How to update iPad A1219 to iSO 4 or greater.

I am not really well versed in Apple products and am having a big issue in using all the "tips" and "how to.." on the Apple Supports for updating. Apparently, no one has updated our iPad (2010), and I think it was originally sync'd on my laptop. I need to update the iOS, but to do that it wants me to backup the iPad. In researching how to do that, I came across multiple forums that complained about not being able to reinstall the backup onto the iPad, once the iOS is updated. This is fine, as there isn't much on there that can't be reinstalled from iTunes and the App store. But, I'm afraid to do the update, because I don't know enough to know if the iPad will just be back to the original settings with the updated iOS, or if I'm going to have to spend another 2 days learning how to reinstall a "factory setting". I need the new iOS to run a program for my special needs daughter. Should I just take it to the Apple store and have them help me?


Thanks for any help.

iPad 2, iOS 3.1, I think it is iOS 3.1

Posted on Dec 2, 2012 1:03 PM

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2 replies

Dec 2, 2012 1:27 PM in response to Mum2Two

Your current iOS version is shown on the iPad in Settings > General > About > Version, and if the model number is A1219 then it's a first gen iPad (it doesn't have cameras on it ?), not an iPad 2 - an iPad 1 will update to iOS 5.1.1 (it doesn't support iOS 6), and an iPad 2 will update to iOS 6.0.1 (so would remove the built-in YouTube app and the Maps app would change), they are the only iOS versions that are 'signed' by Apple for those models.


To update, connect the iPad to your computer's iTunes and copy any purchases off the iPad to your computer via File > Transfer Purchases. You may also want to copy photos and any important documents off the iPad as well e.g. via the file sharing section at the bottom of the device's apps tab when connected to iTunes, via wifi, email, dropbox etc - they should be included in the backup, but it's best to have a copy of them outside of the backup just in case. You can then force a backup of the iPad by right-clicking the iPad 'Device' on the left-hand side of iTunes and selecting 'Backup'.


Then start the update by selecting the iPad on the left-hand side of iTunes, and on the Summary tab on the right-hand side clicking the Check For Updates button - the update process should take a backup, install the update, and then restore the backup onto to it.


Updating to iOS 5+ : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4972

Dec 2, 2012 5:40 PM in response to Mum2Two

If you have an iPad 1, the max iOS is 5.1.1. For newer iPads, the current iOS is 6.0.1. The Settings>General>Software Update only appears if you have iOS 5.0 or higher currently installed.


iOS 5: Updating your device to iOS 5 or Later

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4972


How to install iOS 6

http://www.macworld.com/article/2010061/hands-on-with-ios-6-installation.html


iOS: How to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4623


If you are currently running an iOS lower than 5.0, connect the iPad to the computer, open iTunes. Then select the iPad under the Devices heading on the left, click on the Summary tab and then click on Check for Update.


Tip - If connected to your computer, you may need to disable your firewall and anitvirus software temporarily. Then download and install the iOS update. Be sure and backup your iPad before the iOS update. After you update to iOS 6.x, the next update can be installed via wifi (i.e., not connected to your computer).


 Cheers, Tom 😉

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How to update iPad A1219 to iSO 4 or greater.

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