS16 or higher.
For information, 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
iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.0.1:
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.
Yours is a fourth generation iPad Mini, released by Apple in 2015. It may use the latest iPadOS 15 iteration, but not iPadOS 16 or later.
Your Wi-Fi must have no VPN, no Hotspot, no anti-virus.
notanother_scientist wrote:
I … was wondering if there was anything I could do with it.
There is!
Recycle it. Start here.
I have an old (I think 1st gen) ipad that wouldn’t update a few years ago and was wondering if there was anything I could do with it. It hasn’t been charged in like 5 years and I don’t really have a use for it since it wouldn’t update at the time and all the apps stopped working.
notanother_scientist wrote:
I have an old (I think 1st gen) ipad that wouldn’t update a few years ago and was wondering if there was anything I could do with it. It hasn’t been charged in like 5 years and I don’t really have a use for it since it wouldn’t update at the time and all the apps stopped working.
If the iPad battery has been uncharged in five years, the battery will almost certainly have failed - and the iPad will be unusable regardless of its age or installed version of iOS/iPadOS.
Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.
My iPad won’t allow updates
