Why is my iPhone 12 unable to install iOS 18.3.1?

Question

Level 1

16 points

Why is my iPhone 12 unable to install iOS 18.3.1?

I currently cannot install iOS 18.3.1 on my iPhone 12 64GB - I have been able to detect the software update, and then download it. However, when it comes to downloading it to the phone, it says 'error cannot download, try again'.

Confirmations about my phone because of prior suggestions:

My iPhone has a fast Wi-Fi connection.
I do not have a beta updates activated in Settings
The iPhone is not in Low Power mode
The battery state of charge is above 50%
My iPhone has more than 20GB freestorage space
My iPhone is not connected through VPN
I have left the phone on charge whilst trying to do the update

I have tried everything suggested by the Apple Community team so far - I am very welcome to hearing more ideas.

This is currently very frustrating as I have just bought an apple watch series 10 and cannot use it without this iOS.

Thank you for your feedback

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 8 Plus, iOS 14

Posted on Feb 11, 2025 5:43 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Servant of Cats

Level 7

34,265 points

Mar 5, 2025 5:28 PM in response to SamRico

It sounds like just about the only thing that you haven't tried is installing iOS 18.3.1 with the help of a Mac or a PC.

If you have put off updating for a long time (especially if you're still on iOS 14.1 – iOS 16.7.10), your odds might be better with a computer-assisted update than with a wireless one.

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Answer 2

epattok

Level 1

14 points

Feb 12, 2025 12:55 PM in response to SamRico

I'm experiencing a similar issue, where the software appears to be downloaded and then we get to an endless "Preparing Update" phase, at which point the software update appears to get stuck in a loop? This is a new iphone locked to straighttalk, it is also failing to activate imessage, which community recommends completing updates for. Seems that this update has to be cleared before I can address imessage activation.

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Answer 3

Feb 15, 2025 5:07 PM in response to SamRico

Same here I can’t install IOS 18.3.1 I have the 13pro I press update now and nothing happens and it also won’t update over night either. I have good fast connection to internet and my phone is even plugged in as well.

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Answer 4

Feb 11, 2025 5:51 AM in response to SamRico

You told us that you have been able to download the software and you have not been able to download the software.

Which is it?

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Answer 5

Feb 12, 2025 4:31 AM in response to SamRico

Hi, similar issues on 14promax.

IOS 18.3.1 downloaded, but not able to install.

Please support

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Answer 6

Feb 12, 2025 1:02 PM in response to SamRico

Cannot Install iOS 18.3.1 on iPhone 16 pro max

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Answer 7

Feb 12, 2025 11:12 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Hello pls i have download my iPhone 11 and remain I should install its from ios 15 to 18.3.1 pls hope it won’t spoil my phone and will go well pls fast respond 🙏🏼

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Answer 8

Feb 14, 2025 3:37 PM in response to Bob Timmons

They mean it has been downloaded, but will not verify & install. I’m having the issue with my 16 Pro.

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Answer 9

Feb 15, 2025 9:16 AM in response to SamRico

Same issue here with my 13. I have 100% battery and on home WiFi and it just turns grey when I press it. Done this for 3 days. I certainly need the update as my calendar has been acting up.

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