Why can't I update to iOS 5.1 on my iPad?

Hello:

I tried everything and could not update - either from my iMac or iPad2. I searched the forums and found a solution (which seemed bizarre, but it worked).

I changed my DNS settings to 8.8.8.8 (Google's Open DNS server). Behold, the update started and successfully completed. There was no logical reason why this worked (except a problem between Apple's server and my ISP). I changed the DNS settings back (they work for everything else).

Barry

This worked for me. I tried a couple of times and then I went on and changed my DNS and that did the trick...

I too had the problem. Changing DNS to 8.8.8.8 resolved the issue. I changed it back to my gateway address when complete.

Nice. I've been having the exact problem. I changed the DNS server on my iPad 2, and the problem persisted. I changed the DNS server on my MacBook and updated through iTunes, and it worked like a charm. Thanks for the solution.

Had exactly same problem on iPad1. "Unable to check for update. An error occurred while checking for a software update". Been getting this since 3/7/2012. Apple support said probably server overload. Checked these comments and found answer that worked.

-- Reset device

. Backup your iPhone/iPad to iCloud (very important). Settings>iCloud> Storage and Backup>Backup Now (at the bottom)

. Erase your device. Settings>General>Reset>Erase All Content And Settings

. Device will reset and wipe itself

. When it restarts follow the instructions on screen and setup your device.

You're choices here do not really matter except for restoring From a backup.

Do not restore a backup, chose "Set up as new".

. When complete, the Software Update should now work which will install IOS 5.1

. When installed, Erase the device again (see Above).

. Once erased, follow the Wizard but this time select that you wish to restore from a backup

In iCloud. Select the backup that you took in first step.

. Your device should be back to normal and with IOS 5.1.

This takes time to complete but it worked. Thanks to Glosdeveloper for this. By the way this was an "over the air" update (as opposed to plugged in.

I have had the same problem for days with my iPad2. Changed DNS numbers, tied iTunes download, tried ipad download, tried another network, tried changes to security and checked for third party conflicts. Has taken ages and still not sorted.

Should also note that I changed DNS (as suggested by some others) to 8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4 before I did the stps mentioned above.