Unable to check for updates on iPad mini 6

Try the following steps:

• Disable any VPN connections and restart your iPad or tell Siri: "Restart".
• Learn how to update your iPad to the latest version of iPadOS
• Learn what to do if your iPad won’t update.

NOTE: According to Apple: After a software update is installed for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS and visionOS, it cannot be downgraded to the previous version.

Need more help?

• United States: 1-800-APLCARE.
• Contact Support.
• iPad Support.
• iPad User Guide.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

Your iPad mini 6 can still update to the latest iOS 26.5. Check below to ensure you meet each and every one of these update requirements.

• Make sure you are on a strong Wi-Fi or 5G connection. 
• Make sure your iPhone is plugged in, above 20% battery, and Low Power Mode is off.
• Make sure you have at least 10 GB of free storage, more is better. 
• Make sure Airplane mode is turned off.
• Delete any VPN’s, security software add on's, or ad blockers.
• Make sure you are not on Beta software or a beta update waiting to be installed.

Also, you may want to update your iPad with a computer for two reasons. One, it is often more reliable since it bypasses the connection when updating locally, which can hinder updating if it is unstable. Secondly, "jump updating", or the term referred to updating multiple iOS versions, since you are already 2 behind, is easier to do with a computer. Locally, it can take a long time and be not as reliable.

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

The iPad mini6 supports iPadOS 26 - at the time of writing iPadOS 26.5 is current.

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 the more recent Apple Devices App) 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

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

(*) 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.

It is generally recommended that you maintain 4-6GB of free space at all times - as your iPad needs some temporary space to complete some tasks - such as performing system software updates.

A system software update requires sufficient space to be downloaded, unpacked and verified prior to installation - major version updates requiring considerably more space than an incremental point-update. After the update is successfully completed, temporary files are automatically deleted - returning free space.

If your internal storage is full, or is insufficient for the task that you need to perform, your only option is to better manage the storage that you have - and delete unused Apps or unneeded data. 

These support pages should prove to be helpful:

About storage on your device and in iCloud – Apple Support

What's the difference between device storage and iCloud storage? – Apple Support

Manage your iCloud storage – Apple Support

How to check the storage on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support

Clear Other storage on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

“Offloading” Apps can be a helpful method of creating temporary space for a software update.

https://9to5mac.com/2020/01/21/how-to-offload-apps-in-ios-to-save-space-without-deleting-their-data/

Additional information about creating sufficient space for installation of a software update can be found here:

If you need more space for an update on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support