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This How.com.vn teaches you how to update the system software on your iPad using Software Update on the iPad or iTunes on your desktop.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Software Update

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Back up your iPad
    . In most cases, updating the iOS will not cause a loss of data, but things can occasionally go wrong.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Connect your iPad to a power source.
    Use the charging cable that came with your iPad to connect to a power outlet or desktop computer.
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  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Connect to Wi-Fi.
    Larger iOS updates require your iPad to be connected to a Wi-Fi network in order to download.
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Open your iPad's Settings  icon.
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Scroll down and tap icon General.
  6. How.com.vn English: Step 6 Tap Software Update.
    It's near the top of the page.
  7. How.com.vn English: Step 7 Tap Download and Install.
    • If this link does not appear, your software is up to date and no update is currently available.
  8. How.com.vn English: Step 8 Enter your iPad's passcode.
  9. How.com.vn English: Step 9 Review Apple's Terms and Conditions.
  10. How.com.vn English: Step 10 Tap Agree.
    The download and installation process will begin.
    • The time to update will vary depending on the extent of the update and the speed of your Wi-Fi network.
  11. How.com.vn English: Step 11 Follow any on-screen prompts to restart your iPad.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using iTunes

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Download the latest version of iTunes.
    In order to download update software for your iPad, iTunes must be running the latest version available.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Back up your iPad
    . In most cases, updating the iOS will not cause a loss of data, but things can occasionally go wrong.
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Connect your iPad to your computer.
    Use the cable that came with your iPad, plugging the USB end into the computer and the Lightning or 30-pin connector into your iPad's charging port.
    • If iTunes doesn't launch automatically, open the iTunes app on your computer.
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Click your iPad's icon.
    It's in the upper-left part of the window, below the toolbar.
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Click Summary in the left pane.
  6. How.com.vn English: Step 6 Scroll down and click Check for Update.
    If there is an update available, iTunes will ask you if you want to download and install it.
  7. How.com.vn English: Step 7 Click Download and Update.
    iTunes will automatically begin downloading the update and will install it after the download is complete.
    • Your iPad must remain connected during the entire download and install process.[1]
    • iTunes must be connected to the Internet during the entire process.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you use a PC to update an iPad via iTunes?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes you can. All you need to do is connect your device to with a USB cable to the PC and open up iTunes. When you've connected it, iTunes should instantly detect the device and an iOS software update option should appear.
  • Question
    I have an iPad with iOS 5.1.1. When I go to "General - Software Update," it says software is up to date and doesn't give me an option to upgrade to a higher version. How do I upgrade my iPad?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Your iPad is not compatible with newer versions of iOS because its hardware is too primitive.
  • Question
    Does this method also work with an iPhone?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as your device can support the iOS you're trying to download.
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      About This Article

      How.com.vn English: Luigi Oppido
      Co-authored by:
      Computer & Tech Specialist
      This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been viewed 596,540 times.
      How helpful is this?
      Co-authors: 13
      Updated: June 10, 2023
      Views: 596,540
      Categories: Ipad
      Article SummaryX

      Updating your iPad wirelessly is the easiest way to install the latest version of iPadOS. Keeping your iPad's software up to date ensures that you always have the latest features, security updates, and bug fixes. Before you start the update, back your iPad up to iCloud or to your computer just in case you run into trouble. Then, connect your iPad to a power source, such as a wall outlet or a computer. If you're not already connected to a wireless network, you'll need to do that, too—swipe down from the top-right corner of the home screen to open Control Center, and if the Wi-Fi icon isn't blue, tap it to connect, or tap-and-hold it to select a network. Next, open the Settings app, which is the gray gear icon on your home screen or in the App Library. Then, tap the "General" tab, and select "Software Update" in the right panel. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install" – if you don't see this option, you're already using the latest version of iPadOS. If an update *is* available, review the terms and tap "Install" to confirm. Or, if you'd rather schedule the update so it happens overnight, you can tap "Install Tonight" instead—just make sure you plug your iPad in before you go to bed, and that it's connected to Wi-Fi. After selecting an option, enter your passcode if prompted. If you're installing the update now, your iPad will reboot and begin to update. The update can take anywhere from several minutes to an hour or so. When the update is complete, your iPad will reboot again and bring you back to the home screen.

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 596,540 times.

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