Even though lots of folks are not keen on updating after the whole throttling fiasco, iOS 12 is, performance-wise at least, one great upgrade for all eligible devices. That’s why some users were surprised that the iOS 12 update won’t apply. They were unable to update to iOS 12 after multiple tries.
Don’t worry, we have a few solutions to this problem. Therefore, if you’re stuck with iOS 11 and care to get the latest iteration, make sure to check them out.
Solution 1 – Check the connection
Firstly, the list of the eligible devices for iOS 12 in the photo below.
Let’s start with the connection checkup. If you the wireless network you use is unstable, chances are that the contact with the dedicated server will fail. That’s why we suggest troubleshooting the network.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Reset your router and handset.
- Temporarily disconnect all other devices on the same network.
- Reset Network settings. Go to Settings > tap General > tap Reset, and reset network and internet settings.
On the other hand, if the connection isn’t the problem, we suggest moving to additional steps.
Solution 2 – Make sure you have enough storage space
Storage space, or lack of it to be on point, is another possible reason for the update fail. Albeit, the update process will put aside some temporary app files, it still needs 1GB or more storage space in order to download all necessary files.
For that reason, we suggest backing up everything you can on the iCloud (or any other online storage) or PC, and clearing the data from the local storage. That way, you’ll make enough space for the iOS 12 installation file.
After the installation ends and your handset boots, the installation file will be deleted so you’ll have your old storage space back.
Solution 3 – The downloaded update file isn’t complete
This might be another reason why you’re unable to update to iOS 12. Namely, if you’ve already started the update process and the file isn’t properly downloaded (not in its entirety or corrupted), and thus the installation won’t start. This means that you’re stuck in the dead end. A new installation file can’t be downloaded and the current one is of no use whatsoever.
That’s why you’ll need to delete it and restart the update procedure in order to get a new file. Once there, updating won’t be an issue anymore.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Tap Settings.
- Choose General.
- Select Storage.
- Locate iOS update and delete it.
- Get back to General and tap Software update.
- Check for updates again and install iOS 12.
Have in mind that the dedicated update server might be down temporarily. If an error pops-up, wait for some time and try again.
Solution 4 – Update your device with iTunes
If you’re still unable to get iOS 12 via the Over-the-Air update sequence, there’s an alternative. You can circumvent all previous steps by simply connecting your iPhone/iPad to a Mac/PC and use the iTunes client to apply updates.
You can use ethernet to speed up the download process, and you can even use your PC/Mac to backup all data from the handset. In addition, we suggest a clean install. Installing a major update on a clean slate device with factory values is always the best way to avoid possible issues.
Follow these instructions to update your iPhone/iPad to iOS 12 via iTunes:
- Install the latest version of the iTunes app on your PC.
- Connect your device to a PC.
- Start iTunes and choose Summary.
- Remember to backup your iPhone data.
- Skip restoring the backup and update to iOS 12.
- Select Restore iPhone.
- Move on to restoring process.
That’s a wrap. Thanks for reading and hopefully we helped you address the problem. If you have any alternative ways to sort this out or possibly a question or two, the comments section is just below.
