Can’t update iPadOS 26 from computer

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can’t update iPadOS 26 from computer

Hi,

I’d like to update my iPad 8 to iPadOS 26. It’s available from software update in the iPad, but I can’t do it from there due to luck of space. I’ve already tried deleting absolutely everything (including all cache and data from iCloud, media files, apps…) but the system data is still taking up the space needed.

So i try to do it from my Windows computer, from iTunes, but it says iPadOS 18 is already updated and doesn’t give me the option to update to 26.

How can this be solved?

Thanks!!

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Sep 25, 2025 8:50 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Level 10

308,935 points

Sep 25, 2025 9:53 AM in response to Cusam81

If you have insufficient free-space to perform the update using a computer, a simple strategy to successfully perform the update is to first ensure that you have either an iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad - and then completely erase the iPad. With no user-data present, you should be able to update the iPad; once updated, you can restore your backup to the iPad.

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Erase all content and settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content & Settings

After the reset, set-up the iPad with your AppleID - but do not restore the backup. Perform the system software update using whichever method works for you.

Finally, restore the backup to your iPad:

Restore all content to iPad from a backup - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 2

Cusam81 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 26, 2025 3:10 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you, LotusPilot!

But the issue is not that I don’t have enough space to do it from the computer, but that the iPadOS 26 is not showing as an update option when I try to do it from the computer. Do you know how I can get this as an option when doing it from my computer?

Thanks!

Reply

Answer 3

LotusPilot

Level 10

308,935 points

Sep 26, 2025 6:17 AM in response to Cusam81

Remotely troubleshooting your computer will be difficult.

The simplest and quickest method to resolve your inability to update your iPad is to follow the process already described. This procedure, if followed as directed, will ensure that:

a) you have a current backup of your iPad with which to restore your data and existing device settings

b) create sufficient free-space to perform an OTA update directly from iPad settings

Once updated, you can simply restore the iCloud/iTunes backup.

Reply

Can’t update iPadOS 26 from computer

Similar questions